AccessSTEM

The DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) Center at the University of Washington (UW) lead the AccessSTEM Alliance to increase the participation of people with disabilities in academic programs and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). AccessSTEM outcomes will benefit society by making STEM opportunities available to more citizens and enhancing these fields with the talents and perspectives of people with disabilities.

These Success Stories are examples of students, mentors and partners who are part of the DO-IT community and are interested in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). These personal stories offer examples of success in the areas of assistive technology use, career development, education, and self-determination.

Several laws protect the rights of students with disabilities and their parents. Educators, parents, and others who work with children with disabilities should be aware of key legislation that addresses the education of students with disabilities in elementary and secondary public schools and access and participation in the general education curriculum.

Students with disabilities in grades K-12 identified as having disabilities under IDEA represent 8.4% of all students enrolled in public education. Disability categories children are often placed in and national percentages for the 2011-12 school year were as follows:

The multidisciplinary activities of the MESA curriculum offer students opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. The teacher's guide assumes that participants have the abilities of an average student. Given the increasing diversity of classroom students and learning styles, you can expect to have students with a wide range of abilities and disabilities in your classes. This addendum to the MESA materials provides you with general guidelines for addressing the needs of students with disabilities while conducting the activities in the MESA series.

The multidisciplinary activities of MESA, including online curricula and those described in a book series published by Addison Wesley, offer students opportunities for hands-on experiences. Teacher guides assume that participants have the abilities of an average student. Nonetheless, you can expect to have students with a wide range of abilities and disabilities participate in your MESA activities. This website provides you with suggested accommodations for students with specific types of disabilities participating in each activity.