iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Join us for our next Lightyear Youth Group event: Accessible Careers in STEM, a free online event for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 14–25. Date: 21st October 2026 Time: 6pm–7pm Location: Online (Zoom / Google Meet)

A promotional graphic for the Lightyear Foundation’s Accessible Careers in STEM event. The graphic includes a photograph of people chatting around tables at a Lightyear event. Text reads: “Join us for our next Lightyear Youth Group Event: Accessible Careers in STEM. 21st October 2026 | 6pm–7pm | Online. Come along to find out more about accessible careers in aviation and aerospace. Free for young people aged 14–25.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

We’re recruiting for three new roles to join the team at Lightyear Foundation. - Programme Manager - Outreach and Family Learning - Volunteer and Communities Coordinator - Fundraising Assistant

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

A reminder that we recently shared TWO new episodes of the Square Roots podcast.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

We believe that everybody belongs in the world of STEM, and that representation matters. Our Celebrating STEM Stories programme showcases disabled and neurodivergent people who work in or study STEM subjects, use STEM in their everyday lives, or just have a passion for what STEM can offer.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Another brand new episode of the Square Roots Podcast is now live. What happens when a young person discovers that being different isn't a weakness, but a strength?

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

What happens when the technology you use to learn becomes something you help to shape? We have a brand new episode of the Square Roots Podcast.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

One week to go until our next SEND in STEM event! Join our fantastic panel of speakers on September 2nd, 4pm-5pm as we explore access and inclusion in aviation & aerospace, and what we can learn from the sector about how to make careers in STEM more accessible.

Graphic for the Lightyear Foundation’s SEND in STEM event. The background is white with green and purple curved shapes and bubble-like circles. The Funded by UK government, UK Civil Aviation Authority and Lightyear Foundation logos are on the graphic. In the middle are three images, the first is three people sitting behind a desk chatting at a previous event. The second is a group of students stood next to a planes engine. The final image is a group of people boarding a British Airways plane

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

We would like to thank the Joseph & Annie Cattle Trust for their support and grant in providing two immersive sensory science experiences for schools in the area of Hull & East Riding.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

During STEM Horizons we visited three STEM workplaces in Northern Ireland with three special schools. In total 22 students, 12 teachers and 10 venue staff took part in the trips.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Over the past year we have undertaken three work inspiration trips kindly funded by the Night Sky Foundation. 31 disabled and neurodivergent students from three special schools have visited different STEM workplaces to hear about STEM in action and learn about STEM careers. #NightSkyFoundation

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

52 children from Northern Ireland special schools took part in our Lightyear Lab programme as part of our STEM Horizons project. 74% of students learned something new and 70% want to learn more science

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Save the date! Sign-ups are now open for next free SEND in STEM Network event, taking place online on Wednesday September 2nd, 4-5pm.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

We have recently completed a project funded by the F.B. Coales No. 4 (Family) Trust focusing on delivering inclusive STEM outreach to disabled and neurodivergent students at schools in South East London.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

As part of STEM Horizons we went on a Northern Ireland road trip with our delivery partners Immersive Experiences, visiting four Northern Ireland special schools.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

We've recently completed our STEM Horizons project which provided 484 disabled and neurodivergent young people in six special schools across Northern Ireland...

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

On 13th May, 9 students from Samuel Pepys attended a Work Inspiration Trip to Johnson Matthey, where they discovered how science and innovation are helping tackle some of the world's biggest challenges, including climate change, resource scarcity, and energy insecurity.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Work inspiration trip! Students from Cedar Lodge School recently visited Northern Ireland Water for a Work Inspiration Trip exploring the science behind water quality and treatment.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

We're looking forward to the National Secondary Science Conference in York on July 3rd, where the Lightyear Foundation will be deliver a workshop on employment, careers and enrichment for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent young people.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

