Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Being a STEM major in College and lab Work? (self.Blind)
submitted by TwinPurpleEagle
I'm completely blind in my left eye and have 20/100 vision in my right. I'm a high school senior who plans to double major in Biology and Environmental Science.
I'm worried about lab work, given the fact that I'd love to do research with faculty. Microscopes, pipettes, and markings on beakers and other glassware are impossible to read.
Are there any accommodations available? Also, does anyone know of any science professors who are visually impaired? I'd love to get in touch with people.
Are there any programs for visually impaired college students majoring in STEM I could join?
I'm worried about lab work, given the fact that I'd love to do research with faculty. Microscopes, pipettes, and markings on beakers and other glassware are impossible to read.
Are there any accommodations available? Also, does anyone know of any science professors who are visually impaired? I'd love to get in touch with people.
Are there any programs for visually impaired college students majoring in STEM I could join?
pokersnek 4 points 5y ago
You could use a CCTV and make marks on glassware where you need to pour. Ask your BBS counselor for a hand held digital magnifier. If that fails, your phone’s camera will be your best friend.
Beginning labs are usually done with partners or groups. Having other people read the measurements would work.
As for microscopes, I’m not sure. There are cameras that can attach to a microscope eye piece and connect to a computer. You can then take snap shots and zoom in to see better. They would even work on dissecting microscopes.
Do you have a Teacher who specializes in visual impairments? They can help you come up with more ideas. Also, your Bureau of Blind Services counselor will be your best friend.
Beginning labs are usually done with partners or groups. Having other people read the measurements would work.
As for microscopes, I’m not sure. There are cameras that can attach to a microscope eye piece and connect to a computer. You can then take snap shots and zoom in to see better. They would even work on dissecting microscopes.
Do you have a Teacher who specializes in visual impairments? They can help you come up with more ideas. Also, your Bureau of Blind Services counselor will be your best friend.
CowboyBoats 3 points 5y ago
Hey /u/TwinPurpleEagle. I googled "blind scientists" and found the web site of the $1, which sounds up your alley. They have a list of $1, one of whom ($1) is a biologist working at UC Davis.
I would suggest that you email Dr. Vermeij directly and ask if he has any advice for you, since he was born blind and is a distinguished marine biologist and paleontologist. No doubt he has confronted and overcome a lot of the same obstacles that you will have to.
Also, even if Vermeij does not respond to your inquiry, it might be a very good idea to put in an application to UC Davis, perhaps mentioning Vermeij in your application letter. Admissions departments love this sort of thing, especially for you to be able to name individual faculty members of theirs whom you admire and would like to work with, so this would increase your chances of being accepted at this high-tier research university. Also, my original thinking for why you might want to apply to UC Davis is that since they employ a lecturer who is blind, that might make them just that much more blind-friendly than your average research university.
I hope that helps!
I would suggest that you email Dr. Vermeij directly and ask if he has any advice for you, since he was born blind and is a distinguished marine biologist and paleontologist. No doubt he has confronted and overcome a lot of the same obstacles that you will have to.
Also, even if Vermeij does not respond to your inquiry, it might be a very good idea to put in an application to UC Davis, perhaps mentioning Vermeij in your application letter. Admissions departments love this sort of thing, especially for you to be able to name individual faculty members of theirs whom you admire and would like to work with, so this would increase your chances of being accepted at this high-tier research university. Also, my original thinking for why you might want to apply to UC Davis is that since they employ a lecturer who is blind, that might make them just that much more blind-friendly than your average research university.
I hope that helps!
TwinPurpleEagle [OP] 1 points 5y ago
Thanks for the information. I've already applied and been accepted to three small liberal arts colleges in California with a 30k annual merit scholarship so it's too late for that. I did not apply to any of the UC's due to their large size. However, I will certainly keep him and other people I could work with in graduate school.
pintomare11 1 points 5y ago
I know this is completely anecdotal, but I have a friend who is blind and went to a smaller school. She had to transfer to her state's larger school because the smaller school wasn't providing the accommodations she needed. For example, she got her textbooks more than 2 weeks into the semester once (I forgot if she needed them large print or on audio because she uses both) because the school didn't have the software to adapt the book and tired to tell her to just deal with it for a while.
Again, 100% anecdotal but I would definitely go ahead and reach out to the disability center at schools where you want to apply, especially if they're smaller. I know my state school has much better equipment for accommodated testing than my boyfriend who goes to a smaller school.
Again, 100% anecdotal but I would definitely go ahead and reach out to the disability center at schools where you want to apply, especially if they're smaller. I know my state school has much better equipment for accommodated testing than my boyfriend who goes to a smaller school.
CowboyBoats 1 points 5y ago
Congrats, that's huge!
pintomare11 2 points 5y ago
I'm not blind, but I do have other accommodations through my school's DRC. When you get to college, you'll work with the disability resource center to come up with accommodations. You could always try emailing the disability center at the universities you plan to attend and ask them how they've handled accommodations like these in the past or what accommodations they're able to offer in your circumstance.
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