Lightyear Foundation

[Image Description] A promotional graphic for the Lightyear Foundation's SEND in STEM Network event titled “Making Labs Accessible”. The event details state it will take place on Wednesday 3rd September, 4–5 pm on Zoom. The graphic mentions speaker Dr. Katherine Deane discussing the Disability Access in Laboratory Environments (DALE) project, followed by a Q&A. A photo of Dr. Deane wearing sunglasses and smiling is on the right side. The Lightyear Foundation’s logo appears on the left. The background features purple and blue cloud shapes with orange and yellow molecule-like designs.

🔬SEND in STEM: Making Labs Accessible

Wed 3rd Sept | 4-5PM (BST)

Join Dr Katherine Deane (UEA) to explore how we can make STEM labs accessible for disabled & neurodivergent researchers.

Register via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/send-in-st...

#SENDinSTEMNetwork #LightyearFoundation

It was so great having you! We can not wait to work with you again soon!

[Image Description] A group of students in light blue uniforms sit at a lab table using pipettes and colourful test tubes during a visit to the Wellcome Genome Campus. The image includes three smaller circular photos: Left is a student in lab coats working with a scientist. Middle is Students in lab coats observing scientists in a science labs through glass. The right shows students in lab coats posing happily together holding their DNA extractions in their hands. The Lightyear Foundation logo is in the top right corner, with text reading: “Work Inspiration Trip to: The Wellcome Genome Campus”

Our biggest Work Inspiration visit yet! 30 Castledon School students explored DNA extraction (meet “Gregg” & “Alfata 42”), pipetting, and life as scientists.

“It’s life changing,” said a teacher.

Thank you Castledon & the amazing Wellcome Genome Campus team!

#FutureScientists #WorkInspiration

[Image Description] An illustration of three animated young people watching a video call on a large screen. A screenshot of six smiling people are on the call, part of the Lightyear Youth Group. The background is purple with a colourful bubble border and the text “lightyear youth group” at the top with the molecular logo to the left of it.

Lightyear Youth Group has launched last week!
A new inclusive community for neurodivergent & disabled young people in STEM.
Led by YOU, evolving with YOUR voices. 💡
First official meeting this autumn! 🍂
Follow us and DM for how to join!
#YouthLed #STEM #Inclusion #LightyearYouthGroup

A child in a white lab coat holds a blue test tube over a measuring cup filled with yellow liquid and colorful objects. Overlaid text reads: “Can you pledge? Pledge today and double our impact!” Logos for The Big Give and Lightyear Foundation are visible in the corner.

Double the Impact!
Pledge £100+ before 29 Aug to unlock match funding for children with disabilities in STEM.
Your gift = double the resources, double the joy, double the change.
Already pledged? ❤️ Like, repost & tag a friend!

community.biggive.org/s/pledge?cam...

#DoubleTheImpact #BigGivePledge

Image 1 Description: A colorful promotional graphic for the Lightyear Foundation Youth Group event. A young person enthusiastically holds a microphone and points to the side while standing in front of banners that read “Lightyear Foundation”. The image is framed by a border of multicolored circles. Below the photo is a purple banner with the event logo, a QR code, and text: “1 Week to go! Follow the QR code above to book your spot for FREE 30 JULY 2025 | 2:00–3:15 PM | ONLINE”

Image 2 Description: A smiling man, Khalil Thirlaway, stands confidently in front of a vibrant background showing a globe. He wears a black shirt with a bold peace-symbol-like design. On the right, white text on a purple background states "Meet our Speakers:" and then introduces him: “Khalil Thirlaway Biologist and science communicator who brings science to life through podcasts, games, comedy, and more. Khalil shares how neurodivergence shapes his relationships with science, creativity and the world we live in.” Event date and logo appear at the bottom within a multi-coloured circular border.

Image 3 Description: A speaker named James Arthur is shown mid-talk, holding a microphone and standing in front of a projected slide that says “I HAD AN IDEA.” James has curly hair, wears glasses, and is dressed in a patterned shirt and vest. The right side of the image features the words "Meet our Speakers" and then their introduction on a purple background with colorful circular border: “James Arthur Math communicator, consultant, and comedian who screams about maths all day (their words!), while navigating dyslexia and dyspraxia. From BBC Radio 4 to vineyards in France, James makes complex ideas playful and proves math can be deeply human and wildly fun.” Event details and logo are shown at the bottom.

