Laboratory Safety for All: Accommodating Students with Disabilities in Chemistry Teaching Laboratories

As more students with disabilities study STEM fields, universities must re-examine laboratory programs and environments to ensure accessibility. At UC San Diego, the Office for Students with Disabilities and the Chemistry & Biochemistry Teaching Laboratories work with the faculty, instructors and teaching assistants to meet students' needs while maintaining the health and safety of all laboratory participants. Academically qualified students come into chemistry laboratory courses with a variety of abilities and challenges. Some arrive with chronic health issues; some have physical limitations such as low vision, restricted reach or grasp strength; some have mobility issues. At the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego), the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry (CHEM) and the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) work with the faculty, instructors and teaching assistants to provide an accessible laboratory experience for all students. Our best success stems from out-of-the-box thinking, collaboration and adherence to a few basic guidelines.