International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022 (UN) Disability-inclusive leadership and participation matters

December 3rd is the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, honoring the United Nation's commitment for promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities - more than 1 billion people worldwide are in this demographic, the world's largest minority. The day raises awareness of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of disability that affects people around the world. 

The theme for 2022 is transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world.  The theme reflects recent consideration of the impacts of COVID-19, climate change, and the invasion Ukraine. More information about the UN Virtual New York Commemoration event, including registration is linked here.

UMBC is recognizing this important day with the screening of the documentary, I Didn't See You There on Monday December 5 at 4p in Admin 101 (link) - please join us for this award-winning film, which will be followed by discussion/Q&A.


Working toward an accessible future is everyone's responsibility. As a campus, we engage together to create a future which insists that people are not needlessly excluded due to health conditions that create substantial limitations in how people engage with the world. Report barriers when you encounter them - at UMBC our accessibility concern form is available 24/7 to report any issues that arise: https://accessibility.umbc.edu/report-campus-accessibility-concern/.

UMBC's Accessibility & Disability Services partners with the entire campus community -departments, groups, and individuals - to overcome barriers. Student Disability Services  is a resource for all students with disabilities.

If there is an accessibility concern on campus - report it via this linked form.  With Facilities Management maintenance or repair reporting - the best, first step is to report it to Work Control via 410-455-2550 or Workorder@umbc.edu.  For residential hall repair conditions, non-emergencies can be reported to http://fxit.umbc.edu, and emergencies can be called in to the FXIT line: 410-455-3948.

Looking for more content?  ADA Live Episode 88 discusses IDPD

Need a theme song?  Artist James Ian's song "Spaces" and inclusive, collaborative process with his Spinal Muscular Atrophy community were recently featured on CANVAS (link).  Spaces song link.

Photo still from I Didn't See You There documentary accompanies this post: Closed reflective doors with fill the screen, showing a large red circus tent with a silouhette of a man in a power wheelchair in the foreground.




]]> December 3rd is the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, honoring the United Nation's commitment for promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities - more than 1... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/111721 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/129203/guest@my.umbc.edu/59b7d09f01e32c78226a0d1d3f9dcbde/api/pixel access accessibility accommodation day disability international nations person service technology umbc united Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/203/27d62d2fe6e72d9180f1df013624b3fa/xxlarge.jpg?1668628405 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/203/27d62d2fe6e72d9180f1df013624b3fa/xlarge.jpg?1668628405 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/203/27d62d2fe6e72d9180f1df013624b3fa/large.jpg?1668628405 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/203/27d62d2fe6e72d9180f1df013624b3fa/medium.jpg?1668628405 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/203/27d62d2fe6e72d9180f1df013624b3fa/small.jpg?1668628405 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/203/27d62d2fe6e72d9180f1df013624b3fa/xsmall.jpg?1668628405 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/203/27d62d2fe6e72d9180f1df013624b3fa/xxsmall.jpg?1668628405 6 0 false Tue, 15 Nov 2022 18:14:33 -0500 Wed, 16 Nov 2022 15:00:04 -0500 Diabetes Awareness Month Begins Today It's about insulin, then small steps to support well being
Diabetes Awareness Month is celebrated in November, where we call attention to a serious health condition that is no laughing matter with its need for monitoring and management, as well as its intersection with disability and mortality.  November includes World Diabetes Day (November 14th) which was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization to recognize growing concerns about escalating health threats posed by diabetes. In 2006, it was recognized by the UN, and is celebrated on the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

Diabetes has a wide global reach and fits within the definition of a disability, and sometimes concerns about its flares (especially with Type 1) have graduate and undergraduate students reach out for on-campus resources, such as 

The students with UMBC College Diabetes Network Chapter let us know that their national organization has been renamed to The Diabetes Link, with the tagline: Diabetes does not define you, but does define us, we exist to support and empower you. The students' recommended Diabetes Resources for young adults include:

