With a grant awarded by the National Science Foundation, the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute has begun work on developing a Web portal for blind students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Internet portal will help teachers of blind and low vision students, general education teachers, parents, and students to identify products and resources designed to facilitate the teaching and learning of scientific concepts; to learn about successful blind scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and technologists; and to communicate with successful blind people in these fields, as well as with other students and teachers.
Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “Too many blind students decide not to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, not because they are not interested in these subjects or do not have the capacity to succeed in these fields, but because they do not have access to the products, resources, and techniques that they need to study and learn scientific and mathematical principles in nonvisual ways. We intend to provide a single space on the Internet where future blind scientists, engineers, and mathematicians can get what they need to succeed in their studies and to start them on their way to successful careers.”
As part of a broader vision of a National Center for Blind Youth in Science, the project, will provide tremendous support for NFB’s High School/High Tech program. This project is being funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Research in Disability Education Demonstration, Enrichment, and Information Dissemination (RDE-DEI) priority. The RDE program seeks to change the factors that have traditionally limited the participation of persons with disabilities in scientific, technology, engineering, and mathematical areas, and ultimately seeks the full participation of disabled persons in the workforce in all of these fields.
Mark Riccobono, Director of Education for the NFB Jernigan Institute, said: "The establishment of this Web portal will make a tremendous difference in building a future full of opportunities." Maryland High School/High Tech wishes to congratulate NFB in receiving a grant with such far-reaching implications for the future of blind students.