The Impact of Attitudes and Access to Mentors on the Interest in STEM for Teens and Adults who are Blind Abstract

[摘要] This study was based on alarger survey of access to math and science for teens and adults who are blindor visually impaired. Data were collected in late fall of 2016. The findings ofthis study indicate that teenagers have a high interest in math and science,but this interest is often diminished due to real or perceived barriers toaccess of the curriculum. Most teenagers also cited a teacher or other rolemodel who supported their math and science learning. We also surveyed a groupof adults who reported similar barriers to access. For the adults, having a mentoror role model was marginally associated with the choice to pursue a math orscience career. Aspiration and employment in STEM-related fields seems to beassociated with finding access to STEM-related content and having encouragementfrom parents and mentors.   Implicationsfor practitioners suggests that more work needs to be done in eliminatingphysical barriers to STEM curriculum and more opportunities for mentorshipshould occur.

[学科分类] 眼科学

[关键词] Access to STEM;blind teens;adults;attitudes towards STEM;mentoring