 

Get more details on the UMBC Diabetes Link chapter by reaching out via this link.
]]> Diabetes Awareness Month is celebrated in November, where we call attention to a serious health condition that is no laughing matter with its need for monitoring and management, as well as its... https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/national-diabetes-month https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/128872/guest@my.umbc.edu/bdf3e2d8cca65b763575384a2e93b818/api/pixel awareness chronic condition diabetes disability health insulin metformin month sds student Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/872/93c4f418d5325f892575fa61c402eaa8/xxlarge.jpg?1667310566 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/872/93c4f418d5325f892575fa61c402eaa8/xlarge.jpg?1667310566 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/872/93c4f418d5325f892575fa61c402eaa8/large.jpg?1667310566 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/872/93c4f418d5325f892575fa61c402eaa8/medium.jpg?1667310566 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/872/93c4f418d5325f892575fa61c402eaa8/small.jpg?1667310566 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/872/93c4f418d5325f892575fa61c402eaa8/xsmall.jpg?1667310566 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/872/93c4f418d5325f892575fa61c402eaa8/xxsmall.jpg?1667310566 4 0 false Tue, 01 Nov 2022 10:16:48 -0400 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 10:23:47 -0400 38.3 Million Voters -The Power of the Disability Vote Early Voting has Begun, Every Vote Matters

In-person elections happen on  November 8, 2022, but early voting has already begun. The  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers voting, so polling places should be accessible and offer support if needed due to disability. For more information on the ADA and voters with disabilities, please visit the ADA website on voting linked here.  

In this linked article, Social Security outlines how to support Voters with Disabilities Participate in the Democratic Process via the Election Assistance Commission.

You can call 866-Our-VOTE - a non-profit Election Protection group - to speak to people about voting questions and get ideas on assistance. State election websites also have a menu item for "accessible voting". For example, here is the state of Maryland's webpage for Voters with Disabilities.  

Also, the Center for Democracy and Civic Life has Voter Information posted here for Maryland and all other states. UMBC has a ballot collection box on our accessible campus in The Commons (available until 8p on Election Day 11/8) - check your Official Election Mailing, or online for the polling place/option that works best for you. More information from the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, such as checking registration status and requesting a mail-in ballot by November 1, is linked here.

Voting in Maryland - How to register, find your polling location, etc..

Want to know more about candidates in the context of disability - RespectAbility.Org sends out a detailed questionnaire  to candidates - the 2022 RespectAbility.org Maryland Voter Guide is linked here. Other states/responses are also within their website.


Voting in Virginia

https://www.elections.virginia.gov/

The ARC of Northern Virginia had a forum with Congressional candidates to discern where they stand on disability issues in August which can be viewed  at https://thearcofnova.org/events/2022-meet-the-candidates-forums/. 

Additional campus-based resources for people with disabilities and their allies include:

A photo of a knitted vertical VOTE sign on a blue sleeve encircling a tree trunk accompanies this post. Credit: Manny Becerra via unsplash.com
]]> In-person elections happen on  November 8, 2022, but early voting has already begun. The  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers voting, so polling places should be accessible and offer... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/126868/guest@my.umbc.edu/a2d68e19e7e90c0893f413f9e62c21f6/api/pixel access accessibility ada assistance ballot candidate commission disability election issue maryland virginia voting Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/868/340918286366b0af8836de354ef78047/xxlarge.jpg?1666725325 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/868/340918286366b0af8836de354ef78047/xlarge.jpg?1666725325 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/868/340918286366b0af8836de354ef78047/large.jpg?1666725325 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/868/340918286366b0af8836de354ef78047/medium.jpg?1666725325 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/868/340918286366b0af8836de354ef78047/small.jpg?1666725325 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/868/340918286366b0af8836de354ef78047/xsmall.jpg?1666725325 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/868/340918286366b0af8836de354ef78047/xxsmall.jpg?1666725325 5 0 false Wed, 26 Oct 2022 09:09:49 -0400 Mon, 31 Oct 2022 10:54:04 -0400 Writing About Disability: Tips from the UMBC Style Guide Words Matter: Affirming Identity and Co-creating Belonging
For Disability Awareness Month - take a look at UMBC's Style Guide for tips on how to write effectively about people with disabilities with the section on Inclusive and Affirming Language. With 20-33% of the population either having a disability or having a qualifying health condition  (which includes mental health) during their lifetime, it's a tangible benefit to know the basics.

