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About Us
The Midwest Alliance offers high quality, supportive programs designed to guide students with disabilities in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin more efficiently and effectively toward careers in STEM-related fields. Our knowledgeable staff comprises research educators, scientists, engineers and student disability service providers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Illinois and the University of Northern Iowa.
Our Goals:
• Direct Student Impact through mentorship, internship and enrichment programs that support, guide and inspire students with disabilities in their exploration of STEM.
• Indirect Student Impact through presentations and workshops to pre-service and practicing teachers, special education teachers, assistive technology providers and direct support staff in university disability student service centers, among others. By providing successful practice training to these individuals, students with disabilities are indirectly impacted through improved instruction, practices and services.
• System Impact through creation and dissemination of successful practices in disability service provision and assistive technology that can affect the future policies and practices of people who intersect with students with disabilities. Actions that improve systems and policies have a long-term effect, providing enhanced opportunities for future generations.
The Midwest Alliance joins five other National Science Regional Alliances for Persons with Disabilities in STEM—RASEM2, East, Northwest, MIND Alliance for Minority Students with Disabilities in STEM and Ohio's STEM Ability Alliance—in working together to develop resources and share promising practices.
Why STEM?
There is a critical shortage of educated workers in STEM-related fields within the American workforce, and people with disabilities are particularly underrepresented. A lack of public awareness, slow progress in accessible learning spaces and societal attitudes compound this problem. The Midwest Alliance works to improve access, remove barriers, increase opportunities and improve preparedness so that students and alumni like you can pursue and succeed within your chosen field.
