We are always looking for ways to make Engineering Research Centers nationwide more accessible to and inclusive of individuals with disabilities—in trainings, presentations, research and other Center activities—and to make sure websites and other Center resources are fully accessible to people with disabilities as well. Let us know other useful content you would like us to include in the next version of our publication Universal Design of Your Engineering Research Center

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Thank you for identifying the multiple ways that universal design principles must be enacted to improve accessibility--through websites, event plans, physical space (including furniture), and assistive technologies/devices. I think the video made an important connection between the broad goal of the Centers, to use engineering design to solve problems that impact society, and the valuable contributions that can come from people with disabilities when the Centers are inclusive and accessible.   

I wonder, how are you studying/documenting changes that are made in Centers and what are the indicators that suggest there is sustainable change?  

It's great to see disability being added to the conversation in terms of broadening participation. So many people will benefit from these practices, and the field, as a whole, will be better for it. 

Thank you for the very clear message that a narrowed focus on diversity produces a narrowed outcome.  The broad considerations for research centers are well represented here.  Of particular importance is the message to potential STEM students with disabilities that barriers to participation and learning can be overcome with mindful dialogue and attention to detail.  The International Association for Geoscience Diversity (IAGD) is an organization with similar goals, and to the extent that the conversation can be broadened with such similar groups, the better off we all are as a result.

Yes, it is important that we all spread the word! Accessibility is something that should be addressed in all STEM offerings.

Thank you for your work that focuses on  making resources available to students with disabilities.  Sometimes we focus so intensively on our own areas on interest, and don’t necessarily focus sufficient time or resources to ensure that all students who are interested in our work have access to it.  I have downloaded your resource material as a resource that we can use in the future.

I'm glad you find our resources useful. We encounter programs focusing on one characteristics - like access to STEM for women and girls, but neglect to make sure that women and girls with disabilities are welcome to engage and can access the content of a website, a video, the curriculum, etc. Included in our roles are to increase awareness in this regard and to provide support and resources to make it happen!