Many STEM activities are not designed to meet the unique needs of those with disabilities.
As a result, people living with disabilities are often excluded.
Now Superstar of STEM and Monash Faculty of Information Technology (IT) academic, Dr Kirsten Ellis has developed an exciting new program called TapeBlocks to give everyone an opportunity to engage with science.
TapeBlocks is an activity in which people with diverse abilities can meaningfully interact in STEM.
It enables everyone to make circuits – including those with limited fine motor skills.
Using blocks, conductive tape and electronic components, including LEDs and vibration motors, the task becomes adaptable to different levels of experience and abilities.
As part of National Science Week (August 15-23), Dr Ellis will be giving people who have traditionally been excluded from technology engagement activities a chance to independently participate in her online TapeBlocks workshops.
“TapeBlocks are the only circuit making activity that can cater to a range of different ability levels. By design, they are able to be connected together with minimal motor skills,” Dr Ellis said.
“If blocks are placed on a flat surface, circuits can be created by pushing them together using only the back of a hand, there is no other electronic kit that is this easy to connect. The blocks also provide accessible feedback to blind users and there are no hidden elements.”
TapeBlocks enable people who are blind and visually impaired to make circuits using vibration and sound output so they can feel and hear when they are successful. Those with motor disabilities make the most of the chunky blocks by pushing them together without requiring fine motor skills.
TapeBlocks are discoverable to people with intellectual disabilities because they are error-tolerant and can be used with minimal instructions, providing instant feedback through the vibration and lights.
TapeBlocks challenge the way that circuits are traditionally made and therefore challenge those who are able to participate in and make these particular circuits.
Mike Flattley, CEO of the Royal Society of Victoria says TapeBlocks is a fun, elegantly simple initiative that builds skills and understanding.
“It speaks directly to our goals for Science Week in Victoria – we believe that science is for everyone.”
That means removing as many barriers as possible to participation – whether physical, cultural, economic or tyranny of distance, he says.
The 2020 workshops will be conducted virtually, with kits and training materials being sent to a wide range of local and regional disability support organisations.
To learn more or to register for the online TapeBlocks workshop, visit:
