A Journey to the Solar Eclipse

On April 8, I embarked on a remarkable 17-hour journey to witness the breathtaking spectacle of a total solar eclipse, accompanied by 11 neurodivergent students, two dedicated chaperones (including myself), and a staff member from our college with his family. Our adventure took us through the traffic-clogged roads of Vermont, where we navigated bumper-to-bumper cars for a seemingly endless stretch before finally arriving in Newport, Vermont.

As an assistant professor at Landmark College in Putney, Vermont, I am committed to empowering neurodivergent students—those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and various executive function challenges. With the rare opportunity to experience this celestial event, I was determined to ensure my students felt included and engaged while also participating in meaningful science outreach.

Creating a Safe Haven: The Sunflower Area

Anticipating the influx of visitors drawn to this awe-inspiring event, I teamed up with the town of Newport to craft an experience tailored specifically for neurodivergent individuals. Together with my co-chaperone, Rebecca Matte, we established a "sunflower area," a designated low-sensory environment aimed at minimizing overwhelming sensory stimuli. This initiative was inspired by the Hidden Disability Sunflower project, a fantastic movement advocating for inclusivity.

Through a few emails and phone calls, the organizers in Newport kindly reserved a pavilion for our group, allowing us to create a peaceful refuge amidst the excitement. We encouraged families to be mindful of the area, particularly those with loud pets or energetic companions, and everyone cooperated beautifully.

Our students donned sunflower pins to signify their roles as volunteers, helping others understand the purpose of the sunflower area. Although we could have enhanced our signage, the space proved to be a sanctuary, offering my students an opportunity to experience the eclipse in an atmosphere that was not just manageable, but also tranquil. It was heartening to witness them embrace the experience, fostering a sense of ownership.

Engaging with the Public: Science Outreach in Action

To enrich our outing, we brought along lithographs depicting past solar eclipses, using them as interactive conversation starters. My students invited children to participate in a game that involved placing the images in chronological order, effectively engaging young minds and educating them about the history and science of eclipses. The game was designed to be inclusive, allowing participation from children who were blind or had low vision.

The teamwork displayed by my students was nothing short of inspiring. They divided roles based on their strengths, with some sparking conversations, others guiding the game, and a few sharing intriguing facts about eclipses and their scientific significance.

The Power of Inclusive Science Communication

The innovative low-sensory space we created turned out to be a small yet impactful enhancement, promoting inclusivity for all participants. Days like these underscore the importance of accessible science communication and highlight the value of fostering environments where everyone can flourish. The success of our initiative not only made the event memorable for my students but also served as a powerful reminder of how vital it is to make scientific experiences available to everyone, regardless of their backgrounds.

With similar initiatives, we can create a future where everyone can experience the wonders of the universe—because science is for all!