How Scientists with Disabilities are Improving Accessibility in Labs and Fieldwork
Pioneering efforts are creating inclusive environments in research, empowering disabled scientists to thrive.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) — The journey to Lost Lake was rugged, with a steep, unpaved trail marked by rocks and holes. Yet, a group of scientists and students, some using canes and others relying on assistance, made their way toward the scenic site. For those unable to physically make the trip, technology offered an alternative: a drone delivered a view of the serene blue lake, nestled along the San Andreas Fault.
The field trip, organized by the International Association for Geoscience Diversity, was designed to highlight the obstacles that researchers with disabilities often face while conducting fieldwork, and the ways in which those barriers can be overcome.
“Just because you can’t do it like someone else doesn’t mean you can’t do it,” said Anita Marshall, a University of Florida geologist and trip leader. The outing included scientists with mobility, vision, and hearing disabilities, all united by a shared commitment to making scientific research more inclusive.
Marshall’s organization is one of several working to improve accessibility in both field and laboratory settings, so that scientists with disabilities feel welcomed and supported throughout their careers. The trip to Lost Lake was a demonstration of how empathy, alongside science, can open up new possibilities for those with disabilities in the scientific community.
Challenges in Research Labs
Disabled individuals make up roughly 3% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), according to 2021 data from the National Science Foundation. Many scientists with disabilities say this statistic reflects the inaccessibility of labs, classrooms, and field sites, which are often not designed to accommodate them.
Mark Leddy, a former manager of disability-related grants for the National Science Foundation, noted that students and faculty with disabilities are frequently told they cannot safely work in labs or pursue research. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed in 1990 set minimum standards for accessible buildings, modifying older labs to meet these standards remains a lengthy and complex process.
Alyssa Paparella, a doctoral candidate in biology at Baylor College of Medicine, recalled an instance where a science building at her former university lacked automatic doors, making it difficult for individuals with mobility challenges to enter. “What is that saying about who you want actually working in the laboratories?” she asked.
Promoting Inclusive Solutions
According to Leddy, researchers with disabilities possess unique problem-solving skills due to their ability to navigate and overcome daily challenges. These qualities make them invaluable contributors to the scientific community. “If they don’t feel welcome, if they don’t get access, then how can they contribute that talent?” he said.
Venu Varanasi, a biomaterials engineer at the University of Texas at Arlington with low vision, has made his lab more accessible by using high-contrast signage and keeping spaces clear of clutter. He believes these modifications not only assist those with disabilities but also reduce accidents for all students. “When you realize that you have a person with a disability, you have an opportunity, not a problem,” he said.
At Purdue University, engineering professor Brad Duerstock led the design of an accessible biomedical lab, with support from both the school and a National Institutes of Health grant. Modifications included removing cabinets under sinks and fume hoods to allow wheelchair access. The cost of making labs more accessible can vary, but Duerstock emphasizes that many schools and organizations offer financial support for these improvements.
Adapting the Outdoors for Fieldwork
During the geology field trip at Lost Lake, participants explored the geological formations along the San Andreas Fault. The group included scientists at various stages of their careers, from students to professors, who were eager to explore the outdoors in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Central Connecticut State University professor Jennifer Piatek, who uses a wheelchair, participated in the trip but was unable to physically visit the lake. Instead, she viewed the site via drone and examined rock samples brought back by others. She appreciated being part of a community that anticipated her needs, such as ensuring the bus parked in a location that allowed her to easily disembark.
“You can learn a lot from images and maps, but really you need to get to the space to be in it,” Piatek said, reflecting on the importance of being present in the field for her research in planetary geology.
For Lepore, a neurodivergent researcher with low vision, the use of artificial intelligence to describe rocks aloud was an invaluable tool during the field trip. “Nature is not inherently accessible,” she said, “but there are so many workarounds and ways that we as geoscientists can make things truly open.”
Bushra Hussaini, who works at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, applies lessons from such field trips to support interns and volunteers with disabilities. She emphasized the importance of learning from one another and fostering an environment of mutual support in the scientific community.
Looking Toward the Future
Anita Marshall, who has organized annual field trips for geoscientists with disabilities, expressed her hope for a more inclusive future. Reflecting on her own struggles to join field trips as a doctoral student, she said, “The whole point of these little day trips is to just plant that seed out there, that there’s another way forward.”
The ongoing efforts of disabled scientists and their allies highlight the potential for positive change in both labs and fieldwork environments, offering a path forward that values accessibility and inclusion for all.