Insights beyond sight: Lessons from a blind astronaut

From cosmic boots to tactile ladders – a vision-impaired astronaut reveals how inclusive design paves the way for a better future.

Text by Angel Petrov

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Image: © I am 3D animator artist/istockphoto.com

Imagine a near future so diverse that the boundaries of possibility are redrawn for people of all abilities… and disabilities: A deaf sound engineer can craft immersive audio landscapes by interpreting vibrations and frequencies through tactile interfaces. A paraplegic firefighter can command a fleet of agile robotic responders, coordinating life-saving missions from a mobile command unit. A blind astronaut can navigate the stars using advanced haptic feedback and AI-guided systems, proving that vision is not a prerequisite for exploration.

These fictitious characters are pioneers in a society that values ability in all its forms, where technology and empathy converge to unlock every human’s full potential. To get here, they had to break down the barriers of rigid systems and outdated perceptions questioning their capabilities. Institutions built on narrow definitions of ability ...