Accessible Astronomy: Policies, Practices, and Strategies to Increase Participation of Astronomers with Disabilities

One outcome of the 2015 Inclusive Astronomy conference was the establishment of
an accessibility/disability advocacy group within professional, US-based astronomy,
organized by a coalition of disabled astronomers and allies and is supported by the
American Astronomical Society (AAS). While the Working Group on Accessibility and
Disability (WGAD) has focused on AAS-led initiatives to increase the accessibility of
publications, databases, and professional meetings, there is an urgent need to
expand these accessibility efforts beyond the professional society and into the wider
astronomical community. Our long-term goals include proactively designing learning
and working environments to be as accessible as possible, the removal of existing
physical, technological, and pedagogical barriers to access, and provision of greater
support for the career progress, promotion, and retention of disabled astronomers
and educators. Progress toward these goals can be made by establishing and then
sustaining a culture of inclusion in which all identities and intersections of identity
are equally represented, while recognizing that progress which liberates one
identity group may not liberate another in the same way. In the decades since the
passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it has become clear that
academic departments and research institutions will only undertake the necessary
cultural and infrastructure changes if motivated by clear guidelines from funding
organizations or ADA non-compliance lawsuits.

In this white paper, we outline the major barriers to access within the educational
and professional practice of astronomy. We present current best practices for
inclusivity and accessibility, including classroom practices, institutional culture,
support for infrastructure creation, hiring processes, and outreach initiatives. We
present specific ways—beyond simple compliance with the ADA—that funding agencies, astronomers, and institutions can work together to make astronomy as a
field more accessible, inclusive, and equitable. In particular, funding agencies
should include the accessibility of institutions during proposal evaluation, hold
institutions accountable for inaccessibility, and support efforts to gather data on the
status and progress of astronomers and astronomy students with disabilities.