senD in stem network
Working together through collaboration, advocacy and innovation to support disabled and neurodivergent children and young people in STEM.
Lightyear Foundation’s SEND in STEM network brings together over 500 people across the sector who are united by a deep commitment to improving opportunities and reducing barriers for disabled and neurodivergent young people in STEM.
Its members include disabled people, disability activists, teachers, parents, policy makers, academics, and people who work or volunteer in STEM and STEM engagement.
SEND in STEM network meetings take place several times per year, and we aim to meet in person once per year.
2026 dates:
April 22nd, Manchester Deaf Centre
July 1st
September 2nd
December 9th
At network meetings, speakers and members share work being done to improve access and inclusion in STEM, discussing best practice, challenges and how to overcome them.
Three meetings took place online in 2025, on the themes of:
Members’ roundtable, led by the Lightyear Foundation
Making lab environments accessible, with Dr. Katherine Deane
Meaningfully engaging young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), with Lime Academy Ravensbourne educators
Network members can contact each other between meetings through the network LinkedIn group, or via our mailing list.
We are grateful to all our network members who generously share their time, knowledge and expertise with the Lightyear Foundation and with each other.
Join the network
You can join the network mailing list by emailing hannah@lightyearfoundation.org.
“Wow! I recently joined a session of the SEND in STEM Network run by Lightyear Foundation, and it genuinely left me inspired. It’s rare to be in a space where everyone is so open, thoughtful, and committed to real inclusion — not just in theory, but in the day-to-day reality of STEM education and engagement. As someone who’s worked in this space for a long time, I’m always learning, and this network gave me a lot to think about. Practical insights, generous conversation, and a shared sense of purpose made it feel like exactly the kind of community we need more of. If your work touches on STEM and inclusion, I really recommend you join.”
SEND in STEM network member, May 2025
