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About Noreen Grice |
In 1984, a group of blind students opened my eyes to the need for accessibility in science education. The planetarium show I presented, and they attended, was not accessible because the images were projected on the ceiling overhead. They told me the show "stunk" and it got me thinking -- why can't astronomy be accessible for everyone?
"Over thirty years later, I am president of You Can Do Astronomy LLC and
author of six published accessible astronomy books. One book is in large
print and ebook format and the other five books have text in print and
Braille and pictures that are touchable. These books are in the hands of
blind and visually impaired readers who use their fingers and mind's-eye
to "see" celestial objects and the distant universe, many for the first
time."
I believe that people who read visually or by touch can learn together if science education is accessible. I am committed to creating new universally designed books, products and methods to change the way people learn!
EDUCATION
B.A. in Astronomy, Boston University
M.S. in Astronomy, San Diego State University
M.B.A. Central Connecticut State University (AACSB Accredited)
Professional Certificate in Museum Studies, Tufts University
Professional Certificate in Non-Profit Management, Boston Center for Adult Education
Professional Certificate in Assistive Technology, California State University, Northridge
Literary Braille Course, Perkins School for the Blind
Tactile Graphics Training, National Braille Association
Education of the Exceptional Learner, Central Connecticut State University
PIONEER
In making the planetarium environment welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities.
Work highlighted in Sky & Telescope Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, UK Museum text, Insight: A Guide to Design with Low Vision in Mind (Evamy/Roberts)
PROFESSIONAL
Over 30 years Experience:
* creating accessible astronomy materials for the visually impaired
* presenting accessible astronomy programming
* presenting planetarium programs and teaching in museum environment
Over 10 years Experience:
* teaching undergraduate astronomy courses
AWARDS
TACTILE GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Here,There and Everywhere (2014), Chandra X-ray Center
From Earth to the Solar System (2011), Chandra X-ray Center
Tactile Carina Nebula panel (2010), Space Telescope Science Institute
Selections from Museum Collections, New Britain Museum of American Art
(2009), New Britain, CT
Touch the Earth: A Multimedia book about the Earth's Biomes (2009), NASA
Solar System Radio Explorer Kiosk Exhibit, (2007), NASA
MEMBER OF
American Astronomical Society
Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association
International Astronomical Union
International Planetarium Society
Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society
National Association of Science Writers
New England Science Writers
National Federation of the Blind
Noreen Grice is a member of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committees of the International Astronomical Union and the International Planetarium Society.
She serves on the Board of the
National Federation of the Blind Central Connecticut chapter.
Book Noreen Grice to speak at your organization