by Mimi Montgomery

Scientists, speakers, and role models will gather in Raleigh Nov. 9 to encourage young students with disabilities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

All will be participants in the Museum of Natural Sciences’ STEM Career Showcase, an annual educational event for young students with disabilities. The event introduces students to role models who have thriving STEM careers while managing disabilities of their own. It’s an important dose of inspiration: People with disabilities are currently underrepresented in these fields, but the event’s organizers believe that every kind of mind can make meaningful contributions to STEM advancements.

Young students with disabilities, they say, are able to promote new concepts and nontraditional modes of thinking, making them particularly effective in STEM professions. The event is open to students in grades 6-12 with any disability who perform at or near grade level. It’s an intimate event, where attendees can meet one another and digest important wisdom from museum staff and speakers.

It’s the hope that all will leave inspired and ready to seize opportunities beyond the event itself. The museum is working with N.C. State College of Design students to make exhibits friendlier and accessible to those with disabilities, and is researching ways to incorporate technology throughout the museum to cater to all kinds of visitors.

Nov. 9, 10 a.m. – 12 noon; free, pre-registration is required; 11 W. Jones St.; naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/stem-career-showcase