Underscored by published research and lived experiences alike, there’s no doubt that society relies on Wikipedia, as well as other platforms that draw from Wikipedia’s content. But what happens when policymakers, journalists, healthcare practitioners, educators, caretakers, and others turn to the online encyclopedia seeking information that simply isn’t there?
Thanks to a new $410,000 strategic partnership grant from the WITH Foundation, Wiki Education will build upon our ongoing work to improve and expand Wikipedia’s coverage of healthcare for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, filling in gaps for the benefit of all. This initiative and the work of the disability experts, advocates, and students it will bring to Wikipedia will help ensure more of this missing information is available – and that it’s presented in a more representative, equitable, and accurate way.
“WITH Foundation is deeply gratified to expand our partnership with Wiki Education. Ensuring accurate healthcare information about adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is paramount. Through our continued support of this effort, we are confident that this initiative will continue to empower individuals, families, and professionals with the knowledge they need to foster a more inclusive society and comprehensive healthcare for adults with I/DD.” – Ryan Easterly, Executive Director, WITH Foundation.
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Over the next two years, Wiki Education will run a series of Wiki Scientists courses that will support more than 50 experts in intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) healthcare, including adults with lived experience of I/DD.
Through our Wikipedia Student Program, we’ll also support postsecondary faculty in disability-related fields as they incorporate Wikipedia assignments into their pedagogy. By engaging faculty scholars, we’ll connect their own expertise to the project and the research efforts of their students as they enhance Wikipedia articles on I/DD as part of their academic coursework.
Guided by Wiki Education’s curriculum, resources, and staff support, participants across both the Wiki Scientists courses and the Wikipedia Student Program will tackle gaps in Wikipedia’s coverage of disabilities and disability healthcare information. They’ll work to transform existing articles from short, underdeveloped “stubs” to more thorough and representative content, as well as to create new articles for disabilities and disability healthcare topics still missing on Wikipedia.
How to Get Involved
Learn how to contribute your expertise
Interested in bringing your own expertise or lived experience to these efforts to improve Wikipedia’s coverage of disabilities and disability healthcare? We invite you to register for our upcoming Wiki Scientists courses! Learn more and register today by visiting learn.wikiedu.org.
Incorporate a Wikipedia assignment into your course
Are you a postsecondary instructor in the U.S. or Canada teaching in a disability or disability healthcare field? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to get started with our free resources, digital tools, and staff support to incorporate a Wikipedia assignment into your courses.
Join our Speaker Series event (tomorrow!)
En“abling” Change: How Wiki Education is tackling disability on Wikipedia
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
11 am Pacific / 2 pm Eastern
Register for Zoom link
Panelists:
- Diana Boling, Xavier University School of Nursing
- Ryan Easterly, WITH Foundation
- Skylar Covich, Braille Institute of America
- Terri Hlava, Arizona State University School of Social Transformation
This edition of the Wiki Education Speaker Series will be moderated by Helaine Blumenthal, Senior Program Manager. We invite you to bring questions for our panelists!
