Malaysia’s National Planetarium is extending its astronomy education programme to people with learning and hearing disabilities, as well as communities with limited access to science education. The expansion falls under Space InSight-X 2026, which builds on teaching materials first introduced for students with visual impairments. National Planetarium director Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor outlined the plans at an Inclusive Astronomy event in Kuala Lumpur on 7 November.

The expanded module will use digital audio materials and support from sign language interpreters. It is also intended to reach Orang Asli communities, rural residents, lower-income households, senior citizens and refugees. The original module, introduced in July 2025, was designed for students with special educational needs who have visual impairments.

The planetarium is planning an English-language version for potential distribution through the International Astronomical Union’s Working Group on Inclusive Outreach. Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation also plans to make astronomy teaching aids available through digital platforms and smartphone applications. The planetarium has recorded demonstrations in sign language and intends to share them through the Ministry of Education’s DELIMa and DELIMa Flix platforms.

About 200 people took part in the programme, which included walking and fitness activities and a discussion session. The event also included the presentation of the astronomy module for students with visual impairments to Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas Setapak. The handover puts the original materials into a specialist school as the planetarium prepares versions for a wider audience.