Making science accessible for blind and low-vision people, and those with diverse needs

Abstract

The May-June 2024 issue of Immunology & Cell Biology contains an Immunology Futures Special Feature on Disability Inclusion in Science. Diverse groups do better in science, yet individuals with disabilities face barriers to accessing education and opportunities within scientific disciplines. The Monash Sensory Science program, led by Professor Jamie Rossjohn and legally blind artist in residence Dr Erica Tandori, has transformed the accessibility for those with blindness, low vision and diverse needs (BLVDN) to experience biomedical data visualization through the form of multisensory scientific communication. The Monash Sensory Science Exhibition, first hosted in 2018 with the support of Monash University and the Australian Research Council, utilizes tactile multisensory and multimodal artworks, interactive displays and multisensory science books for BLVDN participants. In this Special Feature, scientists and researchers involved in the 2023 Autoimmunity Monash Sensory Science Exhibition discuss the novel models and displays designed to improve the scientific understanding of complex autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease, psoriasis and type 1 diabetes. This Special Feature aims to inform the inclusive teaching of immunology and raise discussions of how to improve access to all within our scientific institutions.

Keywords: autoimmunity; blindness; diversity; immunology; low vision.