The Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Advocate Michael Masutha, and Dr Wanda Diaz, a blind astronomer, will visit the Athlone School for the Blind in Cape Town tomorrow (Friday, 25 April 2014).
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's 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.
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.
Dr Diaz said losing her sight had been a challenge. However, with perseverance she had obtained her PhD.
"I would like to see people with disabilities realise the power they have in their other senses," she said. "This project shows the promise to do just that."
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.
Deputy Minister Masutha, an advocate, who is visually impaired himself, said: "South Africa is in a position, through Dr Diaz's work and the enabling policies in place with regard to people with disabilities, to lead the world in this development area."
Details of the event:
Date: 25 April 2014
Venue: Athlone School for the Blind, Athlone Street, Bellville-South
Time: 10h00
For media enquiries contact:
Veronica Mohapeloa
Cell: 082 882 3818
E-mail: veronica.mohapeloa@dst.gov.za
