Author: Anna Voelker
Affiliation: The Ohio State University
Country: United States
Title: SciAccess: Promoting Disability Inclusion and Diversity in Astronomy Through Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations
Disability-based exclusion is a pervasive issue in the fields of astronomy and STEM as a whole. In the United States, nearly 20% of the population has a disability [1] and yet according to the National Science Foundation, people with disabilities make up only 8.4% of the country’s employed scientists and engineers [2]. Furthermore, approximately 1% of U.S. doctorate degrees in science and engineering are held by people with disabilities, despite the fact that nearly 1 in 5 people are members of this marginalized group [3]. This imbalance can be seen around the world as people with disabilities are left out of international science conversations and research opportunities. In addition to doing a disservice to marginalized audiences, this deficit deprives STEM of the incalculable potential and valuable perspectives that could be enriching these fields if stronger efforts were made to enhance diversity and inclusion.
This presentation will highlight the successes of SciAccess [4], an international science accessibility conference dedicated to promoting disability inclusion and diversity in STEM. SciAccess took place in the United States at The Ohio State University on June 28 and 29, 2019. This session will share the progress made in furthering accessibility in astronomy through international collaborations, cross-disciplinary connections, and ongoing outreach efforts. Learn about innovative projects, intersectional astronomy accessibility efforts, and the key takeaways that the SciAccess Conference has to offer. Discover the ways in which we can enhance inclusion in astronomy with the help of the exciting work being done in other STEM disciplines, and find out how you can play an important role in making this field (and this world) more accessible for all!
References:
[1]: US Census Bureau Public Information Office. “Nearly 1 in 5 People Have a Disability in the U.S., Census Bureau Reports.” Census.gov, United States Census Bureau, 25 July 2012. www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/miscellaneous/cb12-134.html.
[2]: “Accountability for Broadening Participation in STEM: CEOSE 2015-2016 Biennial Report to Congress.” NSF.gov, Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering, June 2017. www.nsf.gov/od/oia/activities/ceose/CEOSE%202015-2016%20Biennial%20Report%20(Final).pdf.
[3]: Sevo, Ruta. “Recommended Reading: Disabilities and Diversity in Science and Engineering.” In B. Bogue & E. Cady (Eds.). Apply Research to Practice (ARP) Resources, 2012. https://www.engr.psu.edu/awe/ARPAbstracts/Disabilities/ARP_DisabilitiesandDiversity_LiteratureReview.pdf.
[4]: SciAccess: The Science Accessibility Conference. The Ohio State University, June 28 and 29, 2019. https://www.sciaccess.org/