Empowering Students with Disabilities in STEM
The first ever gathering of TAPDINTO-STEM Mountain Hub students, faculty, and staff took place on November 7-9 at the NAU campus. It brought together five campus communities and approximately 30 student scientists with disabilities, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) faculty, university staff, and community disability advocates to discuss the rights of people with disabilities in STEM education and the STEM workforce. The event celebrated disability and neurodivergence, professional development, and scientific excellence.
Some highlights include:
- a welcoming reception at NAU’s Native American Cultural Center, during which Mountain Hub regional lead Dr. Jade Metzger acknowledged the vibrant indigenous culture that thrives in the Colorado Plateau;
- a visit to the Astrogeology Science Center in Flagstaff, in which student scientists toured the center with renowned geologists;
- opportunities for professional development, which focused on networking and professional skill development to empower students to land their first STEM job out of college; and
- presentations by engaging faculty, staff, and community members with disabilities.
The convening also prioritized accessibility and support by
- providing dedicated break rooms for relaxation and quiet reflection;
- using accessible shuttle transportation to and from the Astrogeology Science Center provided by NAU Shuttle Services;
- connecting students with mobility concerns to AzTAP to borrow electric scooters;
- teaching all presenters how to use closed captioning on PowerPoint;
- using one floor for all break out rooms and events in the Eastburn Education Building;
- providing increased time to move between events; and
- hosting networking opportunities for students.
By allocating more time and centering the needs of attendees with disabilities, everyone had an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and build a supportive community. For the members of the TAPDINTO-STEM community, this was more than a convening for TAPDINTO-STEM. It was a powerful statement about the future of STEM and their place in it.
The Alliance for Students with Disabilities for Inclusion, Networking, and Transition Opportunities (TAPDINTO-STEM) is a National Science Foundation Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Initiative. TAPDINTO-STEM students, faculty, and staff are dedicated to increasing the number of students with disabilities graduating with STEM degrees. Northern Arizona University is the lead institution of TAPDINTO-STEM’s Mountain Region Hub. Please contact Dr. Jade Metzger-Rifkin at jade.metzger@nau.edu for more information.