ACKNOWLEDGING THE INTERSECTIONALITY OF GEOSCIENTISTS WITH DISABILITIES TO GUIDE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESSIBILITY EFFORTS

The geoscience disciplines have implemented a variety of curricular efforts to broaden participation, assess histories of racism and colonization within specific geoscience disciplines, and highlight the lived experiences of marginalized individuals through a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). While these efforts have had substantial financial investment, recruitment and retention for marginalized individuals have not shown significant change. To improve the resources available for the recruitment and retention of underserved scholars, the geosciences must expand its exploration of identity beyond a singular construct, and instead focus on how identities intersect. Most notably, consider the special attention that has been growing regarding geoscientists with disabilities. Disability, the largest marginalized group with over 1 billion individuals worldwide, is an identity that can happen to anyone at any time, especially as we age, and which can intersect with all other forms of identity. This presentation will discuss the intersectional framework of Disability Critical Race theory (DisCrit) in the context of three case studies focused on the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities within the geoscience disciplines. Each case study focuses on geoscientists who identify as both having a disability and belonging to an additional marginalized group to understand how different identities intersect with disability. This call-to-action highlights major themes of social inclusion and belonging, power, safety, and opportunity, along with recommendations from the participants regarding how to design new support resources for the benefit of minoritized individuals. Approaching identity through an intersectional lens can bring attention to the diverse needs of all geoscientists and lay a foundation to advance DEIA across the geoscience disciplines.