Inclusion, Disabilities, and Informal Science Learning

People with disabilities all too often face barriers to full inclusion in informal science learning. In a world where knowledge of science and technology is critical to informed decision-making and a range of employment opportunities, exclusion from science learning can prevent full participation in society.

Inclusion, Disabilities, and Informal Science Learning, a report by the CAISE Access Inquiry Group, sets forth a framework for changing this inequity. The group's investigations began in 2008, led by Christine Reich of the Museum of Science, Boston, in collaboration with Ellen Rubin (consultant and one-time advisor to the NSF-funded Accessible Museum Practices Program), Jeremy Price (formerly of CAST and the WGBH National Center for Accessible Media), and Mary Ann Steiner (now of the University of Pittsburgh, formerly head of the Youth Science Center at the Science Museum of Minnesota).

The report offers a theoretical framework for thinking about inclusion of people with disabilities in informal science education (ISE), then reviews current practice in museums (broadly defined), in media and technology, and in youth and community programs. While "investigations located a number of projects, initiatives, and organizations that have sought greater inclusion of people with disabilities in ISE," the report concludes, "these efforts are still the exception and not the rule." At the same time, the report points to positive examples of inclusive ISE practices and programs and identifies opportunities for systemic change.

Go To Article

News and Updates

• Nature, the international weekly journal of science, wrote in an April 8 editorial: "Much of what people know about science is learned informally. Education policy-makers should take note." Read the full editorial here and add your comments.
• Join the CAISE Forum. Participate in an ongoing series of online discussions about issues and topics in informal science education. Set up an account at connect.astc.org and enroll in the CAISE Forum using the word "informal" as key. Next discussion April 19-23: Learning Science in the Third Age: ISE for Adults Ages 50 to 100, with staff and partners of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Coming in May: Discussion of the Inquiry Group report featured in this Newsletter, Inclusion, Disabilities, and Informal Science Learning.
• ISE Summit 2010 documentation is being posted here so you can find out what was talked about even if you weren't there. Discussions will inform the next round of CAISE Inquiry Group work.
• Informal STEM education for high school youth. MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research seeks responses by May 3 to a 10-minute survey that will result in a database designed to positively influence engagement, attitudes and perception, learning and skill building, and direction for youth around STEM education.The project is one result of a November 2009 conference supported by NSF. Details: Irene Porro at iporro@mit.edu.
• Surrounded by Science: Learning Science in Informal Environments can be read online, free, or ordered from the National Academies Press. Based on the National Research Council 2009 report Learning Science in Informal Environments: People, Places, and Pursuits, this 240-page book provides case studies, questions, and illustrative examples for ISE practitioners. The book's release was featured during the ISE Summit 2010.

About the image