![]() ![]() Representation does not happen by accident but it leads to further inclusion. The public should be able to see scientists who represent them and share their values and experiences. This article is focussed on the experiences of disabled scientists but exclusionary and discriminatory practices are endemic in society. Being inclusive of disabled scientists is not about being charitable, or simply meeting a legal obligation lived experience of disability enriches science and the scientific community. However, she, like many other minoritized scientists, cannot see a place for herself in academia. Diaz‐Merced has contributed significantly to science, she has not “overcome disability”, her lived experience of disability has been integral to her work. I want my field not to underuse, misuse or neglect the human potential we all have for exploration and inquiry, and to trust that we all may contribute just as we are.” ĭr. I want a field where we all work as equals, and where factors such as age, disability, gender and socio‐economic status do not control my progress. When my contract runs out on 31 December, I'm going home to Puerto Rico, where I hope I can teach. But right now I don't see any opportunity, so I have to look at the bigger picture. Diaz‐Merced answered, “I would love to be a working astronomer, carrying out research. When asked recently about her personal hopes for the future, Dr. She developed sonification software with Robert Candey at NASA Goddard Spaceflight Centre, which she went on to verify during her PhD research under the supervision of Professor Stephen Brewster. Later, while at university, a friend played her an audio recording of a sunburst, this introduced the possibility of using solar soundscapes to analyse astronomical data as an alternative to visualisations. Diaz‐Merced began losing her sight during her teenage years, she worried about whether she would be able to study physics. Until 2019, she led the AstroSense project at the South African observatory‘s Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), and now is expanding on her equity, inclusion, and accessibility work at the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office for Astronomy Outreach in Japan. I would like to begin by sharing a story about one of my personal science heroes, a scientist whose talent and lived experience of disability has enhanced her research, her field, and beyond. Lived Experience of Disability Enriches Science This time of great change can be used as an opportunity to listen, learn, and improve working conditions and access for scientists with disabilities, and by doing so, for everyone. This is particularly important as we continue to respond to the challenges and opportunities associated with the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic and plan for a post‐COVID‐19 future. ![]() It is vital that disabled staff and students are fully involved in decision making. ![]() This article reflects on disability declaration statistics and research in critical disability studies and social science to explore the challenges experienced by disabled scientists before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic and highlights recommendations and examples of good practice to adopt in order to challenge ableism in STEM communities and workplaces. The need for rapid decision‐making, often by senior colleagues without lived experience of disabilities, can lead to policies which discriminate against scientists with disabilities. Scientists and students with disabilities have been severely affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic, and this must be urgently addressed to avoid further entrenching existing inequalities. ![]()
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