Author: Jacqueline Monkiewicz
Affiliation: Arizona State University
Country: United States
Co-Author(s): Alicia Aarnio
Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Greenboro
Country: United States
Wanda Diaz-Merced
Nicholas Murphy
Affiliation: Center for Astrophysics
Country: United States
Karen Knierman
Affiliation: Arizona State University
Country: United States
Title: Addressing Barriers to Full Participation by Disabled Scientists in Professional Astronomy
The low fraction of disabled professional astronomers relative to the general population indicates that barriers to access and cultural stigma contribute to a working environment which is inhospitable to disabled participation. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides some relief for disabled scientists; unfortunately, accommodation provisions are highly variable from institution to institution, are less abundant at later career stages, and are largely driven by institutional fear of litigation. Access to these resources is further curtailed by cultural stigma and fear of discrimination, which discourages scientists from by seeking accommodation. This in turn leads to less productive output, job dissatisfaction, and to an eventual draining of talent. I summarize efforts by the American Astronomical SocietyÕs Working Group for Accessibility and Disability (WGAD) to 1.) create improved accessibility guidelines for astronomical institutions, publications, conferences, education, and facilities, 2.) raise awareness of the impact of disability in the astronomical community, and 3.) create accountability structures and incentives which will motivate institutions to proactively pursue the necessary investment and cultural changes to retain disabled scientists.
References:
[1]: Aarnio et al., 2019, ÒAstro2020 APC White Paper: Accessible Astronomy: Policies, Practices, and Strategies to Increase Participation of Astronomers with DisabilitiesÓ, https://arxiv.org/abs/1907.04943
[2]: Monkiewicz et al., 2016, ÒThe Working Group on Accessibility and Disability (WGAD)Ó, AAS Meeting #228, id.112.02, https://wgad.aas.org/
[3]: Gilbert et al., 2016, ÒAccessibility & Inclusivity in the Astronomical CommunityÓ, American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #228, id.112.03