United NationsOffice for Outer Space Affairs

Space for Persons with Disabilities

 Removing barriers and advancing inclusive and equitable development in space

(Above) Image of the Eagle Nebula, also known as Messier 16 or M16. These towering tendrils of cosmic dust and gas are also named "Pillars of Creation" and are part of an active star-forming region within the nebula and hide newborn stars in their wispy columns. Image credit and copyright: Martin Pugh

News

-  Application for the Space for Persons with Disabilities Summer/Fall 2023 internship is now open. Apply  here   by 23 April 2023. 
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022. In line with this year's theme "Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world", UNOOSA  is raising awareness of sonification as a technological solution to remove barriers for equitable and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in space sciences. Find out more  here.
- The online event "Sonification: a tool for research, outreach and inclusion in space sciences" successsfully concluded on 17 November 2022. Read more about the event and access the video recordings here .
- Consultation for the sonification research project is on-going. If your are interested to participate, please write to oosa@un.org.
- Are you interested to volunteer for the Space for Persons with Disabilities project? Find out more about online volunteering opportunities  here or write to oosa@un.org. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Introduction

Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, psychosocial, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, art. 1). An estimated one billion people, or 15% of the world's population experience some form of disability. 80% of them are in developing countries. One-fifth of the estimated global total, or between 110 million and 190 million people, experience significant disabilities.

Disability is a global public health issue, human rights issue and development priority.

Persons with disabilities, on average as a group, are more likely to experience adverse socioeconomic outcomes such as lower education, poorer health, lower levels of employment, and higher poverty rates than persons without disabilities. According to a research by the International Labor Organization (ILO), economic losses related to the exclusion of persons with disabilities from the labour force ranges from between 3 and 7 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

These numbers may be surprising to many because disability may not always be physically apparent. Disabilities come in various forms and persons may have the disabilities at different points in their life (at birth, or acquired later in life, during education, or while in employment). The number of people with disabilities is expected to increase over the coming decades, due to population aging, longer life expectancy, and an increasing number of injuries resulting from natural disasters, among other factors. Many people will experience a disability at some stage in their lives.

Global population of persons with disabilities. Infographic from UN Disability-Inclusive Communications Guidelines (IASC Guidelines, 2019, Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action)

Due to discrimination, stigma, inadequate policies and programmes, lack of support and assistance, persons with disabilities are often prevented from joining the wider society in education or in employment. The challenges in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields are particularly acute. Many barriers to use or access knowledge and resources as effectively as persons without disabilities still exist and prevent the participation of persons with disabilities in research and activities necessary for advancement in the field.

At the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), we believe that space can contribute in many important ways to achieving disability inclusion and can have transformational effects for persons with disabilities. Building an inclusive society is everyone's responsibility. Only through collective efforts will we successfully build an inclusive and equitable community where we are able to make progress while leaving no one behind.

Our Initiative

Recognizing the rights of persons with disabilities in accordance with The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and aligning with the UN Disability Inclusion strategy, UNOOSA embeds the rights of persons with disabilities in its programmes and works towards mainstreaming disability in its activities.

The aim of the Space for Persons with Disabilities project is to promote inclusive and equitable development in the space sector by advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, raising awareness of the need for new access technologies, fostering cooperation towards disability mainstreaming, and engaging decision-makers to facilitate and assist initiatives targeting inclusivity in space.

In doing so, the project strives to contribute to achieving SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, in addition to SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Our Strategy

A integrated and systematic approach to disability inclusion in all areas of operations and programming, internally and externally, is required to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind. Building on the vision of achieving sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion in space, UNOOSA adopts a two-pronged approach to disability inclusion.

First, the Office mainstreams disability in its internal processes and broader work with consideration for disability-related perspectives.

Second, the Office develops disability-specific programmes through informed and meaningful involvement of persons with disabilities. The programme consists of two main areas of focus, the first is on innovative tools and technologies enabling accessibility, while the second is on inclusive practices with the aim to remove barriers and enhance the recruitment, retention and promotion of persons with disabilities in the space sector.

Through education and public outreach, capacity-building activities and partnerships with stakeholders, the Space for Persons with Disabilities project leads the Office's disability inclusion strategy.