Certainly with the wide range of people with disabilities, this entry is a beginning, with several examples.  Additional resources beyond the guide include:

If there are further disability-related questions, please reach out to  UMBC Accessibility & Disability Services. 

A cropped photo of a person's hands writing in a notebook with a pen, near a laptop, books, a pair of glasses and a hot beverage accompanies this post.  Credit: Thought Catalog via Unsplash.com.
]]> For Disability Awareness Month - take a look at UMBC's Style Guide for tips on how to write effectively about people with disabilities with the section on Inclusive and Affirming Language. With... https://styleguide.umbc.edu/inclusive-language/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/128558/guest@my.umbc.edu/42f9669294f688125267c422db34d5ce/api/pixel accessibility autistic deaf disability diversity equity handicapped identity inclusion journalism resources writing Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/558/fd5eb0b16b3e97c0810f2837b64a93c7/xxlarge.jpg?1666113331 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/558/fd5eb0b16b3e97c0810f2837b64a93c7/xlarge.jpg?1666113331 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/558/fd5eb0b16b3e97c0810f2837b64a93c7/large.jpg?1666113331 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/558/fd5eb0b16b3e97c0810f2837b64a93c7/medium.jpg?1666113331 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/558/fd5eb0b16b3e97c0810f2837b64a93c7/small.jpg?1666113331 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/558/fd5eb0b16b3e97c0810f2837b64a93c7/xsmall.jpg?1666113331 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/558/fd5eb0b16b3e97c0810f2837b64a93c7/xxsmall.jpg?1666113331 8 0 false Thu, 20 Oct 2022 14:21:19 -0400 October is Disability Awareness Month Disability: Essential to the Equity and Inclusion Equation National Disability Awareness Month is  held in October to raise awareness about issues that arise within the lived experience of people with disabilities, and celebrates the many and varied contributions of Americans with disabilities.

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). 

Accessibility and Disability Services

Student 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


A sampling of Disability Awareness Events:

Oct 7: Campus Accessibility Project Update and Discussion
Accessible Tech Wednesdays: October 12, October 19, October 26
Oct 14: Demystifying Disability: Student Recruitment, Hiring and UMBC's Workforce Recruitment Program (students and recent grads)
Oct 20-23: Superfest Virtual Film Festival
Oct 28:  Accessible Route Trick-or-Treat Walk


Disability identity is intersectional with the history of the LGBTQ+ community that shares October as an awareness month.  October is also Relationship Violence Awareness Month, and we are very conscious that people with disabilities are at a much higher risk of Relationship and Sexual Violence and that any violence can cause, complicate and/or exacerbate disability. ]]> National Disability Awareness Month is  held in October to raise awareness about issues that arise within the lived experience of people with disabilities, and celebrates the many and varied... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/128084/guest@my.umbc.edu/c4300838208d6779f119568c93e0a7a9/api/pixel awareness disability equity etiquette hiring inclusion recruitment retention welcome Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/xxlarge.jpg?1664575396 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/xlarge.jpg?1664575396 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/large.jpg?1664575396 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/medium.jpg?1664575396 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/small.jpg?1664575396 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/xsmall.jpg?1664575396 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/xxsmall.jpg?1664575396 6 0 false Fri, 30 Sep 2022 18:48:04 -0400 Mon, 17 Oct 2022 14:33:22 -0400 Hispanic Heritage: Luminaries with Disabilities It's not just Frida Kahlo who has changed the world
National Hispanic Heritage Month has begun - 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:

Mexican writer and activist Gabriela Brimmer whose life is chronicled in the 1987 film, Gaby: A True Story

Maria Soledad Cisternas - Chilean lawyer and disability activist who was involved with drafting the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and chaired that UN Committee, and served as Special Envoy.

