Project for Promoting Learning for the Visually Impaired
On August 31, 2023, the Institute of Marine Science at Burapha University organized an academic service event titled “Media to Promote Learning for the Visually and Visually Impaired” at the Marine Science Institute’s whale skeleton area. This event welcomed students and teachers from Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind, under the royal patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who graciously attended. The opening ceremony was presided over by Associate Professor Dr. Watcharin Kasaklak, President of Burapha University.
During the event, Dr. Banlang Nueangsaeng, the Director of the Institute of Marine Science, presented an overview of the activities and their objectives. He expressed gratitude for the creation of valuable activities catering to individuals with visual and visual impairments. Mr. Chid Suknu, the director of the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, also extended his appreciation for the event.
This initiative falls under the project “Equal Learning in Lifelong Learning Resources for the Visually Impaired,” led by Dr. Kwanruen Srinui, Head of the Marine Science Museum.
The project’s aim is to develop educational media to facilitate learning for visually and visually impaired individuals, granting them access to information and knowledge related to marine science. Participants can learn by tactile interaction with relief images of various marine animals, including horseshoe crabs, blue-spotted groupers, clownfish, jackfruit stingrays, and durian thorn puffer fish. Each sea animal is accompanied by a narration describing its characteristics, along with Braille explanations about the displayed zones.
However, individuals with visual impairments often face more limited learning opportunities than those with hearing impairments due to their vision limitations. The Institute of Marine Science recognizes the significance of this issue and aims to provide equal access to marine science knowledge for individuals with visual impairments and low vision. To achieve this, they have initiated the project ‘Equal Learning in Lifelong Learning Centers for the Visually Impaired.’ The project’s objectives include developing learning support materials that allow individuals with visual impairments and low vision to access information about marine science through tactile graphics, Braille, and audio media. These materials serve as foundational learning aids for visually impaired individuals, integrating multisensory knowledge perception through touch and auditory learning. This initiative aims to benefit visually impaired individuals in various aspects of marine science knowledge.
The Marine Science Institute is committed to ensuring equal access to learning for all, in line with the principles of Education for All. This involves integrating knowledge with aesthetics, making marine science accessible to individuals with visual and visual impairments through sensory and auditory means. This inclusive approach brings tangible benefits to those with visual and visual impairments by broadening their understanding of marine science in diverse ways.
Project Leader: Dr. Khwanruan Srinui, Institute of Marine Science, Burapha University