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Annual Report 1992-1993
DO-IT
Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, & Technology
Director: Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph. D.
University of Washington
Message from the Director
The United States needs citizens trained in science, engineering, and
mathematics, including individuals from traditionally underrepresented
groups such as women, racial minorities, and individuals with
disabilities. The National Science Foundation funded a
University of Washington project to
recruit and retain students with disabilities into science, engineering,
and mathematics academic programs and careers. This project began on
October 1, 1992, and DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking
and Technology) was selected as the working title. The long-term outcome
of DO-IT and similar projects is to increase the number of individuals
with disabilities in these professions.
The first year of DO-IT brought the typical challenges of a new program -
hiring staff, finalizing timelines and selecting participants. The
efforts of all involved, however, culminated in a stimulating and
fun-filled summer study for eighteen DO-IT Scholars. Some of the
pictures in this annual report capture the richness of the program
activities.
We look forward to another year of DO-IT activities that will increase
the opportunities for people with disabilities and increase the awareness
of others about their academic and career potential and accommodation needs.
Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D.,
Director, DO-IT
College of Engineering/Computing and Communications
University of Washington
Problem
Individuals with disabilities are underrepresented in engineering,
mathematics, and science academic programs and careers. Few enter these
fields and those who do experience high dropout rates.
Causes of this problem include:
- Individuals with disabilities lack regular access to role models
who are disabled and successful in educational programs and/or careers in
engineering, mathematics, and science. Potential role models are often
separated by great distances, leaving individuals with disabilities
isolated from those who have faced and/or are facing similar challenges
in school and work.
- High school and college students with disabilities, counselors,
social service agency staff, and special education teachers often lack an
understanding of the content and requirements of science, engineering,
and mathematics programs in higher education; they do not encourage
disabled students to prepare for these fields; and are unfamiliar with
the resources available to assist students with disabilities.
- There are inadequate resources and coordination of services
provided for disabled students on post-secondary campuses.
- Lab facilities and computers are often not accessible to students
with disabilities.
- Faculty lack information about the rights, needs, and potential
contributions of students with disabilities and often have negative
attitudes about including them in their academic programs.
DO-IT Goals & Objectives
The goals of DO-IT are:
- To recruit students with disabilities into science, engineering,
and mathematics programs and careers, with a special focus on recruiting
to the University of Washington.
- To retain students with disabilities in science, engineering, and
mathematics programs and careers, with a special focus on the University
of Washington.
- To act as a catalyst and resource for other institutions of
higher education in their efforts to recruit and retain students with
disabilities in science, engineering, and mathematics.
DO-IT has developed the following objectives for reaching these goals:
- To help students with disabilities learn how they can use
computers, electronic communications, and Internet resources to increase
their independence and productivity while pursuing academic programs and
careers in science, engineering, and mathematics; to promote the use of
technology as an accommodation for individuals with disabilities in these
fields.
- To encourage high school students with disabilities to take
mathematics and science classes in high school and college, moving toward
careers in science, engineering, and mathematics.
- To facilitate communication between high school students with
disabilities and role models/mentors who are accomplished students and
professionals with disabilities in science, engineering, and mathematics,
and other fields.
- To empower individuals with disabilities by providing them with
opportunities to apply their skills in efforts to recruit and retain
individuals with disabilities into science, engineering, and mathematics
academic programs and careers.
- To promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in science,
engineering, and mathematics academic programs and careers, and the
creation of positive learning, working, and social environments by
improving access to labs, programs, special services, and adaptive
technology and improving attitudes towards individuals with
disabilities.
To meet these objectives, the following programs and activities were
established in the first year of the project. They are described in the
following sections of this report.
The DO-IT Scholars Program
The DO-IT Scholars Program helps high school students with disabilities
prepare for academic study and careers in science, engineering and
mathematics. DO-IT Scholars increase their knowledge in these fields;
gain prerequisite experiences to enter these fields of study and
employment; are encouraged and supported by successful students and
professionals with disabilities; learn to use technology to become more
independent and productive; and are given transitional college
experiences. The DO-IT Scholars Program consists of three phases.
Admission to Phases II and III is based upon successful completion of
previous phases and a desire to continue participation as a DO-IT
Scholar.
