Researched by: Kosta Pachneris
Space exploration is a dream shared by people of all abilities, but systemic barriers often exclude disabled individuals. Eric Shear, a University of Florida grad, is determined to change that. “Right now, NASA is not hiring deaf astronauts,” he explains in the YouTube video below, “But that could change with my involvement with AstroAccess.”
AstroAccess is an organization dedicated to promoting disability inclusion in space exploration. Eric is contributing to this mission by participating in zero-gravity parabolic flights, testing how disabled individuals can operate safely and effectively in weightless environments.
Efforts like Eric’s build on the work of AstroAccess and others to prove that space travel can—and should—be inclusive. Learn more about this movement in the AstroAccess article and join the conversation about what an accessible future for space exploration could look like.
What barriers would you like to see broken in the pursuit of inclusive space exploration? Let us know!
About the Researcher:
Kosta is a team member at Youth Culture Inc. and the NGen Youth advisory team. With Youth Culture Inc, he has worked on many initiatives and is interested in music, podcasts, sports, and advocating for accessibility.
