Perth Observatory has a commitment to make astronomy accessible to all members of the community.
In partnership with the Perth Observatory Volunteer Group and LotteryWest, specially designed equipment was acquired in order to integrate the disabled into star viewing activities. This consisted of a telescope and mount that can be adjusted to the height of the observer, including people sitting in wheelchairs. As well, specialised video cameras with large format displays enable people with vision impairment to more easily view celestial objects.
The significance of these facilities were recognised in 2004 when the Observatory won the 'Progress towards Accessible Communities by a small State Government Agency Award'.
Copy of the Award certificate. (jpg 46kB)
Another facility for the disabled is this website, and the dedicated sky camera. This provides a current view of the sky overhead in Perth, and is trained on objects of interest as they occur.
Furthermore, most of the Observatory buildings are accessible to wheelchair people, though some of the older, multi-level telescope buildings are not.
Here's a testimonial from ACROD concerning our facilities for the disabled.
337 Walnut Rd,