Blind pupils at the Athlone School for the Blind in Bellville-South, Cape Town, got a taste of star science when blind astronomer Wanda Diaz introduced them to her world.

Dr Diaz, from Puerto Rico, who lost her sight while studying physics at university, is in South Africa to work with the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office of Astronomy for Development to develop tools and techniques that will help level the playing field for people of different abilities when it comes to doing science.

She visited the school with the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Advocate Michael Masutha, who is partially sighted.

Dr Diaz is involved in radio astronomy, using telescopes that convert radio waves into sound.  Her previous work has shown that it is possible to detect information from audio signals that may be missed using only visual techniques.

She talked to learners about astronomy and the work she does.  Learners had the opportunity to engage with scale models of the moon.  Dr Diaz said that losing her sight had been a challenge, but she had persevered and obtained her PhD.  She told pupils not to allow their disability to stop them from achieving their dreams. 

"I would like to see people with disabilities realise the power they have in their other senses, and this project shows the promise to do just that," she said.

Dr Diaz told learners: "It was important for me to say to myself, Wanda, you can do it.  If you can't, you are disappointing yourself.  I had to develop ways to complete my studies."

The Deputy Minister, who was born partially sighted but went on to obtain two law degrees, echoed her sentiments.

"The visual sense is not the only sense you can use to become a scientist," said Advocate Masutha.  "The only thing that can limit your horizons is your imagination.  People like Dr Diaz are needed to inspire learners.  We are here to show you that no matter what barriers are placed before you, you can achieve."

The Director of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development, Kevin Govender, had this to say: "As a society, in our day-to-day lives, we often fail to recognise the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Wanda has opened our eyes to many possibilities for involving all sectors of society in scientific studies and research. We intend to support and develop her ideas so that they can be spread throughout the world."