STEM is not the answer if leads to repetitive unemployment resulting from unstable markets. This topic really about labor markets because all the education, training and accessibility is for naught if jobs are limited or not available.

It has been a firefight to stay employed in a STEM career. I started my career as a nurse but was not allowed to get licensed due to newly legislated physical requirements. Timing as today... more »

As a graduate student with an invisible disabilities, I have found that what has hindered my career in STEM the most are two things: the lack of mentors with disabilities and tailored career development. The majority of STEM training at the graduate level assumes able-bodied functioning. The trainers are, by presentation, predominately able-bodied as well. Given the academic setting, these trainers, while able to serve... more »

We invite you to join us for the DIAGRAM Center's upcoming free Webinar: “New Models for Creating Accessible Interactive Widgets for STEM Learning” on Thursday, August 7, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific (2:00 p.m. Eastern; 19:00 GMT). The webinar will be presented by NCAM's Madeleine Rothberg, and Kyle Keane from Wolfram Research, and you can register using the link included here.

 

http://diagramcenter.org/webinars.html

Just came across this last week and it seems like a very innovative idea that echoes many comments in this dialogue by various participants:

“Elevator Pitch Contest” to help students build presentation skills about their abilities. The organizing team included career counselors and disability service providers at local colleges, and two college students with disabilities. Organized by DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities,... more »

I believe the best way to get our Transition-aged youth excited about careers in the STEM fields is to offer them the opportunity to participate in some work experience while in high school doing paid or unpaid work in a company in the field. Job shadowing is a great way to learn more about a career field of interest! Teens should also be encouraged to consider pursuing higher education in STEM fields, with appropriate... more »