ABSTRACT

There is a clear need to promote interdisciplinary STEM education and participation in the STEM workforce. Individuals with disabilities can make a valuable contribution to the global STEM community. Scientists like Stephen Hawking, Temple Grandin, Thomas Edison, and Albert Einstein serve as examples. However, a myriad of institutional, situational, and individual barriers must be overcome. This chapter describes the barriers and presents Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a framework to enhance equity, personalize learning, and promote STEM careers for individuals with disabilities. Research related to STEM education at the K-12 and postsecondary levels is discussed.