Image 4 Description: A headshot of Kirsty Jones smiling warmly, wearing a white blouse. The background is neutral. The right side of the image features text stating "Meet our Speakers" and is introducing her against a purple background bordered with colorful circles: “Kirsty Jones A biologist and lecturer passionate about microbiology, yeast stress responses, and disability inclusion in STEM. Kirsty champions accessibility in science and is a powerful voice for making research spaces more equitable for everyone.” Event details and the Lightyear Foundation Youth Group logo are at the bottom.

1 week to go 🚀
Join us online on 30 July, 2–3:15 PM for talks on STEM, creativity & inclusion

Featuring:
• Khalil Thirlaway (science & neurodivergence)
• James Arthur (maths & comedy)
• Kirsty Jones (disability in STEM)
• Lightyears own Hannah and Sammy

#LightyearFoundation #LightyearYouthGroup

Great day with #BriarwoodSchool for a work inspiration trip to #ScienceCreates 🌿

With hands-on science making seaweed pods as a plastic alternative. Ending with a tour of Science Creates incubator.

Real science, real inspiration🌍

#LightyearFoundation #PlasticAlternatives #WorkInspirationTrips

[Image Description] A celebratory graphic split into two parts. The top half features a vibrant purple and blue banner announcing that a charity has been "SHORTLISTED 2025" for "Small Charity of the Year" in the Third Sector Awards, sponsored by Ansvar. The bottom half shows a joyful student in a purple school uniform (from “Watson School”) sitting in a classroom. She is smiling brightly while holding a small handmade model car, suggesting an engaging STEM-related activity. The atmosphere is lively and inspiring, emphasizing inclusion, education, and innovation.

We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for Small Charity of the Year at the #ThirdSectorAwards! 💥

Proud to be a disabled-led org making STEM accessible for all.

Congrats to our fellow finalists and thanks to everyone involved in the awards.

#STEMforAll #DisabilityInclusion #LightyearFoundation

[Image Description] In the large central image, a woman sits on the floor smiling holding a green ball, surrounded by scattered colourful balls. A young girl in pink, wearing a red crash-hat, crouches nearby, reaching for a ball. Surrounding the main image are four smaller circular frames: Top left (blue frame): A woman helps a young boy push a ball through a long orange tube. Top right (green frame): A young girl reaches into a bucket full of multicolored balls. Bottom left (pink frame): A child focuses intently on blowing up a green baloon. Bottom center (yellow frame): Two children work together with large cardboard tubes on a blue tarp. Bottom right corner: STEM Futures Logo with supporting schools, including Lightyear Foundation, and Avantor. The background features playful polka dots in vibrant colours, adding to the cheerful and dynamic atmosphere.

A brilliant first sensory STEM Futures session with the amazing #LimeAcademyRavensbourne crew!

From playdoh to ping pong balls, learners explored science their way - hands-on, and inclusive💜

Huge thanks to #Avantor for making it happen!

#STEMFutures #AvantorFoundation #LightyearFoundation

[Image Description] A group photo featuring a diverse group of disabled and neurodivergent young people and adults, including individuals with visible disabilities, standing together and smiling in front of a solid pink background and tint with some making peace signs or gestures of celebration. One young person in the centre is seated in a wheelchair. At the top of the image, large white text reads: "Disability Pride Month" At the bottom, in smaller white text, it says: "Freedom is not just about removing barriers – it's about making STEM a space where everyone belongs." In the bottom right corner is the logo for the Lightyear Foundation, which includes a small stylized atom icon.

It’s #DisabilityPrideMonth! We're celebrating the strength, creativity & diversity of the disabled community.

At #LightyearFoundation, we’re making STEM a space where young people are empowered to lead, create & thrive.

Want to help? Follow, share or connect - inclusion starts with action.

