Champions of Change Blog

Pursuing a Future for STEM Equality

Sina Bahram is being recognized as a Champion of Change for leading education and employment efforts in science, technology, engineering and math for Americans with disabilities.

I would like to thank the administration, those who serve in public office, and everyone else involved with the Champions of Change program for two reasons. First, thank you so much for recognizing and bringing attention to the projects, people, and problems that are a part of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). I believe that this recognition can go a long way in affecting an important and lasting positive change for STEM issues faced by individuals with disabilities. Second, I would like to simply express what a singularly humbling and profound honor it is for me to accept this recognition as a White House Champion of Change.

I'll begin by stating that I happen to be blind. I have some light perception and some shape recognition, but for all intents and purposes, I am blind. When I was presented with maps in geography, biology, and civics classes at school, I would have to either cue off of verbal descriptions, intuit the relationships among important locations, or rely on expensive, much lower-resolution tactile copies of the graphics my classmates used. When I was given a flowchart to analyze in biology, economics, or computer science courses, I either asked someone to translate it into Braille or read its contents to me.

Everyone Should Feel that Learning about Science is “For Me”

Christine Reich is being recognized as a Champion of Change for leading education and employment efforts in science, technology, engineering and math for Americans with disabilities.

“One of the most pervasive messages of my childhood was, ‘Not for you.’ That’s something that’s incredibly destructive for the life of a child. Places like science museums can dispel those messages more than almost any place else. I remember my few visits to museums as just wonderful. I believe everybody should have that experience. And I do mean everybody.”

- Betty Davidson, retired Museum of Science exhibit developer, biochemist, wheelchair user, and personal mentor

People with disabilities frequently receive the message that science learning is “not for you.” Sometimes this message is subtle, sent through the design of science learning experiences that do not take into account the physical, sensory, and cognitive diversity that exists within our society. Other times, the message is overtly stated, rooted in narrow perceptions of what a person with a disability can and cannot do. It is time for the message to change. It is time for us to take actions that send the message that learning about and engaging in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is possible for all.