Join us for a discussion about the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals Zero Barriers! guide. This is a new, free educational resource from the Smithsonian Science Education Center that supports students to investigate and address barriers to accessibility in their community by using STEM and social science tools. During this accessibility conversation, educators, researchers, and students will share their lived experiences and perspectives. 

This webinar will be recorded, and available to watch at a later date.

Meet the Panelists!

Khadijah Thibodeaux is a Senior Science Curriculum Developer at the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC). Khadijah joined the SSEC in 2023 to support the development of Smithsonian Science for Global Goals community research guides. Before joining the SSEC, Khadijah was a middle school science teacher serving the historically underrepresented and under-resourced community of South Dallas. Her role in the classroom and work at the Smithsonian reflect her passion for creating engaging, accessible, and inclusive science learning experiences. Khadijah has a Master’s Degree in Education from Southern Methodist University concentrated in Urban Education, where she focused extensively on Universally Designed Learning and Asset Based Pedagogies. She also has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from Pomona College.

Caroline Weaver has a BA in Psychology from the University of Denver and an MSEd in Education, Culture, and Society from the University of Pennsylvania, with a concentration in Community Action and Social Change. She worked in a research lab studying learning disability diagnosis for three years and has since developed resources that help students with learning disabilities engage in self-advocacy. A neurodiverse learner herself, Caroline believes all students deserve accessible pathways to understanding their learning profiles, advocating for their needs, and accessing meaningful support. Currently, Caroline teaches 9th and 11th grade English at a school for students with learning disabilities.

Elizabeth Alves is a New Jersey advisor and advocate with more than two decades of experience at the intersection of special education, leadership, and systems change. Elizabeth currently serves at Benway School in Wayne, New Jersey — a state-approved therapeutic out-of-district placement for students with complex emotional, behavioral, and learning needs — where she has served as literacy coach, STREAM coach, transitions coordinator, and engagement specialist. In that role, she built and managed the school’s social media presence, developed communications for Child Study Teams and families, led marketing strategy, and contributed to a 12% enrollment increase through strategic stakeholder relationship-building.

Zippi Abramson is an intern with the Inclusion Team at the Smithsonian Science Education Center. She is a recent graduate of Stockton University with a major in Hospitality and a minor in Disability Studies. At Stockton, she served on Student Senate, the ADA-504 Committee, the School of Business Deans Advisory Committee, and founded Stockton Spoonies, the first club for disabled students. She will be attending George Washington University this coming fall to earn her Master’s in Hospitality, continuing a focus on accessibility in event spaces.