Workshop: Tackling research accessibility

Earlier this year, SKAO was invited to join the organisation of a joint ESA/ESO/IAU/SKAO workshop on space and astronomy research accessibility, bringing together the three intergovernmental organisations in the field together with the professional body for astronomers worldwide.

The workshop took place at the beginning of December, and SKAO was represented by members of its Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Working Group. Twenty four speakers (at least a third of whom have conditions that impact their accessibility needs) took part in the event from the USA, Europe, South Africa, Australia and Asia in what is thought to be the first meeting on accessibility, disability and neurodiversity for the space and astronomy professional community.

Discussions centred around the needs of researchers who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hearing-impaired, have a physical disability or are neurodiverse. Clear tips and recommendations were provided on how to organise more inclusive events and meetings - both virtual and inperson -, on the use of accessible research software, on inclusive behaviour and on accessible policy-making at an organisational level.

It is the hope of the organisers that these can be brought together into a joint document setting out recommendations for our own organisations and for the field, so keep an eye out for summaries of the discussions and good practice to be published in due time.

By Dr Shari Breen and Mathieu Isidro (SKAO EDI Working Group)