RSC calls for better career access for chemists with disability
10 Dec 2023
The Royal Society of Chemistry has criticised its sector in a new report charging that it has done too little to provide opportunities for professionals with disabilities, from entry level upwards.
It notes that the number of academics in the chemical sciences with a stated disability comprise just 5.5% of the total. This compares with 23% of the UK’s overall working population.
Those who do gain entry are less likely to have high levels of decision-making power, executive authority, or supervisory responsibilities in their jobs than non-disabled peers, notes the RSC’s new Disability Landscape Report.
Disability and Accessibility Specialist at The Royal Society of Chemistry, Emrys Travis said:
“Creating accessible environments benefits everyone. 10% of our members said they faced disability or health-related barriers, but only 4% said they identified as disabled. This highlights how many may not be accessing the support they need, or even be aware that they could be entitled to support.
However, she added that the number of disabled chemists was increasing, so “it’s never been more important to educate people on the ways in which they can proactively take steps to improve accessibility.”
Although UK employers must by law make “reasonable adjustments” for staff and students with disabilities, the initiative often has to come from concerned or directly affected individuals.
Said Travis: “If more organisations planned environments and processes with inclusion at the front of their minds, so many of these barriers would be reduced or eliminated altogether.
“It’s also important to remember that everyone benefits from environmental changes that increase accessibility. Incorporating access into infrastructure by having step-free access as standard for example would be a big improvement, but there are also processes and policies such as flexible working which would benefit people across the board.”
Report recommendations include better digital access, inclusive events planning, and ring-fenced funding for researchers with disabilities. The RSC has also created a resource hub sharing advice and personal experiences.
Photo:@Marcus Aurelius
Feature: RSC support helped overcome disability challenges.
