Future directions in STEMM for people with disabilities

The STEMM Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) is a collaboration of professional bodies and learned societies aiming to strengthen the inclusion of people with disabilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM).

STEMM DAC is holding an event to share and develop best practice in supporting the transitions of people with disabilities through education and employment. Attendees will be given an opportunity to develop plans and tools to enhance the support they access or provide, as well as suggesting to the STEMM DAC further activity for professional bodies and learned societies to become more effective in this vital area.

According to government statistics, nearly 6 million working-age adults in the UK identify as having a longstanding illness, disability or infirmity.   This encompasses, but is not limited to, specific learning difficulties, physical impairments and mental health problems. With around 15% of the potential workforce declaring they have a disability or impairment, it is vital for the nation’s economic and social wellbeing that they are equipped to progress and excel.

The day will bring together people with disabilities and those working with them; employers, career advisors and many others involved in supporting their transition within STEMM education, and into the world of work or apprenticeships. STEMM DAC aims to increase understanding of how to ensure people with disabilities are fully supported in their transitions and to investigate the role that learned societies and professional bodies can play in complementing pathways to progression.

The programme will include a panel Q&A session and discussion groups with the aim of giving delegates insight into best practice. The day will conclude with a networking session where delegates will be able to make contacts to develop their work in this area.

Programme

10.00 Arrival, registration and refreshments

10.30 Welcome address
Martin Hollins, Chair of the STEMM Disability Advisory Committee

10.35 Introductory speaker
Philip Connolly, Policy Development Manager, Disability Rights UK

10.45 Panel introductions
Rachel Bashabe 
Loraine Martins
Margaret Meehan
Duncan Shrewsbury
Alison Stokes

11.15 Workshop 1 – What information/resources do we have already?

12.00 Refreshment break

12.15 Report back 1

13.00 Networking lunch

14.00 Workshop 2 – Which of these groups will be able to provide missing resources:
• STEMM Disability Advisory Committee
• Learned Societies
• Universities
• Schools
• Business
• Government

14.45 Refreshment break

15.00 Report back 2

15.45 Closing remarks
Philip Connolly

16.00 Networking drinks reception

17.00 Close