AccessSTEM

ALTS Logic Model

Context

  • Low rates of high school success/completion; college entrance; persistence/graduation; employment in science, technology, engineering, & mathematics (STEM) as well as other career positions for people with disabilities.
  • Students with disabilities capable of college studies and may/may not have interest in STEM. (see note 1)
  • Shortage of qualified workers in some STEM fields.
  • DO-IT expertise in research & practice with respect to increasing STEM participation of people with disabilities.

AccessSTEM Minigrant Projects

In the past, AccessSTEM received funds from the National Science Foundation (Research in Disabilities Education award # HRD-0227995) for educators to undertake projects that resulted in increased participation and success of students with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields. The titles below link to some of the successful projects funded through this effort.

Making Science Facilities Accessible

As increasing numbers of people with disabilities pursue educational opportunities that require computer use, the accessibility of science facilities becomes even more critical. To put it simply, science labs need to be accessible to all users. Students with disabilities need equal access to: (1) building/facilities, (2) lab staff, (3) physical space and printed materials, (4) computers and software, and (5) electronic resources.

AccessSTEM Minigrants

The funding for AccessSTEM minigrants has ended. However, we hope to offer more grants to help teachers make their science, technology, engineering and math curriculum, labs and activities accessible to all students, including those with disabilities.

For examples of accommodations for students with disabilities in STEM activities, see the following publications:

A Preliminary Report of the AccessSTEM/DO-IT Longitudinal Transition Study (ALTS)

by S. Burgstahler, University of Washington, and C. Chang, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Reporting data as of May, 2007. Some data updated March, 2008.

A longitudinal transition study sponsored by AccessSTEM/DO-IT explores college and career outcomes for students with disabilities participating in activities sponsored by DO-IT projects funded by the National Science Foundation and the state of Washington. Specific research questions are:

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