NDAM's roots go back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with various types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to "National Disability Awareness Month" to address inclusion more broadly.

Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population, which brings more celebration to this month, underneath the umbrella of the  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)  celebrating its 31st anniversary. This month includes:

and given the beauty and complexity of being human, we respectfully nod to disability-related health conditions that are highlighted at other times.  We see you.  You matter.

Accessibility and Disability Services, remains committed to building on past progress and creating inclusive change as we work in partnership with the entire UMBC community, including Facilities Management, Human Resources and Instructional Technology. Student Disability Services provides support for students with disabilities, as education is a path toward progress.   While huge strides have been made with accessibility and inclusion (which can happen via accommodation), people with disabilities still face discrimination and lack of understanding. and has many events planned - the fight for full inclusion remains (Judy Heumann Ted Talk link). 

Join CSJ by viewing and discussing  Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution and take a moment to review UMBC resources, organizations, groups and events that support awareness and inclusion of people with disabilities.

Accessibility and Disability Services

Retriever Integrated Health includes The Counseling Center as counseling (of course) as well as events and group meetings

Retriever Integrated Health also has a range of health services that support campus members of all abilities in the new, very-accessible Center for Wellbeing  across from Erickson Field (D7 on the map).

Student Organizations:

Faculty Group:  Disability Studies Working Group

Oct 27:  Film : Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (flexible viewing times, online discussion at 5p)

Oct 15-17: Superfest Film Festival

Oct 6 at Noon - Campus Accessibility Project Update and Discussion

September 15th marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.  September 15, 16 and 18 celebrate independence for at least six of these countries - which is valued and celebrated especially by community members and luminaries with disabilities.  Respect Ability shares their robust list of luminaries here - and while it does mention Frida Kahlo, an artist who contracted polio at age 6  and survived a horrific bus accident at 18, taking up painting during her recovery, and leaving an indelible mark on the world - other luminaries include:

ADS closes this invitation to celebrate Hispanic/LatinX heritage with Elizabeth Acevedo's powerful poetry, calling forth beauty within the reach of her words.

For campus resources and to request accommodations please reach out to Student Disability Services (for undergraduate and graduate students) or Accessibility & Disability Services.  

NDAM's roots go back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with various types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to "National Disability Awareness Month" to address inclusion more broadly.

Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population, which brings more celebration to this month, underneath the umbrella of the  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)  celebrating its 30th anniversary. This month includes:

and given the beauty and complexity of being human, we respectfully nod to disability-related health conditions that are highlighted at other times.  We see you.  You matter.  Accessibility and Disability Services, remains committed to building on past progress and creating inclusive change as we work in partnership with the entire UMBC community, including Facilities Management, Human Resources and Instructional Technology. While huge strides have been made with accessibility and inclusion (which can happen via accommodation), people with disabilities still face discrimination and lack of understanding. and has many events planned - the fight for full inclusion remains (Judy Heumann Ted Talk link). 

Kick off the month with  Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution and take a moment to review UMBC resources, organizations, groups and events that support awareness and inclusion of people with disabilities.

Accessibility and Disability Services

The Counseling Center has counseling (of course) as well as events and group meetings

University Health Services supports campus members of all abilities.

Student Organizations:

Faculty Group:  Disability Studies Working Group

Oct 2:  Film : Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (flexible viewing times)

Oct 16-18: Superfest Film Festival

Oct 21 at Noon - Campus Accessibility Project Update and Discussion

Oct 28 at Noon, Online -Accessible Course Design and Fixes with Blackboard Ally