WGAD is Now the Committee for Accessibility Rights and Equity (CARE)

The AAS Working Group for Accessibility and Disability (WGAD) has officially been approved by the Board of Trustees to become the Committee for Accessibility Rights and Equity (CARE). CARE is responsible for promoting the inclusion of and equity of opportunity for disabled astronomers, planetary scientists, and students at all career stages. CARE works to identify, document, and eliminate barriers to full participation in astronomy; increase accessibility across the AAS and its activities; and promote recognition of accessibility as a human right. 

During the upcoming summer AAS in Pasadena, CARE will be joining the AAS Publication Committee's meeting to discuss accessibility issues surrounding journals and publications. CARE is also excited to team up with the Griffith Observatory for their public open house event on 20 June from 2:00 to 10:00 pm PT. CARE will be promoting accessible observing techniques during the event with demonstration tables of tactile prints, 3D models, large-screen telescope viewing, and sonification of astronomical data as a few examples. CARE will also be at the AAS booth at this summer's meeting, so please stop by and say hello!