Optics Education via Experiments for the Blind

In India, over 200,000 children face severe visual impairment or blindness, with 15,000 attending specialized schools for the blind. These students are often excluded from hands-on STEM education, relying on rote learning due to visually dominant curricula. Science experimentation remains inaccessible, leading to waning interest in STEM and high dropout rates among blind students. To address this challenge, we focus on optics as a subtopic in science and explore how tactile materials and auditory aids can make optics experiments inclusive for visually impaired (VI) students. We describe the development of a hands-on prototype, including a light detector that produces an audible signal upon detecting light. We tested the prototype with VI students interested in science in grades sixth to tenth at the Institute for the Blind, Chandigarh, documenting their practical engagement and challenges. Preliminary understanding about optics was gauged through a short quiz before doing the experiment. Video analysis and concept mapping will follow to further assess their understanding of optics concepts by doing. Traditional classroom performance and quizzes will serve as control studies. This research aims to bridge the optics education gap for blind students, promoting experiential learning. Preliminary findings will provide valuable insights into the prototype's effectiveness and its impact on blind students' optics knowledge acquisition. By emphasizing experiential learning, this work strives to unlock STEM's potential for blind students, enhancing their educational experience and future career prospects.