The DO-IT Advisory Board selected the 1993 participants based on their
interests and aptitudes in science, engineering, and mathematics; their
motivation to participate in the program; and the benefit of the program
relative to other applicants. The Board selected a diverse group of 13
sophomores 5 juniors from Oregon and Washington states with the following
characteristics:
Schools: 17 public high school, 1 school for the blind; 3 rural, 8
suburban/small town, 7 city
Gender: 6 female, 12 male
Ethnicity: 14 Caucasian, 1 Native American Indian, 1 Vietnamese, 1
Pakistani, 1 Hispanic
Disabilities (note: some participants have multiple disabilities)
Blindness: 4
Attention Deficit Disorder: 1
Low Vision: 2
Specific Learning Disability: 3
Mobility/Orthopedic Impairment: 8
Speech Impairment: 2
Hearing Impairment: 2
Brain Injury: 1
Internetworking
As applicants were accepted into the program in winter and spring of
1993, appropriate computer and adaptive technologies were selected and
set up in their homes. Local Internet connections were made through
partner post-secondary schools, K-12 consortiums, and other
organizations. Students and their families received in-home training on
the use of the technology, electronic mail, and Internet resources. In
addition, DO-IT staff regularly sent electronic mail to the participants
that included specially created lessons on electronic mail and the
Internet, and other useful information about DO-IT, science, engineering,
and mathematics. DO-IT Scholars used computers to enrich their
educations and explore career opportunities. They accessed information
and communicated with Mentors on the Internet.
Mentoring
A group of volunteer DO-IT Mentors was recruited. Mentors are college
students, faculty, and practicing engineers and scientists, most with
disabilities themselves. Most efforts to recruit Mentors involved
pursuing recommendations from the DO-IT Advisory Board, staff, and
working groups; corporations; and the American Association for the
Advancement of Science. Through electronic communications, personal
meetings, and joint projects using the Internet, DO-IT Scholars were
brought together with DO-IT Mentors to facilitate academic, career, and
personal achievements.
DO-IT Mentors study and/or work in a variety of fields including computer
programming, communications engineering, disabled student support,
chemistry, research engineering, pre-college education, post-secondary
education, statistics, engineering, computer science, computer
consulting, adaptive technology, and biology. DO-IT staff and summer
faculty are also available as Mentors. All Mentors have access to the
Internet network through the University of Washington or other host
institutions. In addition to mentoring Scholars, they contribute
regularly to DO-IT project ideas and implementation.
Summer Study
Each DO-IT Scholar studied science, engineering, and mathematics by
participating in lectures and labs and using computer applications and
educational software, electronic mail, and resources on the Internet
network during a two-week, live-in summer program held on the Seattle
campus of the University of Washington in August of 1993. Subjects
studied included: oceanography; heart surgery; chemistry; virtual
reality; adaptive technology; geophysics; material sciences, civil,
mechanical and electrical engineering; mathematics; software
applications; biology; physics; astronomy; and climatology.
Accommodations were made in each activity to ensure that all participants
remained as active and as independent as possible. Materials, meals, and
housing were provided for participants and personal care attendants. The
most common complaint about the program was that it was not long enough.
Participant responses included:
"I have become even more interested in the medical and science
fields. I also found out some other things to fall back on if the medical
field doesn't work out."
"Before the summer program, I was set in my ways. I was going to be a
pediatric physical therapist. Now, I've widened my options."
"I found that I can do a lot more careers."
"I made friends here."
Throughout the year DO-IT Scholars were invited to participate in other
special events including those described in the "DO-IT Events" section of
this report as well as programs open only to the Scholars, such as the
Washington State Science Colloquium. One Scholar participated on a
National Academy of Sciences panel in Washington, D. C., in May of 1993.
After the 1993 Summer Study, fifteen students continued with Phase II of
the DO-IT Scholars Program. In Phase II, DO-IT Scholars continue
electronic communications with each other and Mentors and return in 1994,
to the UW campus, for a one-week summer program. They agree to apply
their skills and knowledge to independent science projects, including
organizing a tour of Battelle Pacific Laboratories, designing a computer
based CHAT system, working on virtual reality projects, evaluating
software, working on the DO-IT NEWS newsletter, working as a staff
assistant in the 1994 Phase I summer study program, and contributing to
an electronic information service. Phase II participants will also act
as Mentors to incoming DO-IT Scholars. Those who continue to Phase III
will be given opportunities to be individual contributors to the DO-IT
program through activities agreed to by each Scholar and DO-IT staff.
Options include specific mentoring responsibilities, collecting
scientific resources, administrating systems, editing the newsletter,
working in the summer programs, and other DO-IT sponsored events.
Disability Awareness Presentations and Materials for Faculty
DO-IT staff delivered seven disability awareness presentations to a
total of 140 UW faculty and staff members during the first year of
Project DO-IT. The purposes of the presentations are to increase the
awareness of the potentials of students with disabilities; improve
attitudes towards disabled students; and provide creative and practical
approaches for ensuring access to educational opportunities. Attendees
were shown slides and given an informational brochure which lists legal
requirements for accommodating students with disabilities, examples of
accommodations, specific suggestions for faculty, and campus resources.
