Increasing the Representation of People with Disabilities in Science, Engineering and Mathematics (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION Access to higher education can enhance the employability and vocational success of individuals with disabilities (DeLoach, 1992; Sampson, 1984). Although the number of individuals with disabilities who attend post-secondary institutions is increasing, few pursue academic careers in science and engineering and, for those who do, the attrition rate is high. Individuals with disabilities are also under-represented in science and engineering professions, and scientists and engineers with disabilities experience higher unemployment rates than do other scientists and engineers (Malcom & Matyas, 1991). Nevertheless, the employment rate for scientists and engineers with physical disabilities is much higher than the estimate for the overall U.S. population with physical disabilities. These facts suggest that students with disabilities can find success in the science, engineering, and mathematics fields.