We're delighted that Lightyear Foundation was invited to attend the second Accessibility and Technology Roundtable, alongside global technology leaders including Google, Microsoft and Meta, and disability organisations such as RNIB, RNID, Sense, Scope, Guide Dogs and Business Disability Forum.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Another inspiring trip! Students from Mitchell House School recently visited Ulster University for a Work Inspiration Trip exploring STEM subjects and future learning opportunities.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

A group of students form Kingsweston School recently visited Airbus for a Work Inspiration Trip exploring aerospace, and careers in the aviation industry. The day began with an introduction to Airbus employees and interns, who shared their experiences and career journeys working in engineering.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

We're recruiting a Finance and Administration Manager (part time) to join the team at Lightyear Foundation.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Meet the speakers for our next SEND in STEM Event! Sign-ups are open, and we're excited to see you online on July 1st, 4pm-5pm.

A promotional graphic for the Lightyear Foundation’s SEND in STEM event. The background is white with green and purple curved shapes. There are two circles with the speakers headshots in them with their names. Along the bottom are participants from a previous event across four circular images.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

A sincere thank you to our funders, partners and supporters. We are deeply grateful for your trust, collaboration and shared commitment to this work.

A family are stood together at a desk where a man is leaning to show them something. There are craft materials on the desk including paper with a gold heart. There is an orange circle in the top corner with the words "A sincere thank you to our funders, partners and supporters"

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

A heartfelt thank you to our trustees, volunteers and wider supporters. Lightyear Foundation’s work is strengthened by people who generously give their time, expertise, lived experience and encouragement to help create a more inclusive future in STEM.

3 people are looking at the camera and smiling widely, they are all wearing lanyards. At the bottom of the image a blue cloud shape background has white text on it that reads "A heartfelt thank you to our trustees, volunteers and wider supporters"

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

On 23rd April, students from Knowle DGE School visited We The Curious in collaboration with UWE Bristol Green Futures for Work Inspiration Trip exploring sustainability, climate change, and green careers.

Graphic of four logos, from top to bottom: Lightyear Foundation, UWE Bristol, West of England Combined Authority and Night Sky Foundation.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

This year, Lightyear Foundation reached more deaf, disabled and neurodivergent young people than ever before. Behind every number is a young person gaining confidence, curiosity, connection and opportunity through inclusive STEM experiences.

Two students are stood in front of an 'Immersive Experiences' banner. they are both holding up a collage they have made and smiling at the camera, one is doing a thumbs up. A purple text box reads "This year, Lightyear Foundation reached more deaf, disabled and neurodivergent young people than ever before"

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

We are proud to publish the Lightyear Foundation Impact Report 2025. This year, we worked directly with 1,895 deaf, disabled and neurodivergent children and young people across the UK - the highest reach in our history.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

On 30th May, students from Melland School visited University of Salford for a hands-on Biomedicine Work Inspiration Trip, introducing them to the world of biomedical science. Stepping into the role of scientists for the day inspired many students, with comments including: “I feel like Scientist”

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

On 22 April, Lightyear Foundation hosted a successful SEND in STEM network event, bringing together a brilliantly diverse group of attendees from across the STEM and charity sectors.

5 images on a purple background with the words 'SEND IN STEM NETWORK EVENT' at the bottom. The images from bottom left, clockwise are 1. a group of attendees with lanyards stood together for a group photo, 2. A large group of people are stood together in a group outside a red brick building. 3. A woman with red hair is smiling broadly. 4. A group of people are sat together chatting at a conference table. 5. Three people are stood together holding a box of colourful objects and a poster.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

This Deaf Awareness Week (4th to 10th May 2026), we’re proud to shine a light on the deaf children and young people who are part of our work, as part of our wider commitment to inclusion in STEM. At Lightyear Foundation, our work is shaped by lived experience.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

We were really pleased to be named finalists at the 2026 Smiley Charity Film Awards – alongside so many powerful and inspiring films from across the sector. At Lightyear Foundation, storytelling is a big part of how we work.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