[Image Description] Two children are sitting side by side in a classroom setting, smiling and laughing with joy. Both are wearing white polo shirts with circular blue stickers on them. The child on the right is holding a small model car, suggesting they are participating in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activity. The background shows other students and classroom furniture, indicating an engaging and inclusive learning environment. There is a light blue boarder. In the top right corner, the Lightyear Foundation logo is visible. At the bottom, a podcast episode promotion reads: "#337 Breaking Barriers to STEM with Lightyear Foundation – Engineering Matters Awards winners episode Engineering Matters" To the left of the episode promotion is a QR code for Spotify. To the right is an apple podcase logo.

New on the #EngineeringMatters podcast:
"Breaking Barriers to STEM with Lightyear Foundation"

Hear how our disabled-led team is reimagining STEM with sensory science, labs & real leadership for young people.

🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6Geg...

#DisabilityInSTEM #LightyearFoundation

[Image Description] A promotional graphic for the Lightyear Foundations Big Give campaign. A bright blue background with the Big give logo at the top with pink horizontal zig zags eitherside. Beneath are the words "COUNT DOWN!" in white with a small pink rectangle underneath with the words "PLEDGE TODAY". In a small white cloud like shape it says "7 weeks" with the lightyear logo to the left. At the bottom of the graphic are the words "Pledge £100 and double the impact"

The countdown is on!
You’ve got 7 weeks to pledge £100 or more and help us unlock match funding to inspire more children with disabilities through STEM.

📅 Deadline: 29 August
🎯 This is how we Double the Impact. Are you in?

🔗 Pledge today: community.biggive.org/s/pledge?cam...

[Image Description] A promotional graphic for the "Lightyear Foundation Youth Group." It features a colorful dot border around a purple background. At the top, a grid of six people including three young people in a video call is shown. Underneath is the groups name "Lightyear Foundation Youth Group.", to the left is the Lightyear foundation Logo and QR code for free booking. Under this is the text "Follow the QR code above to book your spot for FREE". Below again is the event details "30 JULY 2025 | 2:00-3:15 PM | ONLINE." The bottom text is "The Lightyear Youth Group is a place to meet people like you, have new experiences, and make your voice heard." All white text in front of a dark purple background.

Are you 14–25, D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent, and passionate about STEM?

Join us online on 30th July, 2:00–3:15pm for the Lightyear Youth Group launch.

Free to attend, just scan the QR code, and we will see you there

#LightyearFoundation #LightyearYouthGroup #YouthLeadership

[Image Description] A vibrant collage showcases scenes from the Rochdale Science Extravaganza, featuring families and children engaging in hands-on science activities. The collage has a playful green and purple scalloped border, with the event name ""Rochdale Science Extravaganza"" prominently displayed in the center in bright green text against a purple background. The top photo shows a family interacting with Patch (a Lightyear Lab Lead) at a table where two children are working on a STEM activity involving circuits or simple electronics using copper tape in the shape of a heart and batteries. The bottom left photo captures a young person wearing a black shirt that reads ""I’M NOT MISBEHAVING I HAVE AUTISM"" as they concentrate on crafting their science project. The bottom middle photo shows the event space with a banner from the Lightyear Foundation, an organization dedicated to making STEM inclusive for disabled children. The facilitator kneels to talk to a young boy and girl while the family looks on. The bottom right photo features the same young person proudly holding up their completed project, smiling at the camera.

We had an amazing time at the Rochdale Science Extravaganza, a space where science truly is for everyone!

From sensory circuits to inclusive STEM fun, it was a joy to see families engaged and SEND participants feeling seen, heard, and equal.

#LightyearFoundation #RochdaleScienceExtravaganza

A collage of photos with the words "Work Inspiration Trip at: Wellcome Genome Campus" across the top. The background image shows students in white lab coats seated around a table in a lab, with a bright screen displaying vibrant scientific images (plants, animals, cells). Five smaller circular photos are layered on top of the background image. Two of the images are positioned underneath the title: The left one shows a student pipetting a blue liquid into a microplate. The right shows two students sitting opposite each other, both placing their pipettes into different test tubes filled with red, yellow, blue, and green liquid. There are three images at the bottom of the collage: The left image shows two pairs of hands squishing strawberries in a zip-lock bag. The middle image shows a student pouring their squished strawberries into a funnel lined with filter paper, which is dripping liquid into a jug. The right image shows a hand holding a toothpick, with a large blob of strawberry DNA at the tip. The Lightyear Foundation logo is in the top right corner, and all the images are bordered in yellow.

