NASEM – Johns Hopkins University Disability Health Research Center
Using data-driven approaches to shift the paradigm from ‘living with a disability’ to ‘thriving with a disability.
NASEM: Disrupting Ableism and Advancing STEM, a National Leadership Summit
Although people with disabilities are the largest minority group in the United States, stigma and ableism continue to limit opportunities for disabled people to fully contribute to and succeed in the STEM ecosystem. On June 5, 2023, the National Academies of Sciences hosted a hybrid National Leadership Summit at its Keck Center in Washington, D.C., with online participation also available. Supported by the National Science Foundation, the event brought together researchers, leaders, and advocates to advance accessibility and inclusion in STEM. DHRC Director Dr. Bonnielin K. Swenor spoke at this summit, underscoring the importance of disrupting ableism and centering disability equity in research and education.
Panels and presentations explored a wide range of topics, including disability identity, workplace ecosystems, systemic institutional barriers that limit career advancement, and policies that support equity for scientists and professionals with disabilities. The summit emphasized asset-based and intersectional approaches to understanding these experiences and highlighted strategies for building inclusive STEM environments.
This event was the first in a broader series, which also included sessions on creating disability-inclusive workforces, fostering effective mentorship, cultivating accessible educational pathways, and addressing bias and barriers.
Event details:
National Academies of Sciences, Washington D.C., June 5, 2023. Supported by the National Science Foundation.