Our Activities

Focus area 1: Innovative tools and technologies enabling accessibility

Online event "Sonification: a tool for research, outreach and inclusion" (17 November 2022)

The importance of science, technology and innovation will only grow in future. It is imperative to ensure that everyone is empowered to access space science and contribute to international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space. However, for persons who are blind and visually impaired (BVI), there are huge barriers to accessing the opportunities afforded by space science. One such barrier is the sector's reliance on data visualisation for research, outreach, and education. The power of spectacular images of space to inspire and spark curiosity is unquestionable, but by assuming that sight is the only way to explore space we exclude the BVI community, who have equal right to full participation in space sciences. By exploring different ways to interpret and communicate data, including through sonification, we open doorways to new discoveries and a more inclusive future.

This online event aims to explore sonification as a tool that has the potential to contribute to scientific research, outreach and disability inclusion. This event comprises of two segments. Segment one showcases a diverse range of sonification projects in space science while segment two is a panel discussion where we unpack the complexities surrounding the use of sonification in space science.

The panel discussion will bring together professional astronomers, and experts in sound perception, science communication and accessibility, to discuss the current state of sonification in space science, challenges in implementation, recommendations on how to facilitate the advancement and adoption of sonification in space science research and outreach, and what to expect in the coming years.

Find out more about the event here .

The video for segment 1 is available on UNOOSA's YouTube channel via this  link . 

The video recording of the panel discussion is available here. The transcript is available here.

"Pushing Frontiers: Human Spaceflight and Disability" webinar (31 March 2021)

On 31 March 2021, UNOOSA organized a "Pushing Frontiers: Human Spaceflight and Disability" webinar with support from the European Space Agency (ESA). Watch this multi-disciplinary webinar to learn about the ESA Parastronaut Feasibility Project and explore the challenges and opportunities in this emerging field through the lens of technology, engineering, physiology, psychology and team dynamics. Also, be inspired by Eddie Ndopu, a UN SDG advocate and aspiring astronaut.
Click on this   link to learn more about the webinar.
Click on this   link to watch the webinar.

Sonification: a tool for scientific research and inclusion (consultation in progress)

This is a special report focusing on a particular innovative technology in astronomical research - sonification. The research aims to explore ways in which sonification may contribute to astronomy, and to demonstrate contributions of sonification to scientific research and disability inclusion. The research also aims to identify key challenges that need to be addressed to realise the potential of sonification for disability inclusion in astronomy and suggest policy options for decision makers. To participate in the consultation process, please write to oosa@un.org. 

From Space to Earth: space spin-offs and innovations enabling accessibility on Earth (coming soon)

More information coming soon.

Parastronauts: re-defining accessibility in human spaceflight (coming soon)

More information coming soon.

Focus area 2: From employment to empowerment

UNOOSA inclusive internship

At UNOOSA, we believe that everyone has unique strengths and skills. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where persons with disabilities are empowered to share their perspectives and shine. We understand that diversity makes us better as an organisation and helps us become more effective as partners to our stakeholders in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

This internship under the Space for Persons with Disabilities project is a unique opportunity for individuals to build skills, expand their professional network and gain work experience under the supervision of dedicated UN staff members. This internship is open to all qualified applicants. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. While both persons with and without disabilities can benefit from internships, this targeted internship takes on additional significance due to the low employment rate of persons with disabilities.

Read more about the internship programme and support for applicants with disabilities throughout the application, interview and internship stages  here.

Disability inclusion in space (consultation in progress)

To encourage  disability inclusion and accessibility in space science education and profession, UNOOSA invites all stakeholders to share projects, programmes , practices, experiences, lessons learned, policies, and technologies that promote inclusive and accessible space science education and progression in both developing and developed countries.  The information will contribute to the development of a research report to take stock of disability inclusion in space globally and to provide insights on international good practices.To participate in the consultation process, please write to oosa@un.org.

Space +: pathways for all abilities (coming soon)

More information coming soon.

Space x Neuro-diversity: from employment to empowerment (coming soon)

More information coming soon.

Outreach

IAU Inspiring Stars exhibition

The Inspiring Stars exhibition is currently on display at the Vienna International Centre. The exhibition aims to broaden the horizons of children, parents, teachers and astronomers by showcasing assistive research tools and inclusive practices inspiring the love for science and the possibility of contributing to it in spite of apparent hurdles. It aims to elicit a chain reaction of committed engagement for an egalitarian participation of people with disabilities in the field of astronomy. Don't miss it!