We took 12 Granta School students to the Wellcome Genome Campus.
DNA, pipettes, lab tours, and big science energy!
“I got a really big bit of DNA!”
“It was so calming pipetting... like yoga.”
Huge thanks to the Wellcome team for the inspiration! 💜
#DNA #LightyearFoundation #WorkInspirationTrips

[Image Description] A vibrant promotional graphic for the Lightyear Foundation Youth Group. The top half shows two young people smiling wearing purple squareroot podcast tops shirts, one of whom is holding a phone and taking a selfie with the other. The bottom half of the image contains event details on a purple background, framed with colorful, overlapping circles in green, yellow, orange, pink, and blue. The text reads: "Lightyear foundation Youth Group. SAVE THE DATE. 30 July 2025 | 2:00–3:15 PM | Online. Reach out to us or keep your eyes on our social media for more information!"

Disabled & neurodivergent young people (14–25) - this is your space!
Ever felt like STEM wasn’t for you? Let’s change that.
Join us for the launch of the Lightyear Foundation Youth Group
🗓️ 30 July | ⏰ 2:00–3:15 PM |📍Online
A space with and for you, where your voice leads.
More info coming soon 👀

[Image Description] A collage of 2 screenshots from Lightyear Foundation’s 2nd STEM Futures Community of Practice virtual session. The top image shows a presentation slide titled “STEM at West Kirby” with a colourful diagram illustrating different elements of their whole-school STEM approach. Around the slide are video call participants, including educators and presenters. The bottom image shows another slide titled “How Can a STEM Strategy Help?” with key points about making STEM inclusive, accessible, and neuro-affirming. More participant video feeds are visible, with smiling faces and engaged expressions. Between the 2 screenshots are the Lightyear Foundation and STEM Futures logo, and the overall design is framed in a light purple and yellow.

This week’s #STEMFutures Community of Practice asked: what does inclusive STEM look like in special schools?
Huge thanks to #WestKirbySchool for sharing their brilliant approach. More of this here: wkrs.co.uk/stem
Key message: Reduce barriers, involve families, prepare learners beyond the classroom.

[Image Description] A promotional collage for the Rochdale Science Extravaganza 2025 by Lightyear Foundation. The central section features event details in green and purple text: Join us at: Rochdale Science Extravaganza. Date: Sunday, 29th June 2025. Time: 10:30am – 4:30pm. Venue: Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre. FREE entry; no booking needed Surrounding the central panel are six photos: Top left and bottom left: Lightyear Foundation staff engaging with attendees at an information stand.Top right: A dark planetarium setting showing glowing microscopic creatures. Middle right: A smiling person sitting at a table with sensory tech and colorful play materials. Bottom right: A group of people viewing an immersive Earth science projection. The Lightyear Foundation logo and branding appear throughout. The overall tone is vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming.

"We’ll be at the #RochdaleScienceExtravaganza this Sunday!

Join us for hands-on STEM fun with circuits and electricity, plus a sensory planetarium session at 11am from #ImmersiveExperiences.

FREE entry, no booking needed. Come say hi!

#RochdaleScienceFestival #LightyearFoundation"

[Image description] A collage featuring two photos from recent STEM Futures school visits. The top photo is taken in a brightly lit room with large windows. Three people are smiling at the camera. Left to right, Jeff (the CEO), Jade (STEM Futures program manager), and Libbie (Assistant principle: accessibility and digital applications at The Oaks Specialist Collage). The bottom photo left to right shows Lisa (Assistant Head of Lime Academy, Ravensbourne), Kylee and Jeff again. At the centre of the collage is the STEM Futures logo, alongside partner and funder logos. The collage has a bright pink border, giving it a vibrant, welcoming feel.

