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Exploring accessibility in data science showed me how inclusion can open doors for every student, no matter their abilities.
I’m Rylee, a senior at Plainview High School and a dual-enrollment sophomore at Northeast Alabama Community College. I love superhero and sci-fi stories, music, and space, and I plan to study Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics and Astronomy at UAH after graduation. This summer, I interned remotely with the education team at QuantHub and focused on a project very personal to me: making data science more accessible.
As someone who is hard of hearing and a hearing aid user, I know firsthand how important accessibility is. My project asked: How do we remove barriers for students with sensory loss in data science? I researched how deaf and blind students experience STEM, explored national data on sensory disabilities, and looked for ways to make learning platforms more inclusive.
“We should encourage those with sensory disabilities rather than bar them in the beginning.”
I examined barriers in tools like videos that lacked captions and data visualizations that couldn’t be read by screen readers. My solutions included using AI to create transcripts, adding alt text for visuals, and exploring innovative methods like sonification and refreshable tactile displays. Alongside research, I completed QuantHub lessons on data storytelling, machine learning, and cybersecurity, attended Sloss Tech to learn about AI and future opportunities for public speaking, and connected with peers through FuelAL and Huntsville networking events.
This experience not only built my technical skills but also gave me confidence to advocate for change. I learned more about how research and education grants work, gained professional connections, and practiced accountability in a remote setting. All of this is preparing me for my next big step: pursuing a NASA internship.
I’m grateful to the Alabama Data Scholars program, QuantHub, and my mentor for helping me see how accessibility and data science can work together to build a more inclusive future.
