Disability-inclusive laboratories remain out of reach for many scientists, according to a new report from the Royal Society of Chemistry examining accessibility across chemistry research environments. The report, Disability-Inclusive Laboratories in the Chemical Sciences, explores how laboratory accessibility and inclusive lab design affect disabled scientists working in academic and industrial laboratories.
Drawing on more than 400 survey responses, 29 case studies, and 15 interviews, the report finds that physical barriers, inconsistent adjustment processes, and workplace culture continue to shape who can safely and effectively work in chemistry labs. For lab managers, the findings frame disability-inclusive laboratories as an operational issue tied to safety, staffing, and long-term retention.
Disability-inclusive laboratories face persistent physical barriers
The report identifies fixed-height benches, narrow walkways, standing-only equipment, and multi-floor laboratories without lift access as common barriers in chemistry labs. Disabled respondents reported delays in completing experiments, increased reliance on colleagues for routine tasks, and elevated safety risks when working in spaces not designed with accessibility in mind.
Environmental conditions also affect laboratory accessibility. Many respondents cited sensory overstimulation from ventilation systems, alarms, pumps, and bright lighting. Neurodivergent chemists were particularly likely to report difficulty concentrating, communicating, or remaining in the lab for extended periods, sometimes leading to missed lab sessions or shifts away from wet-lab work altogether.
Laboratory accessibility adjustments remain reactive
While many institutions have policies addressing accessibility, the report shows that laboratory accessibility adjustments are often implemented reactively rather than embedded into standard lab operations. More than half of disabled respondents reported delays in receiving adjustments, and many described situations where requested changes were never implemented.
Several inclusive lab design features were widely viewed as beneficial but were rarely available as standard. These included height-adjustable benches and fume hoods, adjustable lighting, automatic doors, ergonomic seating, enlarged labels, assistive software, and clear color contrast throughout lab spaces. Both disabled and non-disabled respondents rated these features as useful for improving safety and workflow efficiency.
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How disability-inclusive laboratories affect lab operations and safety
For lab managers, the report emphasizes that disability-inclusive laboratories do not require costly overhauls but benefit from proactive planning. Incorporating inclusive lab design into renovations, equipment procurement, and space planning can reduce workflow disruptions, lower injury risk, and support a wider range of staff needs.
The Royal Society of Chemistry concludes that improving laboratory accessibility strengthens not only equity but also lab performance. By embedding accessibility into everyday decisions, lab managers can create safer, more flexible laboratory environments that work better for everyone.
This article was created with the assistance of Generative AI and has undergone editorial review before publishing.