Last week our CEO was thrilled to meet two of our amazing STEM Futures schools - #TheOaksSpecialistCollege and #LimeAcademyRavensbourne!
Together with students and staff we’re building a future where STEM is truly for everyone.

#STEMFutures #InclusiveSTEM #STEMforAll #LightyearFoundation

[Image Description] A colourful promotional image of the Lightyear Foundation core team. In the centre foreground, six smiling people stand side by side against a purple background. Left to right is Yoli (Personal assistant to the CEO), Jeff (The CEO), Hannah (Communities and Partnerships Programme Manager), Peter (Chair of the Board of governors), Michelle (Lead Administrator) and Emma (Senior STEM Outreach Programme Manager). Above them is the Lightyear Foundation logo with the tagline: “Breaking down barriers to disabled and neurodivergent children and young people taking part in STEM.” underneath. Surrounding the logo and tagline are circular photos showing young people engaging in various STEM activities, such as exploring science exhibits, using accessible tech, and participating in workshops. The background is purple with multicoloured circles, and the image is bordered in bright orange.

It’s Small Charity Week 💜
At Lightyear Foundation, we may be small - but we’re making a big difference.

We’re working to open up STEM for disabled & neurodivergent young people across the UK.

Small charities. Big impact.

#SmallCharityWeek #MakingADifference #InclusiveSTEM #SEND #STEMforAll

Thanks for the repost @hr-stagg.bsky.social! If you have a STEM story we would love to hear it!

Thanks for sharing @the-quantum-ace.bsky.social! Help us keep amplifying diverse vioces! If you’ve got a story to share (or know someone who does) we’d love to hear it.

Thank you for the repost @acescicomm.bsky.social! Know someone with a story to tell or have one yourself? We’d love to feature it as part of our celebration of disabled and neurodivergent voices in STEM.

We appreciate the repost @grb090423.bsky.social. Let’s keep spotlighting the voices that make STEM more inclusive and inspiring for everyone! If that is you then we would love to hear your STEM story!

Thanks for the repost @hanaayoob.co.uk. If you or someone you know has a story to share, we’d love to hear it!

Thanks so much for the repost @animalsexpert.bsky.social We’d love to hear your (or someone you know) STEM story!

[Image description] A two-panel collage with a green border. Top panel: Sign for The Oaks Specialist College with the text ""Skills for Independence & Employment."" Bottom panel: A smiling group selfie at the Experts by Experience Accessibility Showcase, with three Lightyear Foundation team members in the foreground and other attendees in the background. The Lightyear Foundation logo appears in the corner. Text below reads: ""Experts by Experience"" Accessibility Showcase.

What a pleasure being at the "Experts by Experience" Showcase at #TheOaksSpecialistCollege!
Five brilliant students shared how they use assistive tech in everyday life. Truly creative practical, and inspiring.
We're excited to see what they have in store for the future!
#STEMFutures #AssistiveTech

A screenshot of a virtual training session titled "Summary of best practice", with a slide listing key principles like Personalisation, Consistency, Collaboration, Environment, Communication Support, and Wellbeing First. Nine smiling participants are visible in the video call, including teachers and facilitators. The slide features an image of a young child sitting on colourful classroom steps and another holding an astronaut model, amid space rockets and colourful balls representing planets.

Last week we finished some training sessions with one of our STEM Futures partner schools.
From personalisation to wellbeing-first approaches, it’s inspiring to see inclusive practice in action.
Together, we’re building a more inclusive future for STEM.
#STEMFutures #InclusiveLearning

Huge thanks to everyone who joined the STEM and SEND Conference 2025 in York! 💡 It was a powerful day of inclusion, innovation & practical ideas for making STEM accessible to all learners. Let’s keep the momentum going!
#STEMinclusion #SENDeducation

Nominate now! - Movement for Good awards We could receive £5,000 in the Movement for Good draw.

Lightyear Foundation needs your nomination!
We’re eligible for a £5,000 grant via the @BenefactGroup Movement for Good special draw (16–22 June), supporting charities working with children and young people.
Nominate bit.ly/NominateLigh...
#MovementForGood #LightyearFoundation #ChildrenAndYoungPeople