Empowering Change: How Scientists with Disabilities are Revolutionizing Accessibility in Research Labs and Fieldwork

In San Bernardino, California, scientists and students set out for Lost Lake, a beautiful spot with steep, rocky paths. Some needed canes or a hand to navigate the uneven terrain, while others watched from a distance as a drone captured stunning views of the blue water.

This field trip aimed to raise awareness about the obstacles disabled researchers encounter and how they can be overcome. Anita Marshall, a geologist from the University of Florida, led the group and emphasized that finding other ways to do things can make a big difference: “Just because you can’t do it like someone else doesn’t mean you can’t do it,” she said.

The event was organized by the International Association for Geoscience Diversity, which seeks to improve access to fieldwork and lab experience for those with disabilities. This includes making science more inclusive and welcoming.

Participants included scientists with various disabilities, including mobility issues and visual impairments, demonstrating that everyone can be part of the scientific community.

Taormina Lepore, a paleontologist from Western Michigan University, highlighted that traditional scientific practices often overlook diverse methods of engagement. “Empathy is just as vital as science,” she remarked. “We should find ways to work together.”

According to the National Science Foundation, only about 3% of the STEM workforce consists of people with disabilities. Many find labs and field sites unwelcoming, leaving them feeling excluded from research opportunities. The Americans with Disabilities Act aims to improve accessibility, but many old facilities still present challenges.

Modifying existing labs can be costly and complicated. Alyssa Paparella, a doctoral candidate, recalls how one lab she encountered lacked automatic doors, forcing some potential contributors to turn away. “What does that say about whom we want in the labs?” she questioned. Her perspective is that the problem isn’t just physical barriers; it reflects a mindset within academia.

Mark Leddy, who has worked on disability initiatives at the National Science Foundation, believes people with disabilities bring so much to science. “They naturally become problem-solvers,” he said, noting that they develop skills to navigate challenges daily.

For example, Venu Varanasi, an engineer at the University of Texas at Arlington, shares tips with his students based on his own experiences. He uses high-contrast labels to help him identify laboratory equipment and encourages the group to keep spaces organized—benefits that enhance safety for everyone.

In California, as they explored Lost Lake, this inclusive approach allowed everyone to engage with the environment directly or through drone technology. Professor Jennifer Piatek, one of the attendees who uses a wheelchair, appreciated the care taken to accommodate her needs during the trip, like parking in a flatter area to ease her disembarking.

Lepore utilized an AI app to analyze rocks, saying, “Nature isn’t built for access, but we can find ways to make it work.” 

Bushra Hussaini, who operates at the American Museum of Natural History, indicated how essential this community was for sharing ideas and support. “We learn and grow together,” she commented.

Before setting off, Marshall reminded everyone to ask for help when needed. Her own experiences on past trips drive her commitment to create a more inclusive environment for upcoming scientists. “These trips are about planting a seed,” she said, “to show there’s always another way forward.”