Zero Project Conference

The Zero Project Conference is an annual gathering of innovators and key decision makers from all sectors who are working towards a world with zero barriers for persons with disabilities.The conference provides a unique opportunity to learn about new and proven solutions, foster partnerships, and support the international scaling of these solutions. 

2022: Watch the panel discussion "Reaching for the stars: accessibility in astronomy" here.

2023: Watch the fireside chat "Sonification: the use of non-speech audio to convey information in space sciences" (1:45:00)  here .

International Observance

Why do we mark International Days?

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the United Nations has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons (IDPD) was proclaimed in 1992 by  United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. IDPD is celebrated on the 3rd of December every year.

IDPD 2021

"Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world"

To raise awareness about how the space community is mainstreaming disability and explore the opportunities and challenges to shape an inclusive future, UNOOSA's Space for Persons with Disabilities project conducted a series of interviews showcasing space projects by and with persons with disabilities.

We spoke with Dr. Wanda Díaz-Merced, a blind astronomer from Puerto Rico, about how her disability became an asset in the sonification of astronomical data and discussed what more needs to be done to increase the participation of students with disabilities in STEM research. We also interviewed Dr. Mona Minkara and Anna Voelker who, respectively, participated and organized the first zero-gravity flight with twelve aspiring astronauts with disabilities as crew members.  Finally, we conversed with Dr. Beatriz Garcia and Dr. Marius Eide about the International Astronomical Union Astronomical Terms in Sign Language project and how the project is facilitating communication in astronomy by the deaf community.

Read our special series of interviews "Of Astronauts and Astronomy: Mainstreaming Disability in Space"   here .

IDPD 2022

"Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world" 
The space sciences rely heavily on data visualisation for research, outreach, and education. But the spectacular view of the night sky and radiant images taken by telescopes are not the only way to experience and inspire interest in our universe and the space sciences. Sonification, a practice of mapping data into non-verbal sound to interpret, analyse, and communicate the underlying data, has the potential to break down such barriers and open doorways to new discoveries and a more inclusive future. Learn more about sonification and IDPD 2022  here.

Related observances

How to get involved

Join as an intern

UNOOSA welcomes interns from all over the world to embark on a unique journey of growth and discovery in a multi-cultural and international environment at the UNOOSA office in Vienna, Austria. UNOOSA is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all students, including students with disabilities, to apply. The Space for Persons with Disabilities internship is a unique opportunity for students to build skills, expand their professional network and gain work experience under the supervision and mentorship of dedicated UN staff members.

Read more about the internship programme and support for applicants with disabilities throughout the application, interview and internship stages here.

To view more internships, please visit the  UN Careers website.

Join as an online volunteer

Join as an online UN volunteer to make a difference to society. Please visit the  UNV website for more information.

Become a donor

The Space for Persons with Disabilities project is funded entirely through the generous contributions from our stakeholders. Donor support is crucial to realizing the initiative going forward. If you're interested in supporting disability inclusion in space and accelerating sustainable socio-economic development, then please get in touch with us.

Become a partner

The Space for Persons with Disabilities project is continuously improving its education and outreach efforts and expanding its portfolio of activities. Do you have an interesting idea or project that would engage persons with disabilities? We hope to work with you. Please contact us.

UNOOSA has developed a comprehensive guidance for entities interested in a partnership. Please read this  webpage for more information.

Where can I begin?

Finally, no matter how you're currently involved in space, you can do your part to support disability inclusion by observing basic disability etiquette.

• As a basic principle, behave in the same courteous and respectful way with persons with disabilities that you would with anyone.
• Focus on the person, not the impairment or limitations. Appreciate and emphasize what the person can do. Do not make assumptions about what the person can or cannot do.
• Use people-first language. People-first language emphasizes the person, not the disability, by placing a reference to the person or group before the reference to the disability. For example, we can use expressions such as "children with albinism", "students with dyslexia", and "persons with disabilities". If in doubt, you should ask the person or group how they choose to identify. Click  here to read about the UN disability-inclusive language guidelines and here to read about the UN disability-inclusive communication guidelines.
• Do not ask about a person's impairment unless the person raises it.
• Do not be afraid to ask questions when you are unsure of what to do.
• Take the Harvard Disability Implicit Association Test (IAT) to gain greater awareness of your unconscious biases towards disabilities.
• Educate yourself about disabilities to reduce biases, such as by watching this Disability Sensitivity Training Video.

Resources

• UN Disability Inclusion Strategy: Tools and Resources

Glossary