Snapshots 2016: A Yearbook for DO-IT Participants

Welcome to DO‑IT Snapshots 2016!

The DO-IT Center has hosted Summer Study sessions for students with disabilities on the campus of the University of Washington (UW) since our first session in 1993. When measured by the achievements of our participants and their interest in staying connected with each other and newcomers, the success of the community we have established is clear.

This publication facilitates communication among DO‑IT Scholars, Pals, and Mentors. DO‑IT Scholars are high school students with disabilities who are preparing for college and careers. They have interests in challenging fields that include science, mathematics, engineering, technology, and business. They attend our Summer Study program at UW in Seattle, participate in internships and leadership activities, and take part in an e-community year-round. Additional high school students with disabilities, the DO‑IT Pals, join this e-community. When Scholars move on to college, they become DO‑IT Ambassadors, sharing their experiences with the younger Pals and Scholars. This e-community is also supported by DO‑IT Mentors, most of whom have disabilities themselves and are pursuing challenging postsecondary studies and careers.

Primary funding for DO‑IT is provided by the National Science Foundation, the state of Washington, and the U.S. Department of Education. These and other investors, listed in the DO‑IT Funding section on pages 102-103 of this publication, sponsor the many activities that DO‑IT undertakes. We appreciate their generous support. Those who wish to help fund continued efforts can submit their donation with the Support DO‑IT: How Can You DO-IT? form on page 104.

DO‑IT has received many awards, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. We also received the National Information Infrastructure Award, the Golden Apple Award, the Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) Exceptional Program Award, the Trace Research and Development Center’s Catalyst Award, the University of Washington College of Engineering Team Innovator Award, the Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities (COSD) Robert S. Greenberg Innovation Award, and the AHEAD Professional Recognition Award. These awards document the achievements of the DO‑IT participants. Together, these young people are changing the world, making it a more welcoming and accessible place for all of us.

Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D.
Founder and Director, DO‑IT and Accessible Technology Services, UW-IT
Affiliate Professor, College of Education
University of Washington