Technology to Advance High School and Undergraduate Students with Disabilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Abstract

Americans with disabilities are underemployed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at higher rates than their nondisabled peers. This article provides an overview of the National Science Foundation's Research in Disabilities Education (RDE) program, of technology use by students with disabilities (SWD) in STEM, and of rigorous research designs needed to examine which technology interventions have the highest impact on high school and undergraduate degree completion rates for SWD in STEM. Studies are needed to examine how technologies advance undergraduate SWD in their STEM degree programs, contribute to graduation, and facilitate successful transitions to graduate STEM study and/or the workforce. This body of research contributes to the success of postsecondary implementation programs for SWD in STEM, resulting in the graduation of more SWD in STEM fields and advancing our country's science, engineering, and technology competitiveness in the world.