This #DisabilityPrideMonth, I'll be sharing actionable tips for how you (yes, you!) can make STEM learning & workspaces more inclusive to those of us who are #DisabledInSTEM.

#AltText will be available for every graphic. New tips will be added to this thread.
For more information on why using a microphone is an #accessibility issue, please read this post over at
@chronicle:

https://bit.ly/2ZFrwrj 
The #GRE is expensive, biased & a poor indicator of success in research. Getting approved for #accommodations takes 6 weeks & you need a dr. note (& therefore, insurance). If you're absent from your scheduled test (hello, unpredictable symptoms!), you forfeit your fee. #GREexit
Mandatory attendance is ableist & it penalizes students with disabilities, those who are financially insecure, students with children, and others.

Generally, professors aren't required to waive attendance even if it is in the student's accommodation letter. #AcademicAbleism
Disabled people miss out on events & meetings for many reasons: inaccessible rooms, long events without breaks, the cost & complications of travel. In addition to addressing the #accessibility, or lack thereof, of the events themselves, also offer virtual participation.
Field trips/camps must be accessible (don't get me started on them being required). Remember, some participants may have an #InvisibleDisability.

Consider accessible research sites. If you can't, ask what opportunities you *can* offer to prospective disabled students/employees.
@AccessibleGEO is working on accessibility in the sciences and they host an accessible geology field trip annually.

https://theiagd.org/ 
Here is a second resource about accessible #FieldWork and proper accommodations!

https://washington.edu/doit/fieldwork 
Could a person who uses a wheelchair work at your lab bench? Are safety instructions easy to find, in a large font, and printed using high contrast colors? Are you making it clear to potential students and employees that you will work to accommodate them? #Inclusion #STEM
I could make dozens of graphics about creating an accessible and accommodating lab and maybe one day I will. But here is a good resource from @UW to get you started!

https://www.washington.edu/doit/science-labs

*there are no public domain images of accessible labs 🙃
A student with #BrainFog or #Anxiety may be at a disadvantage when their learning is evaluated by exams. A student with #ChronicIllness may have trouble getting to group project meetings. But don't just accommodate disabled students...give all students a choice!
Flexibility benefits everyone & it prevents disabled students from being singled out by their accommodations.

@EdSurge hosted a chat on this topic a while back-get the highlights at the link & please share any alt assignments you offer in your courses! https://bit.ly/301xO51 
Students! You can help make courses accessible by volunteering to be a notetaker. Some schools will give you credit for volunteering & you can list it on your resume! Info is generally available on your university's disability services website...
...but for now, here is some info on why disabled students need notetakers and the benefits and responsibilities of volunteering, from @NCState.

https://dro.dasa.ncsu.edu/volunteer-notetakers/
Remote work benefits many people. For example, those who are managing new symptoms, who need to stay close to medical care, or who are trying to re-enter the workforce. Create and advertise (permanent!) remote positions. #WFH #STEM
Tips for remote postdocs, @PLOSCompBiol:
https://bit.ly/2WCyugi 

Tips for remote meetings, @theAGU:
https://bit.ly/32Kb64r 

Tips for remote internships, @USGS:
https://bit.ly/3hdaPdX 

Disabled people react to #Covid19 #WFH, @TeenVogue:
https://bit.ly/30wb25A 
Providing both written and verbal instruction is an easy way to create a more inclusive environment. This benefits everyone but may be especially important for those who are a part of the #neurodiversesquad!
Unnecessary barriers to work: #9to5. Commutes. M-F schedule.

#FlexibleWork allows disabled people to:
🔹stay near medical care
🔹live in a certain climate
🔹work during their most productive times
🔹work around appts & treatments
🔹pace themselves
🔹& more

#DisabledInSTEM
Flexible work is necessary *and* it is advantageous.

Employers have reported fewer absences, increased productivity, and better retention of valuable employees using #FlexibleWork #WFH #Ditch9to5

Source: https://bit.ly/2ZNerh3 
A tale as old as time itself.

I'm not linking a resource for this one, they're out there if you want them. My reason...I don't want to subject myself to the think pieces by able-bodied people about laptop use in class. Just trust us disabled people on this. #Ableism
The screenreaders that blind and visually impaired people use will read each word in a hashtag individually if #CamelCase is used. A quick and easy tip for #DisabilityPrideMonth!
CW // Ableist Language

"they suffer from..." "have you tried essential oils" "lame" "crazy" "blinded by ignorance"

I bet most of us perpetuate ableism and cause harm daily with our words. Get educated...

#AcademicAbleism #DisabilityVisibility #AcademicChatter
You can follow @NaturalistBerni.
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