Space for Everyone: Disability Inclusion with Dwayne Fernandes
Dwayne Fernandes from Astro Access explores how space environments can revitalize human ability, making the final frontier safer and more accessible for everyone. He discusses his experience on a parabolic flight that simulated lunar, Martian, and zero gravity, proving that disability is not a barrier to exploring the universe.
[00:00:11] Dwayne Fernandes describes himself as a kid who just wanted to go to space. Despite being a double amputee, he followed his passion through technology, HR management, and inclusive service delivery. His research into disability inclusion in space eventually led him to Astro Access, a non-profit dedicated to making spaceflight accessible to all.
The Parabolic Flight Experience
[00:03:13] In December 2022, Dwayne joined a cohort of ambassadors on a parabolic flight. By flying a plane in sharp arcs, pilots can create short bursts of simulated gravity: 20 seconds of Martian gravity, 40 seconds of lunar gravity, and several minutes of pure weightlessness (zero G).
[00:04:20] For Dwayne, zero G was transformative. “In a zero G environment, I’m not a person with a disability,” he explains. “I can move just as great as everybody else—some would say even better.” Without the constant pull of Earth’s gravity, mobility challenges are redefined, focusing instead on how to anchor oneself in space.
Experiments in Accessibility
[00:06:03] The flight wasn’t just for fun; the crew conducted critical experiments to improve space station design:
- Tactile Navigation: Testing braille signs so astronauts can find emergency exits or fire extinguishers in total darkness by touch alone.
- Anchoring Systems: Using specialized harnesses to hold people in place during technical tasks, proving that “you don’t need feet” to stay stable in space.
- Non-Auditory Communication: Demonstrating that deaf ambassadors could communicate via sign language more effectively than the hearing crew could shout over the loud engine noise.
Redefining Ability
[00:08:39] The team also tested safety regulations, such as the ability to get into a seat and buckle up in under 20 seconds. Ambassadors with varying physical and sensory disabilities proved they could comply with these rigorous rules, often navigating the cabin with incredible speed and ease.
[00:11:33] A world-first occurred during the mission when three amputees floated in zero G together. The data gathered suggests that spaceflight provides a “revitalization of abilities” for those with disabilities.
Advice for Students: Self-Belief
[00:12:12] Dwayne’s final message is clear: if we want to commercialize space, we need to send people with diverse abilities to make it safer for everyone. He encourages students to look past societal labels and believe in their own potential. Space is the next frontier for humanity, and it belongs to all of us.
