There are several things that professional organizations can do to increase the participation of people with disabilities in their field. Suggestions include:
It is important for programs that serve to increase the participation of women, racial/ethnic minorities or other underrepresented groups in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to be welcoming and accessible to students with disabilities. After all, there are people with disabilities within any of these underrepresented groups.
Programs can do a number of simple things to make their activities inviting and accessible to individuals with disabilities, such as those described below.
My name is Daniel. As an undergraduate mechanical engineering student, I am required to take a design and manufacturing laboratory course. In this course, students work in teams to build devices using mills, lathes, and other manufacturing equipment. I have high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. At the beginning of the term, I spoke with the instructor about my disability and accommodations.
My name is Jack. I had surgery on my hand when there was about a month remaining in the semester. I was enrolled in courses that are required as part of my major in electrical and computer engineering.
My name is Michael. During spring quarter, I experienced a depressive episode. This episode negatively impacted my concentration, short-term memory, and stamina. My grades suffered as a result.
