Learning Activity for the Visually Impaired through Flight Simulators
On July 5, 2024, the Nakhon Ratchasima School for the Blind Alumni Association, in collaboration with Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, organized a Learning Activity for the Visually Impaired through Flight Simulators. The objective of this activity was to provide visually impaired individuals with the opportunity to experience aviation operations and to enhance safety awareness by training in the effective use of life-saving equipment.
Fifteen visually impaired individuals participated in this activity, with two academic staff from the Faculty of Logistics, Asst. Prof. Dr. Matthaya Yuvamit and Instructor Pilot Tapsatit Gooncokkord are serving as volunteers. Their responsibilities included guiding the visually impaired participants into the cabin of a flight simulator, an aviation training device that simulates the actual movement of an airplane.
This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of reducing inequality (Goal 10), which aims to strengthen capacity and promote social, economic, and political inclusion for all, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic status, or other factors, by 2030 (Sub-Target 10.2). It also ensures equal opportunities and reduces inequality of outcomes by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and promoting the enactment of appropriate laws, policies, and practices (Sub-Goal 10.3).
This activity not only benefits the participants directly but also has a positive impact on society at large, creating long-term sustainable change in
several ways:
1. Skill Development and Self-Confidence: Visually impaired participants gain useful new experiences and skills, not only in aviation but also in developing self-confidence, which can be applied in daily life and future work.
2. Social Acceptance: This activity promotes understanding and social acceptance of the visually impaired, creating opportunities for their participation in activities alongside the general public, and promoting equal integration in society.
3. Professional Potential: By experiencing aviation and the use of life-saving equipment, visually impaired individuals build potential and knowledge that can aid in career development or open opportunities in aviation or technology-related fields.
4. Inspiration and Dreams: This activity inspires visually impaired individuals to dream big and set higher goals, demonstrating that physical limitations do not define their potential.
5. Organizational Cooperation: The collaboration between the Alumni Association of the Nakhon Ratchasima School for the Blind, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, and the Faculty of Logistics results in the exchange of knowledge and resources for the maximum benefit of the visually impaired.
6. Support for Sustainable Development Goals: This activity exemplifies the practical application of social goals, particularly in reducing inequality and creating equal opportunities, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Project Leader: Asst. Prof. Dr. Matthaya Yuvamit,
Faculty of Logistics