WAMC: The Best of Our Knowledge # 999 (2009-11-09)

The Best of Our Knowledge

The Best of Our Knowledge # 999

(2009-11-09)

Listen Now:

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ALBANY, NY (WAMC) -
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RESEARCH IN DISABILITIES
EDUCATION SERIES

ACCESS TO ADVANCEMENT: AN AUDIO EXPLORATION OF THE NATIONAL EFFORT TO INCREASE THE ROLE OF WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS

THIS EPISODE: "DO-IT AND ACCESS STEM IMPROVE TRANSITIONS TO STEM EDUCATION AND CAREERS" -

There is a multiple award-winning program for students run out of Seattle, Washington called DO-IT. For many, it's the first time they're among other students with disabilities who are also interested in STEM. This Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program has been setting the gold-standard for STEM education for decades.

For DO-IT scholar, Emily Horwitz, it's been a huge support. She says (audio bite) "There are other people out there like me. It's not a lonely little island where you're kind of stuck in the middle of nowhere."

The following is TBOOK's exclusive inside look at DO-IT, or the Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology program.

Allison Dunne reports. (13:08)

If you would like to hear this story again, or other similar stories in our exclusive
radio series, visit our Women in Science website, www.womeninscience.org, and
click on the "Access to Advancement" button. You'll also find links to our
Facebook page and many related topics.

If you would like more information on the DO-IT program featured, you can visit: http://www.washington.edu/doit

And if you would like to read the research report, AccessSTEM/AccessComputing/DO-IT Longitudinal Transition Study mentioned in the preceding story, visit: http://www.washington.edu/doit/Stem/tracking2.html

We also invite you to view photos, access resources, and chat with others who are interested in women, disability, and STEM issues by joining our Women in Science Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=60729571543&ref=ts

And you can receive updates on the availability of new stories on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AccesstoAdvance

"Access to Advancement" is supported by the National Science Foundation
Research in Disabilities Education Program. Any opinions, findings, conclusions
or recommendations expressed in this story, are those of the authors, and do not
necessarily reflect those of the National Science Foundation.

GUEST COMMENTARY:
"THE PUBLIC FINALLY MEETS A SCIENCE VERSION OF AMERICAN IDOL" -

Our guest commentator is also one who believes in the importance of STEM education.

Dr. Mel Schiavelli is a Professor of Chemistry, and President of the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Schiavelli says, "When it comes to getting people excited about the enormous possibilities and opportunities available in a professional career in the fields of science or technology, educators should give an award to Intel for its TV ad featuring Ajay Bhatt."

Dr. Mel Schiavelli comments. (4:31)

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