40-2 Science for All: Demystifying and Diversifying Research With Accessible Science Communication

Abstract:

Science plays a crucial role in building an informed society, and yet it is greatly diminished without the use of strategic science communication. Research outcomes mean little in public perception when audiences are alienated by inaccessible communication techniques. The issue holds especially true in our relatively novel digital environments that are inundated with a constant flow of new information. While digital formats are incredibly valuable, their use for science communication often excludes much of the population whose disabilities limit their capacity to access digital materials. Disabled people constitute the largest minority group in the United States, encompassing more than 25% of adult Americans. Including the disabled population in science through universal design, such as captions, multimodal delivery, etc., in turn benefits both those within the disability community and millions of others who extend beyond it. Accessible science communication therefore serves as a vital tactic not only to create clarity amid the threat of information overload but also to diversify the audiences who engage with science. Here we develop a portfolio of digital geoscience communication projects focused on disability access to expand the audiences traditionally reached by STEM, along with sharing lessons learned and guidelines developed in the process. Jargon-free, multilingual articles provide more accessible means of receiving information and participating in the scientific process. Social media content similarly reaches wider audiences with alternative text, image descriptions, and colorblind-friendly palettes. This work highlights the importance of accessibility in the modern age for proper inclusion and transparency between researchers and public audiences.

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