STEM courses often include complex content—equations, graphs, data tables—that can create significant accessibility barriers for students with disabilities. This session provides STEM faculty with a clear, practical overview of how to make STEM materials accessible. The session will focus on common accessibility challenges in STEM and highlight fixes that faculty can implement without advanced technical skills.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Identify common accessibility barriers in STEM course materials (e.g., math notation, graphs, tables, and PDFs) and explain why these create challenges for students using assistive technologies.
Describe practical strategies and tools for improving accessibility in STEM content, including approaches for math equations, visual data, and structured documents that align with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
Apply a prioritized approach to remediation by recognizing which fixes are easiest for faculty to implement themselves and where to seek additional support for more complex issues.
The virtual format will be primarily presentational, with brief discussion pauses to address questions and share experiences. Participants will leave with actionable strategies, recommended tools, and resources to begin improving accessibility in their STEM courses. The session will be recorded.
Open to all UMBC and USM faculty, staff, and students. No prior accessibility experience needed.
Presenter: Dr. Sarah Bass, Associate Teaching Professor of Introductory, Analytical and Instrumental Chemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Dr. Bass is a dedicated faculty champion for accessibility, promoting inclusive teaching practices to create a more supportive educational environment for every learner.
Helpful STEM Links to Review:
Accessibility in Math chapter (Digital Accessibility Handbook)
The A11Y Collective's Ultimate Checklist for Accessible Data Visualisations
Continual Engine's How to Make STEM Content Accessible for Students with Visual Impairments
Section508's Accessible Equations and Formulas
Brought to you by:
This session was initially presented as part of the USM Kirwan Center Spring Cleaning 2026 series.
This summer, UMBC is teaming up with the Maryland Department of Disabilities to upgrade nine teaching labs in the Meyerhoff Chemistry Building—marking a major step in fostering inclusive STEM education. The goal: ensure all students, including wheelchair users and those with various disabilities, can fully participate in core chemistry and biochemistry courses.
What's Changing in the Labs?
Wheelchair-accessible sinks, fume hoods, lab benches, and cabinets
Lowered equipment stations for independent use
A research lab redesigned for accessible hands-on experience
Lecture Hall Upgrades Include:
Wheelchair-accessible seating in multiple locations with fold-down tablets
TV monitors for better visibility for low-vision students
Standing desks and seating variations for diverse body types, pregnant students, and orthopedic needs
Assisted listening tech and designated interpreter areas for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing
Additional accessibility projects include:
Restroom renovations in the Biological Sciences Building
Elevator upgrades across multiple academic buildings
“The Office of Accessibility & Disability Services greatly values our longstanding partnership with Facilities Management to assist us in the mission of inclusive access and elimination of barriers for all UMBC community members,” says Tawny McManus, Assistant Vice President for Accessibility.
Learn how these changes are reshaping inclusion in STEM at UMBC: Read more here.
See original post here: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/posts/151158
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