Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) continues to strengthen inclusivity in science education through the Special Science Day (SSD) programme aimed at increasing the participation of persons with disabilities (PwD) in science, technology and innovation (STI). Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Li Kang emphasized the programme's focus on fostering an inclusive environment for PwDs in the STEM fields.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme, organized by the National Science Centre for the past decade, has seen growing participation from students and the PwD community through collaboration with the Ministry of Education and state education departments. The initiative is centered around innovative teaching materials, which have become a major focus to cater to the diverse needs of the PwD community.
Minister Chang highlighted that there has been a shift from traditional methods such as Braille translation to more modern approaches like three-dimensional (3D) learning products. These products allow students to interact with and understand diagrams physically, as demonstrated at the National Planetarium. Furthermore, local innovators are encouraged to present PwD-friendly ideas and prototypes in various competitions, including National Science Week, Techlympics, and Innowathon.
The theme for this year's programme, 'Inspirasi Impian Spektrum', emphasizes play-based learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through sensory experiences involving sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing. This approach aligns with the creativity and compassion principles under the MADANI Malaysia concept and reinforces the National Science Centre's role in making STI knowledge accessible to all segments of society.
The programme targets individuals with hearing, visual, speech, physical, learning, and mental disabilities, among others. Over the two-day event, participants will engage in interactive activities such as science and technology exploration, live science demonstrations, sensory game workshops, special performances, and practical creative activities tailored to the needs of the target groups.
Among the featured activities are the optical booth, cerebrum booth, natural aroma black box, stacking cups, cheerful Mimo, giant soap bubbles, aqua heroes, budding scientists, and science and technology exploration sessions.