Short Wave Striving To Make Space Accessible For People With Disabilities
Dec 16, 2021
In this enlightening discussion, Amanda Morris, a New York Times disability reporting fellow, shares her insights on the importance of making space travel accessible for individuals with disabilities. She highlights a young deaf boy's dream of becoming an astronaut, emphasizing the need for inclusivity. The conversation touches on Astro Access, an organization advocating for inclusive space flight protocols. They also explore the innovative adaptations that assist individuals in navigating weightlessness and how advancements in space can inspire accessibility in everyday life.
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Apoorva's Space Dream
- Apoorva Varia, inspired by a rocket launch, dreamed of becoming an astronaut.
- Despite NASA's rejection due to his deafness, he pursued engineering, working for NASA and directing space missions.
Inclusive Spacecraft Design
- AstroAccess advocates for early inclusion of people with disabilities in spacecraft design.
- Retrofitting is more expensive, so they conduct research to inform the FAA's regulations.
Disability in Space Programs
- NASA has historically excluded people with disabilities from becoming astronauts, prioritizing the "right stuff."
- However, the European Space Agency has started accepting astronauts with certain physical disabilities.