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If you enjoyed these episodes, please like, subscribe, follow and share with someone who cares about accessible STEM, tech and inclusive design.

#STEM #Accessibility #Technology #DisabilityInSTEM #YoungPeople #SquareRootsPodcast #LightyearFoundation

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September 21, 2026 at 9:03 AM
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#BigGiveChristmasChallenge #DoubleYourImpact #STEMForAll #inclusionmatters #lightyearfoundation #stemwithoutlimits #charity #MatchedFunding #ChristmasCampaign #AKOFoundation #givingseason
December 7, 2025 at 1:39 PM
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#BigGiveChristmasChallenge #DoubleYourImpact #STEMForAll #inclusionmatters #lightyearfoundation #stemwithoutlimits #charity #MatchedFunding #ChristmasCampaign #AKOFoundation #givingseason
December 7, 2025 at 1:29 PM
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LightyearFoundation and STEMLearningUK are hosting the STEM and SEND Conference 2025 on 17 June in York!

A one-day event of:
Inclusive STEM strategies, keynotes, workshops, networking opportunities

Book now: www.stem.org.uk/cpd/542682/s...

#SEND #STEM #Inclusion #Education #LightyearFoundation
STEM and SEND Conference | STEM
www.stem.org.uk
June 2, 2025 at 10:29 AM
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If you enjoyed this episode please like, subscribe, follow and share with someone who might benefit from Harrison's story.

#Neurodiversity #Autism #Dyslexia #STEM #MentalHealth #Bullying #YoungPeople #Inclusion #SquareRootsPodcast #LightyearFoundation
September 2, 2026 at 1:03 PM
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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
July 22, 2025 at 1:28 PM
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"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 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.
June 26, 2025 at 3:55 PM
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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] 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.
July 18, 2025 at 12:18 PM
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Youth Group Launch! 🌟

📅 Mon 13 Oct 2025 | ⏰ 6–7pm | 💻 Online (free, live captions)

Join our first session with mathematician & artist Ayliean, leading a fun, inclusive maths activity!🎉

Sign up for free: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lightyear-...

#FutureLeaders #LightyearYouthGroup #LightyearFoundation
[Image Description] A promotional graphic for the Lightyear Youth Group. At the center is a photo of two smiling young people wearing matching purple T-shirts. They are standing indoors, and one of them is holding up a phone to take a selfie with both of them in the frame. Above the photo, the text reads: “Lightyear Youth Group” with the Lightyear Foundation logo underneath. Below the photo, text in purple reads: “Mon 13 Oct 2025 | 6–7pm Online (free, live captions)” The background of the graphic features rows of the molecular Lightyear logo that are faint.
September 24, 2025 at 12:28 PM
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💜 It’s #VolunteersWeek and we’re celebrating our amazing volunteers at Lightyear Foundation!

Thank you for your time, heart, and commitment to breaking down barriers for disabled children. We appreciate you this week - and always!

#ThankYou #InclusionMatters #LightyearFoundation
Illustration on a bright green background with the text 'It's Volunteer Week – We Thank You All.' Five raised hands with colourful hearts in the palms are shown beneath a stylized molecule-like structure made of multicolour circles and lines, symbolizing community and collaboration.
June 6, 2025 at 8:14 AM
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#STEMFutures at #LimeAcademyRavensbourne is boosting confidence and curiosity for PMLD learners

Through sensory STEM play students are exploring freely, taking risks, and making discoveries of their own 🐾🫧🔦🪶

Inclusive STEM makes a real difference

#CuriosityInAction #LightyearFoundation #Avantor
[Image description] A collage of photos titles "STEM Futures funded by Avantor", on a purple background with floating bubbles. The Lightyear Foundation logo sits at the bottom. 6 photos show pupils engaging in different sensory STEM activities: a child reaches towards floating bubbles; a student exploring animal footprints with support from an adult; a learner watching closely as a facilitator models blowing into a tube that launches leaves; another child in a supportive standing frame investigates leaves and water with an adult; a learner with their fingers in their ears ass they blow on a bubble making machine help by a teacher and a final scene shows a learner experimenting with trays of feathers, playdough, and other tactile materials with guidance from an adult.
November 18, 2025 at 6:14 PM
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What an inspiring week at the 14th Intl Conference on Compressors & their Systems! 🎉 First time #LightyearFoundation partnered & we were proud to join 4 brilliant neurodivergent engineers 💡 Huge thanks to #City,StGeorge’s & #Smallpeice Trust! 🙏 #BigGive
[Image description] A collage of photos from the 14th International Conference on Compressors and their Systems, hosted at City, University of London. Top: A large group photo in a lecture theatre, with rows of attendees smiling at the camera. Middle left: A smaller group photo featuring Lightyear Foundation representatives and the sponsored young engineers standing together in front of a Lightyear Foundation banner. Middle right: A panel session with Lightyear Foundation’s logo displayed ona powerpoint, and speakers on stage with the young enineers. The powerpoint reads "Breaking down barriers to disabled and neurodivergent children and young people taking part in STEM". Bottom: The official conference banner, with the City, University of London logo and the text “14th International Conference on Compressors and their Systems, 8th-10th September 2025, City, University of London.”
September 10, 2025 at 2:18 PM
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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] 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.
July 14, 2025 at 3:49 PM
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🔬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
[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.
August 6, 2025 at 12:19 PM
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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 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.
July 10, 2025 at 2:37 PM
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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
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.
July 24, 2025 at 10:44 AM
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If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, follow and share with someone who cares about accessible STEM, tech and inclusive design.

#STEM #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign #AI #Coding #Technology #DisabilityInSTEM #YoungPeople #SquareRootsPodcast #LightyearFoundation
August 28, 2026 at 8:03 AM
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In May we visited Frederick Holmes School and in June we visited Tweendykes School with our delivery partners Immersive Experiences and 230 students visited our immersive planetarium domes and experienced an interactive and engaging multi-sensory experience. 

#lightyearfoundation
August 18, 2026 at 8:02 AM
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These conversations highlighted the importance of inclusion and showed students the wide range of opportunities available in STEM careers.

#lightyearfoundation
July 7, 2026 at 12:02 PM
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The visit provided students with hands-on experiences designed to build confidence and awareness of accessible pathways into education and employment.

#lightyearfoundation #workinspiration
June 24, 2026 at 8:03 AM
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https://www.lightyearfoundation.org/resources/british-sign-language

This project was funded by The Ogden Trust, The Biochemical Society and Bailey Thomas Charitable Fund

#britishsignlanguage #BSL #lightyearfoundation
Lightyear Foundation | Making STEM Inclusive for Disabled Children
www.lightyearfoundation.org
April 28, 2026 at 8:03 AM
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We hope you find them useful for delivering STEM concepts in schools or at home. 

https://www.lightyearfoundation.org/resources/makaton

This project was funded by The Ogden Trust, The Biocehmical Society and Bailey Thomas Charitable Fund

#makaton #lightyearfoundation
Lightyear Foundation | Making STEM Inclusive for Disabled Children
www.lightyearfoundation.org
April 24, 2026 at 5:01 AM
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#EngineeringCareers #motorsport #STEM #FutureEngineers #sendinstem #lightyearfoundation
February 19, 2026 at 8:52 PM
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#lightyearfoundation #workinspiration #engineering #FutureEngineers #sendinstem #howmet #coppiceacademy
February 12, 2026 at 4:58 PM
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#ReachForTheSky #InclusiveSTEM #AviationForAll #DisabledLed #FutureAviators #AccessForAll #LightyearFoundation #DepartmentforTransport #CivilAviationAuthority
December 19, 2025 at 5:04 PM