Tony Coelho Congressman from California and primary author and sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and celebrated its 32nd Anniversary this past summer.

Eva Middleton of Belize brought disability awareness and justice to her home country of Belize.

Vik Pineda brings activism and advocacy and awareness from his work on the west coast.

Annie Segerra (also known as Annie Elainey) cites Frida Kahlo as a huge influence and has her YouTube channel here 

Lizzie Velasquez 's Dare to Be Kind anti-bullying campaign was informed by her lived experience with her peers and online.

ADS closes this invitation to celebrate Hispanic/Latine 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.  

Photo of Artistic Human archway gate from Tulun Mexico accompanies this post.  Credit: Helen Ngoc N. via unsplash.com
]]> National Hispanic Heritage Month has begun - celebrating those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.  September 15, 16 and 18 celebrate independence... https://www.respectability.org/hispanic-latinx/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/127894/guest@my.umbc.edu/b8a9e727a8c4c3744f9961878b22ab16/api/pixel disability frida heritage hispanic kahlo latine latinx month Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/894/6780d177cc658e80ed249c7d897fa1b0/xxlarge.jpg?1663959940 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/894/6780d177cc658e80ed249c7d897fa1b0/xlarge.jpg?1663959940 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/894/6780d177cc658e80ed249c7d897fa1b0/large.jpg?1663959940 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/894/6780d177cc658e80ed249c7d897fa1b0/medium.jpg?1663959940 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/894/6780d177cc658e80ed249c7d897fa1b0/small.jpg?1663959940 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/894/6780d177cc658e80ed249c7d897fa1b0/xsmall.jpg?1663959940 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/894/6780d177cc658e80ed249c7d897fa1b0/xxsmall.jpg?1663959940 6 0 false Mon, 26 Sep 2022 13:47:04 -0400 Suicide Prevention Month Spotlight: Disability

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and UMBC is helping to raise awareness and promote effective strategies in the campus community and beyond.

Don't Ignore Suicide In The Disability Community - Learn About the Live On! Movement (abilities.com link)

Study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine about the Association of Disability with Suicide-Related Outcomes.

What can you do if you if you are worried about yourself or someone else:

Reach out - it's not a time to be silent, connect.

Listen - no one needs to feel like they are alone - we're in this together.

Get help - there is campus, local and national support

UMBC Resources include:

Retriever Integrated Health, which has Counseling Services and more for students
Reach Out Retrievers - Online Support for Mental Health, including Peer-to-Peer resources, Togetherall, WellTrack, and Kognito

Faculty and Staff can reach out to the USM Employee Assistance Program.

For all who are  working with a mental health provider - check in and schedule an urgent appointment with that health professional.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available at any time by calling or texting 988 - different from 911 - to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The Trevor Project provides support for LGBTQ+ community

From all who are struggling, Please Stay.

We're glad you are here, peace to you.

A captioned performance of Please Stay by Jake Runestead is linked here.

Edited to add Megan Thee Stallion whose line in "Anxiety" is "I just want to talk to someone who gets me" created a website of mental health resources beginning with the National Crisis Textline (Text HOME to 741741), Stronghearts Native Helpline, Therapy Resources for Black Women and Men, LGBTQ Psychotherapist of Color Directory and much more. - here's the link for dealing with those bad days.

