Belonging through design: Neurodivergent co-designers reflect on their experiences in an informal STEM internship

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 7:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Centering Neurodivergent Voices and Perspectives in Education

Abstract

The [blinded] program hired neurodivergent teens as co-design interns at three science museums. Interns worked with museum staff to test and revise engineering activities based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and their own preferences for engaging, interacting and coping with sensory challenges. The goals were to create inclusive activities for museum visitors as well as to foster a sense of belonging and an understanding of the engineering design process (EDP) among co-designers. Our research found that they were able to talk in greater depth about aspects of belongingness and the EDP at the end of the program than they could at the beginning and felt a sense of community, accomplishment and purpose at the end of their internships.

Authors

• Wendy B. Martin, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Samantha Tumolo, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Susan M. Letourneau, New York Hall of Science

• Ariana Riccio Arista, Education Development Center, Inc.