We are delighted to share our new British Sign Language (BSL) page on our website. This page gives an introduction on BSL, shares some useful BSL and STEM resources and includes videos of 10 STEM signs which might be useful for exploring STEM at home and in the classroom.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

We are excited to share our new Makaton Resources on our website. Watch an introduction to Makaton video where we explain Makaton and its uses, including 10 useful signs for working scientifically.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Earlier this week, we took our Immersive Sensory Science experience to Northern Ireland. Over the week our delivery partner, Immersive Experiences have visited four Northern Ireland Special Schools to deliver immersive pop-up planetarium domes.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Students from Longstone School recently visited Belfast City Airport for a Work Inspiration Trip exploring engineering and technology. They were introduced to airport operations, took part in hands-on STEM activities, and visited the on-site Fire and Rescue Service. #rtetoyshowappeal

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Voting closes for the Smiley Charity Film Awards on 23rd April! We are finalists for the People's Choice Award but we need your help and support.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Sign-ups are closing THIS FRIDAY for next week's SEND in STEM Event! We're excited to see you at the Manchester Deaf Centre on April 22nd, 2pm-5pm.

A promotional graphic for the Lightyear Foundation’s SEND in STEM event. The background is white with green and purple curved shapes and bubble-like circles.
In the middle are three images, the first is someone holding a kettle with steam whilst wearing lab goggles and protective gloves. The second is a group of people from the network wearing lanyards and gathered together for a photos. The final image shares a young person talking with a microphone in front of a Lightyear Foundation banner.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

We would love to welcome you to the launch of a new set of accessible resources designed to support deaf, disabled and neurodivergent young people to engage in STEM learning, including videos of useful BSL signs for key STEM concepts and supporting materials available on our website.

A pink, purple and blue graphic explaining the Signs for Science BSL launch event, with a QR code to register for free in the corner

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

At Lightyear Foundation we celebrate the incredible diversity that exists within the autistic experience and how different autistic lives can look. We understand how important it is that autistic people get the support they need to access the joy, wonder and opportunities that STEM can provide.

A child is smiling widely at the camera and holding up a sheet of paper with gold tape on it. We can see other people walking around in the background. The child is wearing ear defenders and glasses and has a sunflower lanyard around their neck

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

We're delighted to share that we have developed 10 new STEM concepts with The Makaton Charity and we will be launching them at our online event on 23rd April.

A pink, purple and blue graphic explaining the Signs for Science Makaton launch event, with a QR code to register for free in the corner

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

A reminder that we are finalists for the People's Choice Award for the Smiley Charity Film Awards, but we need your help and support to be voted People's Choice.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Only 4 weeks to go until the Lightyear Foundation welcomes you to Manchester for our next SEND in STEM event! We'll have talks, workshops, and plenty of tea and coffee - sign up now to get all of the details. shorturl.at/eSGsD #SENDinSTEM #sendinstemnetwork

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

In January we visited Melland High School with our Immersive Sensory Science experience (funded by Howmet Aerospace) where students got the opportunity to visit the pop-up planetarium dome. Students were very excited ahead of entering the dome, with many saying, “Wow!” when they went in.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

We need your support! We are finalists in the Smiley Charity Film Awards for the People's Choice Awards but we need your vote. Fingers crossed! smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/f…

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week. At Lightyear Foundation we are privileged to work alongside deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent colleagues and collaborators who shape our mission and our impact.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Sign Language Week (16–22 March) is a celebration of British Sign Language and the vibrant culture and community of deaf people across the UK.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

British Science Week is running from 6-16th March and this year the theme is 'Smashing Stereotypes, celebrating the diverse people and careers in science and engineering.

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Lightyear Foundation @lightyear-fdn.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Students from SGS Pegasus School recently visited Tilbury Douglas for a Work Inspiration Trip exploring engineering and construction. They were introduced to the company’s work and learned about the build process, the different roles involved, and the importance of health and safety. #howmet

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