Lightyear Foundation

Creating opportunities for disabled children in STEM 🚀Immersive Sensory Science🥼Lightyear Labs 👩‍🔬Role Models 🔬Work Inspiration Trips 🤝SEN in STEM Network

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

After careful consideration, the Trustees of Lightyear Foundation have decided to discontinue our presence on X (formerly Twitter). This decision stems from recent changes to the platform that no longer align with our charity's values of inclusivity and respect.

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

@LightYear Our X account will remain active until the end of January 2025, after which it will no longer be maintained. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to engaging with you on these alternative platforms.

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

After careful consideration, the Trustees of Lightyear Foundation have decided to discontinue our presence on X (formerly Twitter). This decision stems from recent changes to the platform that no longer align with our charity's values of inclusivity and respect.

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

You can continue to connect with us through our other social media channels:

Facebook: @LightyearFoundation
Instagram: @lightyearfdn
LinkedIn: @LightyearFoundation
Bluesky: @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

In December, Lightyear hosted a Technology Work Inspiration Trip to @LCFLondon with students from Leaways School. This trip was funded by Night Sky Foundation.

The visit included a virtual try-on session and the students creating mid-air art using VR headsets.

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

Thank you to #FutureFirst, #PlanetPossibility and Institute of Physics without whom this wouldn't have been possible.

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

Ending the year on a high as our Future First project comes to an end after a packed two years of delivering Work Experience Trips, Immersive sensory science experiences, Lightyear labs and more!

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

By integrating these learnings and expanding on the successes of this programme, the Lightyear Foundation continues to empower disabled and neurodivergent young people to explore and excel in STEM.

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

@HertsZoo We spoke about how Lightyear Foundation can support inclusion of disabled and neurodivergent children and young people in the work of UK zoos and aquariums. #hertfordshirezoo

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

Following Em Diserens keynote speech at the BIAZA Conservation Education Conference we were pleased to meet Chris Eley, Education lead at @HertsZoo and Chair of the BIAZA DEAI Working Group, along with his colleague Becky Moore.

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

@360xperiences "Thank you so much for funding the immersive experience, it was honestly the best event we have had in school that meet the needs of all of our pupils! Their observation and tracking skills were amazing and allowed us to continue the scientific skills in the classroom"

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

We recently partnered with @360xperiences to take a pop up dome to Ash Trees Academy where 145 students got to visit the dome throughout the day as part of our Immersive Sensory Science programme, kindly funded by the PA Foundation Ingenious grant.

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

We recently completed a two year project with @FutureFirstOrg with funding and support from the Institute of Physics.

We are proud of the impact and outcomes from this project and are hopeful for the legacy of leaving a lasting framework for accessible STEM education.

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

@TheTECode Jeff Banks, CEO, and Rosie Mellors, Community Manager at Lightyear Foundation shared practical tips for supporting the needs of neurodivergent young people in STEM outreach.

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting a @TheTECode Webinar looking at ways you can foster a neuro-inclusive approach to effectively engage neurodivergent students.

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

@engageWCS @sangerinstitute @emblebi Together, we’re breaking down barriers and building a future where everyone can thrive in STEM. 🌟

 #AccessibilityInSTEM #InclusiveEducation

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

Lightyear Foundation was pleased to deliver our #MakingSTEMAccessible training to 17 enthusiastic staff at the Wellcome Genome Campus in Cambridge, as part of @engageWCS, with staff from @SangerInstitute and @emblebi.

[Lightyear Foundation @lightyear_fdn]

@engageWCS @sangerinstitute @emblebi Led by our CEO, Jeff Banks, the session explored the social model of disability, inclusive communication styles, and practical strategies to create meaningful opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent students.

[Science Creates Outreach @S_C_Outreach]

Last week, we welcomed students from Briarwood School to our Learning Lab in partnership with the charity @lightyear_fdn. The theme of the workshop was plastic pollution, inspired by the work of sustainable materials company @kelpindustries, based at @ScienceCreates.