Dynamic New Benchmark for Inclusive Science Engagement

Dynamic Earth has announced a major milestone in its commitment to inclusion by introducing British Sign Language (BSL) into its world-class Planetarium.

The Edinburgh-based science centre will become one of the first in the UK to offer multiple Planetarium films with BSL interpretation from March 1.

This includes You Are Here and Don’t Panic, live shows developed by Dynamic Earth’s team of in‑house astronomers.

Supported by funding from the Birkdale Trust, the initiative will ensure that deaf audiences and BSL users can fully engage with the incredible stories of Earth and the wider universe.

Dynamic Earth will offer one dedicated BSL-interpreted show per day, with signage indicating that BSL can be provided on request for other sessions. 

All BSL interpretation recordings will be shared with Dynamic Earth’s partners in the British Association of Planetaria and Association of Science and Discovery Centres for their use.

The BSL-interpreted lineup includes:

· You Are Here

· Don’t Panic 

· Cap Com Go

· We Are Guardians

· We Are Stars

· We Are Aliens

The launch is part of a wider strategic push to remove barriers to discovery. In addition to the Planetarium upgrades, Dynamic Earth has been awarded a grant from the Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund to install a Changing Places Toilet (CPT) within the centre.

The new BSL and CPT provisions build upon Dynamic Earth’s comprehensive accessibility offering, which includes:

· Sensory Support: Updated social stories, sensory-friendly bags, and regularly scheduled relaxed opening days and quiet afternoons.

· Full Physical Access: A fully wheelchair-accessible venue with ramp access, lifts throughout the building, and easy access to the car park.

· Inclusive Communication: Captions on all exhibitions and Planetarium shows, with audio guides available in five languages.

· Community Engagement: The upcoming Deaf Science Day in March, supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry Outreach Fund.

“Offering inclusive science learning for all is at the heart of everything we do here,” said Helen Chomczuk, Dynamic Earth Director of Fundraising and Marketing.

“We believe science is for everyone, and by expanding our accessibility offer, we are creating a space where curiosity and discovery are truly accessible to all.”

Find out more about Dynamic Earth’s introduction of BSL interpreted films and shows at: https://dynamicearth.org.uk/news/dynamic-earth-introduces-british-sign-language-to-the-planetarium/