AccessSTEM

Calculators are commonly used at every education level. Calculators that can perform statistical or scientific calculations, manipulate matrices, and plot functions on a graph are particularly helpful in the study of higher-level mathematics. Although most scientific or graphing calculators are not accessible to someone who does not have usable sight, there are options available that allow students who are blind to use these tools successfully.

Research has shown that one of the best predictors of whether or not a person will enter postsecondary education and complete a college degree has been his or her participation in math and science courses during middle and high school. In fact, participation in these types of courses has been shown to more strongly correlate with postsecondary degree completion than high school test scores or grade point averages. It has also been reported that students who take more math and science courses typically have higher SAT scores and, four years later, higher scores on the GRE.

Several websites provide comprehensive information about making science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) accessible to students with disabilities. They include:

Students with disabilities have a wide variety of places to look for work experiences. They can access services available to all students, such as their schools' career services and cooperative education offices. Postsecondary students can utilize work-study opportunities, contact faculty for suggestions, and ask about opportunities at their human resources offices.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in the 2015-2016 school year 19% of undergraduates in the United State reported having a disability.

According to the Office for Civil Rights:

Following the basic design guidelines listed below can help you create overhead visuals that are easily read by people of many different ages and abilities to read and see. Large print and well-organized visual aids are particularly helpful for some students with disabilities that affect their sight, learning, or hearing.

Yes, although standard fume hoods may be inaccessible to some users because of height and configuration, portable fume hoods allow flexibility in configuration and placement. They can be placed on adjustable-height tables to allow access for users who are seated, short in stature, or using a wheelchair. Several models of portable, ductless fume hoods are available from AirClean Systems. These hoods require no installation other than the connection of a power cord and can be easily set up on carts or tables.