Work began on a 10-minute videotape, funded by a grant and in-kind
contributions from U.S. West Communications, to be included in the
disability awareness presentations in 1994. The videotape, Working
Together: Faculty and Students with Disabilities, introduces the
viewer to faculty and post-secondary students with disabilities
demonstrating successful techniques (using computers, adaptive
technology, networks, and other accommodations) that allow the students
to participate more productively and independently in science,
engineering, and mathematics academic programs and careers. The material
in this videotape is presented in such a way that it can be used by other
campuses in disability awareness presentations. NEC Foundation of
America committed funds to distribute the disability awareness workshop
materials, including the videotape, to other colleges of engineering
throughout the United States.
Adaptive Technology Seminar
A special hands-on workshop for individuals with visual impairments and
tours of the UW Adaptive Technology Lab were offered on a regular basis
during the first year of project DO-IT. In addition, a half-day workshop
was created for students, faculty, and staff in science, engineering, and
mathematics who wish to learn more about adaptive technology. Emphasis
is on adaptive technology that can be used by students with disabilities
to access computers, network resources, and scientific equipment.
Hands-on experiences; ideas for making lectures, laboratories, and
resources more accessible; and useful handouts were designed. The first
offering is scheduled for January, 1994.
Electronic Resources
An electronic list has been created and is used to distribute DO-IT
newsletters and other publications. Discussion lists for Mentors and
Scholars have also been created to facilitate communication and group
discussion. General information about DO-IT and DO-IT newsletters, were
distributed to targeted distribution and discussion lists reaching an
estimated 10,000 individuals. Electronic resources, including the
University of Washington Information Navigator (UWIN),
the DO-IT gopher,
and distribution lists will continue to be used to disseminate
information to other groups, including those interested in using DO-IT
ideas and materials at their locations.
Access to Computer, Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Labs and
Programs
DO-IT staff have produced quarterly reports on the enrollment, retention,
and graduation demographics of students with disabilities in science,
engineering, and mathematics at the University of Washington. In
addition, students with disabilities who were enrolled in spring quarter,
1993, were mailed a survey. This input as well as a review of informal
input to the office of Disabled Student Services and from DO-IT Mentors
documents physical, programmatic, electronic, and attitudinal barriers
that have been experienced by students with disabilities.
DO-IT staff have begun the process of reviewing computer, science, and
engineering labs regarding access issues. Specific problems with labs
are being recorded and updated. DO-IT staff are developing checklists
that will help lab operators make their facilities more accessible. The
checklists will include suggestions related to specific equipment,
facility, documentation, computer, and network access. Project staff
will meet with lab staff to review the guidelines and help suggest and
implement improvements.
Year 1 DO-IT activities have increased the awareness of the Adaptive
Technology Lab on the University of Washington campus, thereby increasing
its impact on the success of students with disabilities. Adaptive
technology purchased for the DO-IT summer program is made available to
campus users during the school year, thereby enhancing the existing
facility.
Outreach Publications
Through printed publications, the DO-IT program communicates program
information to a diverse and salient audience. Methods and materials
developed by DO-IT are shared with others to be used as examples for
those who wish to develop similar programs and materials. Dissemination
activities thus far have included the distribution of the following
printed materials:
- More than 1000 application packets of information in a variety of
forms, including Braille and large print;
- More than 80 press releases;
- Three DO-IT NEWS newsletters distributed to a mailing list of
approximately 1500; and
- Brochures and newsletters mailed to all 400 College of Engineering
faculty.
DO-IT press releases were printed in several publications. Articles
about DO-IT activities appeared in newspapers and magazines including The
Seattle Times, Time magazine, Tri-Cities Herald, The Morning News
Tribune, The Seattle Post Intelligencer, and The Journal American.
Conferences and Presentations
During the first year, presentations about DO-IT and related topics to
on-campus and off-campus groups included UW Arts and Sciences Department
Chairs, UW Engineering Faculty, The Learning Disabilities Association,
Microsoft, Washington Association for Vocational Education, UW Computer
Fair, Northwest Council for Computers in Education (NCCE), EDUCOM,
Closing the Gap, Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD),
Society for Disability Studies, American Society for Engineering
Education (ASEE), Washington Technical Alliance Conference (WTA),
Information Technologies on the Frontiers of Learning Conference, and
disability awareness workshops for UW faculty. In all, approximately
fifteen presentations were given to a total of approximately 600 people.
