National Science Week events created by and for people with disabilities:
- Animating cartoons brings microbiology to people with autism – Kelmscott, WA
- Calling all Jedis – make your own lightsaber ACT
- Meet the legally blind artist making sensory science ‘books’ you can read with your eyes closed – Clayton, VIC
These are just a few of the events and activities happening across Australia during National Science Week (August 14 to 22).
Several on-line and in-person events have an Auslan interpreter or can arrange for one. Find Auslan-supported events here.
If you’re after more ideas for stories, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at www.scienceinpublic.com.au/science-week, and on Twitter at @SciWKMedia.
Scientists, performers, experts and event organisers are available for interview throughout National Science Week. Read on for contact details for each event, or call:
▪ Tanya Ha: tanya@scienceinpublic.com.au or 0404 083 863
▪ Niall Byrne: niall@scienceinpublic.com.au or 0417 131 977 or 03 9398 1416.
Individual event details and media contacts
Meet the legally blind artist making sensory science ‘books’ you can read with your eyes closed – Clayton, VIC
Dr Erica Tandori creates tactile displays and multi-sensory, multimodal artworks. She has vision loss due to an inherited eye disease, and is artist in residence at Monash University’s Rossjohn Laboratory.
‘My Goodness’ is an exhibition of 10 interactive multisensory science ‘books’ designed for low-vision, blind, hearing-impaired, and deaf audiences, using large print text, braille, tactile artworks, haptic and 3D audio, visual tracking and tactile sensor interaction technologies.
The Books explore the relationship between infection, immunity, food, and nutrition. They make science accessible to more people by using large print text, braille, tactile artworks, haptic and 3DAudio, visual tracking and tactile sensor interaction technologies.
Friday 20 August. Event details: www.scienceweek.net.au/event/monash-sensory-science/clayton/
Media enquiries: Wendy Smith, wendy.smith1@monash.edu or 03 9905 2050.
Erica Tandori is available for media interviews.
Animating cartoons brings microbiology to people with autism – Kelmscott, WA
People with autism can struggle to engage with science, technology, and art, but when they manage to it can empower them. MicroToons is an animated science cartoon designed to do just that. It is based on a short story of cells and nasty microbes, written by microbiologist and ‘My Mad Scientist Mummy’ children’s book author Rina Fu.
MicroToons is a joint effort between Dr Rina, disabilities service provider 4LifeSkills, and animation studio Red Bird Creative, harnessing their budding artist Dafa and budding animator Sam, who has autism. The animation will premiere at a launch event involving the 4LifeSkills network and the public, with science activity stations tailored to include people with disabilities.
Media enquiries: Rina Fu, rina@rinafu.com or 0403 139 745
Scientists and author Rina Fu and producer Aaron Welch are available for media interviews.
Calling all Jedis – make your own lightsaber – ACT
Grab a pool noodle, a handheld torch, some rubber bands, tape, cellophane and glue – to make your own lightsaber.
Science Alliance, a team of people with disabilities, is presenting science for people with disabilities. They’re working with ACT Down Syndrome.
Those with low hand-eye co-ordination, difficulty with fine motor skills or mild to moderate disabilities are guided through-out the demonstration.
All other Jedis are welcome. No Siths.
Thursday 26 August. Event details: www.scienceweek.net.au/event/force-able-j-e-d-i-s-with-disabilities/
Media enquiries: Vanessa de Kauwe, vanessa.dekauwe@anu.edu.au, 0416 040 511
Students with disabilities available for media interviews, according to their abilities.
About National Science Week
National Science Week is one of Australia’s largest festivals, first held in 1997.
Last year about 1.1 million people participated in more than 1200 events, despite a global pandemic.
It is proudly supported by the Australian Government; and partners CSIRO, the Australian Science Teachers Association and the ABC. More information: www.scienceweek.net.au.
National Science Week 2021 runs from 14 to 22 August. Media kit at www.scienceinpublic.com.au. Or visit the National Science Week website for more events and activities: www.scienceweek.net.au.