Methods and Critical Junctures

The methods that were selected to implement objectives

Method Selection: People with disabilities face unique barriers to education and employment. These barriers include lack of encouragement; underdeveloped self-determination and self- advocacy skills; little access to successful role models; social isolation; lack of awareness of technology that can increase success; and low expectations from family, teachers, counselors, service providers, and faculty. The methods that were selected to implement project objectives address these barriers. They were identified through

  • a review of career development and student development literature;
  • input from people with disabilities, including the DO-IT advisory board and postsecondary students;
  • input from career development professionals;
  • consultation with employers; and
  • the adoption of successful practices from previous DO-IT projects.

Critical Junctures for STEM Students with Disabilities

In projects implemented by DO-IT, effective student interventions are organized into a model of inputs to promote movement through critical junctures to bring students from underrepresented groups into STEM fields. Inputs in the model address issues that encourage people to learn science (attraction), choose to keep learning mathematics and science (retention), graduate (persistence), and secure STEM careers.