PPD/IEP: Institutionalization of DO-IT

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The University of Washington (UW) has a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to identify and institutionalize successful practices employed by DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology). Implementation of the Institutionalization of DO-IT project will increase the success of people with disabilities in academic programs and careers in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET). In 1992 the UW was awarded a three-year grant from NSF to undertake activities to recruit and retain students with disabilities in SMET. The project was titled DO-IT. In 1995 another three-year grant, called DO-IT Extension, was received from NSF to continue and expand DO-IT activities. Grants to extend DO-IT efforts have also been received from the Telecommunications Funding Partnership, the NEC Foundation of America, the Seattle Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, Honda, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science and Technology Council, Washington Services for the Blind, and U.S. West Communications. DO-IT helps: children and youth with disabilities learn strategies for participation in SMET and how to access computers and the Internet using adaptive technology. high school students with disabilities transition to college and careers in SMET. SMET faculty become more receptive and capable of including students with disabilities in their courses. campus SMET programs become more accessible to individuals with disabilities. library staff and administrators understand how to make their electronic resources accessible to patrons with disabilities. camp directors learn how to incorporate Internet activities into their curriculum and accommodate campers with disabilities. adult students and professionals with disabilities mentor students with disabilities. parents, service providers, and the pu blic become more aware of the potential contributions and special needs of students with disabilities in SMET fields. identify factors leading to college completion and employment in SMET. Specific DO-IT activities have included: summer study programs which allow high school students with disabilities to explore SMET fields and develop college and career transition skills and strategies. a mentoring program that matches high school students with disabilities with successful role models in SMET academic programs and careers. Internet communication and information retrieval for students with disabilities. an electronic community for those interested in SMET and disability-related issues. disability awareness presentations to faculty and staff. college transition, library access, Web page design, and adaptive technology workshops. dissemination of program and disability-related information through electronic resources, printed materials, and videotapes. The Institutionalization of DO-IT project follows logically from DO-IT's previous activities. It will continue efforts to empower individuals with disabilities, make SMET programs and careers more accessible, and explore strategies and implement activities to institutionalize successful practices nationwide. Project strategies will include seeking state, Federal, corporate, and private funding and sponsorship; selling project products; and incorporating practices into existing services and publications at the UW and elsewhere.