History of the IAGD Foundation:
Founded in 2008 as a national advisory group to encourage accessible geoscience instruction, the IAGD began spearheading awareness of improving access, accommodation, and inclusion for students, faculty, and geoscientists with disabilities in the geosciences. In January of 2013, after the advisory began expanding into the global community, the International Association for Geoscience Diversity (IAGD) officially formed with membership approved Constitution and Bylaws, and an elected Executive Committee.
The IAGD Foundation was officially registered as a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization on January 20, 2015. DiG-UK, the first international chapter of the IAGD, was formed in London, England, on June 4, 2018.
Today, the IAGD network is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, and is composed of higher education faculty, staff, and students, geoscience industry representatives, disabilities education researchers, and anyone interested in fostering accessible science. The IAGD Mission remains the same: to promote communities of research, instruction, and student support that improves access to the geosciences for individuals with disabilities. This allows the IAGD to be instrumental in fostering the development of inclusively designed instructional strategies and accessible training opportunities that will ultimately minimize the barriers to the geoscience workforce.
“When I had my spinal cord injury several years ago now, I never thought I would have been able to return to my education – let alone travel or participate in field research. While there are many groups and friends that have assisted me along the way, the International Association for Geoscience Diversity has allowed me to work alongside like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting inclusion for those with similar disabilities like mine. They have shown me that I am not only capable of traveling, but provided me with the opportunity to work in the field and help others in similar situations as myself.”
Sean Thatcher
Rutgers Graduate School – Newark
Check out one of Sean’s experiences with the IAGD during a research trip in Ireland.
SUPPORT THE IAGD FOUNDATION:
Philanthropic support will help the IAGD Foundation achieve its current objectives:
1. Develop after-school and informal programs that focus on accessible earth science instruction for K-12 students with disabilities
2. Facilitate the participation of students and scholars with disabilities in the discipline through research seed funding, graduate student fellowships and travel support to conduct research, and attend and present at regional and national meetings.
3. Enhance the current IAGD inclusive instruction training program by developing new resources and content modules, and offering the workshops more frequently at regional locations.
4. Recognize K-12 teachers, higher-education faculty, and industry professionals who encourage active engagement and participation of students and practitioners with disabilities in the geoscience classroom and workplace.
Make a donation today:
1. Online through PayPal by clicking here or the red Donate button at the top of the page. Although the site says that the money goes to the PayPal giving fund, the money comes straight to the IAGD!
2. Mail: Send a check payable to the IAGD at:
The International Association for Geoscience Diversity
511E Teachers-Dyer Complex
PO Box 210022
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0022
3. Employer-matching gifts:
Take advantage of your employer’s Matching Gift Program to double or triple your donation to the IAGD.
4. Donor-advised funds:
Support of the IAGD Foundation is tax-deductible. A receipt will be provided for all donations.
IAGD EIN # 47-2904005
5. Use Amazon Smile:
If you’re shopping on Amazon, you can set The IAGD as your charity!
6. Shop in our online store:
Buy t-shirts or stickers and support us!
Become a monthly or annual partner:
Help support the IAGD throughout the year! We are always looking for partners to help develop and promote the IAGD Foundation.
Organizations interested in partnering with the IAGD should contact Dr. Chris Atchison via email.
The IAGD is helping to advance access and inclusion in the geosciences for individuals with disabilities through the development of innovative research and instruction.
Did you know?
- The IAGD is a non-profit organization managed by an Executive Committee composed of volunteers. 100% of all donations support the IAGD activities and programs.
- The IAGD provides accessible geoscience field trips and courses that are completely FREE for students with disabilities?
- The IAGD offers professional development workshops to help K12 teachers, as well as instructors and teaching assistants in higher education, develop instructional strategies for engaging and including all students in their classrooms.
- IAGD members in nearly 40 countries around the world are working to broaden participation in the geosciences through accessible learning opportunities and career pathways.
- The IAGD provides a network of resources, social and academic support, and mentoring specifically aimed at helping students to successfully navigate certificate and degree programs, leading to accessible employment in the geoscience industry.
