2019/07/10 by Alicia Aarnio, Nicholas A. Murphy, Aarnio, Alicia +31
Social Sciences · #Disability Education and Employment #FOS: Physical sciences #Inclusion and Disability in Education and Sport #Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics (astro-ph.IM)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1907.04943
openalex publication_date 2019/07/10 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
(Abridged) In this white paper, we outline the major barriers to access within the educational and professional practice of astronomy. We present current best practices for inclusivity and accessibility, including classroom practices, institutional culture, support for infrastructure creation, hiring processes, and outreach initiatives. We present specific ways--beyond simple compliance with the ADA--that funding agencies, astronomers, and institutions can work together to make astronomy as a field more accessible, inclusive, and equitable. In particular, funding agencies should include the accessibility of institutions during proposal evaluation, hold institutions accountable for inaccessibility, and support efforts to gather data on the status and progress of astronomers and astronomy students with disabilities.