Case studies library
How individuals and organisations are making laboratories more accessible and inclusive.
Filter by topic to explore all case studies on this page by the type of adjustment that was implemented.
If you or your organisation has implemented accessibility solutions that make labs more inclusive for disabled chemists, we invite you to share your story. Please complete the form below and our team will review it as we periodically update this collection.
In addition to (or instead of) filtering by the type of adjustment, you can jump to case studies by our principles for a disability-inclusive lab that they relate to.
Explore by principle:
Accessibility is built into every aspect of laboratory design
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Accessible laboratories by design
A state-of-the-art new science building, including a chemistry laboratory, was opened in 2019, which had accessibility at the heart of its design.
College exclusively for neurodivergent students
An assistant professor working in a college specifically for neurodivergent students has embedded a variety of inclusive teaching practices.
Disabled staff networks driving action
The National Association of Disabled Staff Networks (NADSN) celebrated its tenth birthday in 2024.
Handle to operate foot pedal bins
In a teaching lab, features were included to make the environment more accessible.
Hearing aids and modern building design
A senior academic can teach confidently in labs without experiencing any problems cause by background noise.
Periodic table for people with visual impairments
A modified periodic table intended to reduce strain on vision during lessons.
Practical grassroots initiatives, equipment modifications for accessibility and online experiments
A Facility Manager in a university described a range of practical grassroots initiatives, many of which are designed by and for disabled scientists.
Universal design course and managing adjustments in a university lab
The universal design course was offered to all staff in the department, with versions for academic and for non-academic staff.
Upgrading fumehoods, laboratory furniture and purchasing autosamplers for the NMR service to enhance accessibility
This is a proactive decision by the department to make their labs as accessible as possible for future students and staff.
Using 3D paint on burettes and pipettes
A student in further education was studying Chemistry in order to go on to study Medicine at university.
Inclusive culture is part of everyday laboratory life
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Creation of a dedicated role to liaise between the Chemistry School and disability team
This role included meeting with the students within the lab environment to discuss their individual needs.
Examples of reasonable adjustments in a lab
A senior lecturer in Chemistry at a university supported students with a variety of adjustments during lab sessions.
Health and Safety, EDI and lessons in accommodating adjustments for future students
A Faculty Safety Manager worked in collaboration with others to prepare for the arrival of a prospective student who used a wheelchair.
Labs in rotations
The unpredictable and sensory-overwhelming environment of the laboratory can be inherently challenging.
Disabled people are empowered and influential within laboratories
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Accommodating a student doing forensic lab work
A Forensics lecturer supported a mature undergraduate student with multiple disabilities, enabling them to successfully complete their lab assessment.
Assistance dog
An early career scientist working in an academic laboratory has an assistance dog.
Assistants providing support for lab work for a student with difficulties in co-ordination/fine motor skills
A final year undergraduate student was supported to successfully undertake a final year project in synthetic chemistry.
Deafness and lab safety
A free app in use at a number of universities can help to keep staff and students safe on campus.
Making wire-bound lab notebooks with green paper
A PhD student with Irlen syndrome encounters challenges when reading and writing in black on white paper.
Managing medication side-effects and peer support networks
A research assistant with nocturnal epilepsy has been supported in managing their condition in the laboratory setting in a number of ways.
Remote working - accessing lab data from home
This was in a pre-COVID context, where remote working was less widely practiced.
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Addressing anxiety in a teaching lab, through time adjustments, pre-lab familiarisation and noise management
A teaching fellow and teaching lab manager in a university undertook action research into student anxiety in Chemistry labs.
Co-creation of a course about neurodiversity in HE, including lab-based scenarios
A senior lecturer co-created a course about neurodiversity.
Neurodiversity inclusion through improving communications of policy and procedure
In an industry setting, an 欧美AV project facilitated work with Genius Within to support group coaching and improved approaches to communication.
Systems and policies sustain lasting accessibility and inclusion
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"Remote directed" lab work, where a student worked remotely, instructing a lab assistant wearing a head-mounted camera
Students with very limited independent mobility can participate in synthetic chemistry teaching lab practicals.
Adjustments for student with tremors and mobility challenges
Just before starting their PhD, a student was diagnosed with a functional neurology disorder which effected their mobility and caused tremors.
Comprehensive assessment of the lab environment
A university in Nigeria identified a lack of accessible facilities and resources in the laboratory.
Gradual onset blindness and transition out of a lab
A chemist whose job involved working in a lab was diagnosed with gradual onset blindness.
Noise cancelling/sound muffling headphones
A Disability Coordinator in a university implemented a pilot process for students to use noise cancelling headphones in Chemistry labs.