DO-IT Events
DO-IT Scholars and other K-12 and college students with disabilities
along with their families, teachers, counselors, and service providers
were invited to participate in a variety of special events. These
included the UW Computer Fair booth, presentation and reception in March;
the Stephen Hawking lecture and private meeting in July; a presentation
by Canine Companions in August; and the UW Health Sciences Open House in
April. Individuals were informed of events through the DO-IT newsletter,
other publications, and Internet discussion lists. It is estimated that
more than 1000 individuals with disabilities and their associates took
advantage of these offerings. A sample of comments regarding the UW
Computer Fair are typical of participant reactions to DO-IT events:
"It was fun to see a blind UW Adaptive Technology Lab assistant
showing
(two DO-IT Scholars who are also blind) how to use voice output on an IBM
compatible."
One participant's grandparents were there...they thought DO-IT was a
great opportunity for their granddaughter...they were also VERY PROUD of her!
"The DO-IT booth was packed...people loved the DO-IT buttons."
A note was sent by one Scholar's mother: "Sheryl, it was nice to meet
you and your staff! We really enjoyed the fair and the DO-IT
presentation. It was so well done and very informative. We look forward
to all the steps ahead of us in learning and being involved with DO-IT.
Thank you."
Some participants made great efforts to come to DO-IT events. For
example, one DO-IT Scholar made a four-hour trip across the state in a
van in order to attend the private meeting with and lecture by Dr.
Stephen Hawking. He was given a pass from the hospital in order to
attend. Wearing a halo and brace at the time to immobilize his back and
neck following a surgery on his spine, he was positioned on a cart and
had to remain in a horizontal position at all times. Although the trip
was uncomfortable, he summarized by saying "It was worth the pain!"
Funding
Primary funding ($500,000 for year 1) for the DO-IT project is provided
by the National Science Foundation. The University of Washington also
contributes substantial resources. Additional contributors include NEC
Foundation of America ($40,000) and US West Communications ($15,000 plus
gifts-in-kind). DO-IT partners who have contributed gifts-in-kind and
support include Advanced Networking and Services; Apple; Battelle Pacific
Laboratories; Clark College; Communications Technology Center; The
Evergreen State College; Grand Coulee Dam School District; Institute for
Science, Engineering and Public Policy; Kiwanis; Microsoft; NEC
Foundation of America; Northwest Net; Pacific Science Center; Portland
State University; Skagit Valley Community College; Southern Oregon State
College; U.S. West Communications; University of Puget Sound; Washington
Library Network; Washington North Central Educational Service District;
and Washington School Information Processing Cooperative.
Staff
The Principal Investigator of DO-IT is Dr. Ray Bowen, Dean of the
College of Engineering. The Director is Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler, an
Assistant Director of Computing & Communications. The volunteer DO-IT
Advisory Board includes:
Dr. Gene Ball, Microsoft Corporation
Karl Booksh, Chemistry graduate student
Dr. Fred Campbell, UW Dean of Undergraduate Education & Vice Provost
Tim Collins, Boeing
Dr. Norris Haring, UW Professor of Special Education
Dr. Jodie Haselkorn, Professor, UW Rehabilitation Medicine
Jack Methven, US West
Ruby Ryles, parent of student with disability
Virginia Stern, Director of Project on Science, Technology & Disability,
AAAS
Jerry Van Noy, Manager, Transition Services, Washington State DVR
Rich Walsh, Director, Resource Center for the Handicapped
Robert Wright, Instructional Support Specialist, Seattle Public Schools
Dr. Ray Bowen and Sheryl Burgstahler serve as ex-officio members.
- Year 1 DO-IT Support Staff includes:
- Dan Comden, Adaptive Technology Consultant
Deb Cronheim, Research Consultant and Technical Writer
Marysheila Guichon, Office Coordinator
Jane Hartway, Project Evaluator
Serena Schubert, Technical Writer
Nikki Stauber, Research Consultant and Program Coordinator
Additional Information
DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) serves to increase the successful participation of individuals with disabilities in challenging academic programs such as those in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology. Primary funding for DO-IT is provided by the National Science Foundation, the State of Washington, and the U.S. Department of Education.
To order free publications or newsletters use the DO-IT Publications Order Form; to order videos and training materials use the Videos, Books and Comprehensive Training Materials Order Form.
For further information, to be placed on the DO-IT mailing list, or to
request materials in an alternate format, contact:
DO-IT
University of Washington
Box 355670
Seattle, WA 98195-5670
doit@u.washington.edu
http://www.washington.edu/doit/
206-685-DOIT (3648) (voice/TTY)
888-972-DOIT (3648) (toll free voice/TTY)
206-221-4171 (FAX)
509-328-9331 (voice/TTY) Spokane
Director: Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D.
DO-IT Funding and Partners
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science
Foundation under Grant No. 9255803. Any opinions, findings, and
conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of
the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National
Science Foundation.
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