Post is accompanied by a photo of a large split-trunk tree, with half of the tree grasped and supported by a hand-and-forearm-shaped statue. Credit: Neil Thomas via unsplash.com.
]]> September is Suicide Prevention Month, and UMBC is helping to raise awareness and promote effective strategies in the campus community and beyond. Don't Ignore Suicide In The Disability... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/127669/guest@my.umbc.edu/041c746426e1a2ac74978d25b0ed97e1/api/pixel anxiety crisis disability health illness lgbtq megan mental native prevention project stallion stay stronghearts suicide thee trevor wellness Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/669/e33de281205e8127d2e22e1bfdd24684/xxlarge.jpg?1663348767 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/669/e33de281205e8127d2e22e1bfdd24684/xlarge.jpg?1663348767 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/669/e33de281205e8127d2e22e1bfdd24684/large.jpg?1663348767 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/669/e33de281205e8127d2e22e1bfdd24684/medium.jpg?1663348767 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/669/e33de281205e8127d2e22e1bfdd24684/small.jpg?1663348767 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/669/e33de281205e8127d2e22e1bfdd24684/xsmall.jpg?1663348767 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/127/669/e33de281205e8127d2e22e1bfdd24684/xxsmall.jpg?1663348767 8 0 false Thu, 22 Sep 2022 08:51:31 -0400 Thu, 29 Sep 2022 08:40:54 -0400 Calling All Faculty: Course Material Accessibility Help 8/26 Get ready for the new semester with Instruct'l Tech (repost)
Sign Up for this Sprint by clicking on the Website button to get to Instructional Tech's event page below!

Instructional Technology will host a 90-minute support sprint on Friday, August 26, 2022 (noon-1:30) for faculty to virtually drop-in and receive a customized consult on key topics to finalize course prep including:
  • Checking your course materials for accessibility: Use Ally to check your accessibility meters and review alternative formats. 
  • Recycling & reusing your course content. Quickly stage your upcoming course from semester to semester with the Ultra Course Copy tool.
  • Engaging with students: Schedule, deliver & record virtual classes with Collaborate.
  • Delivering & configuring virtual tests: Create online tests and assignments using Bb tools.
  • Tuning up your Blackboard gradebook: Create columns, drop scores, check calculations, verify weighted totals, etc.
  • Preparing for Ultra: Plan your course roadmap to optimize your transition to the new course interface.
Please note that this is not formal training. If you are interested in more formal training opportunities with our staff, please see our schedule of events posted on Instructional Technology’s myUMBC group.

Students (undergraduate and graduate) who have health conditions that may qualify as a disability can find more information about academic accommodation on the Student Disability Services website:  sds.umbc.edu.

Faculty and other employees seeking disability-related accommodation can find resources for work-related accommodations on the ADS website.

]]> Sign Up for this Sprint by clicking on the Website button to get to Instructional Tech's event page below! Instructional Technology will host a 90-minute support sprint on Friday, August 26,... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/107738 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/126983/guest@my.umbc.edu/1112b039a5c881f7c88a410091e6e096/api/pixel accessibility ally assistive course disability faculty instructional material technology Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/983/c3484e52bb248dcdfe341e91d88be7b1/xxlarge.jpg?1661278981 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/983/c3484e52bb248dcdfe341e91d88be7b1/xlarge.jpg?1661278981 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/983/c3484e52bb248dcdfe341e91d88be7b1/large.jpg?1661278981 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/983/c3484e52bb248dcdfe341e91d88be7b1/medium.jpg?1661278981 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/983/c3484e52bb248dcdfe341e91d88be7b1/small.jpg?1661278981 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/983/c3484e52bb248dcdfe341e91d88be7b1/xsmall.jpg?1661278981 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/983/c3484e52bb248dcdfe341e91d88be7b1/xxsmall.jpg?1661278981 4 0 false Tue, 23 Aug 2022 14:28:56 -0400 A National Museum of Disability History and Culture in DC? Join the Dream, Learn about Progress
The National Council on Public History poses that it's about time for a Museum of Disability Culture and History in the nation's capitol  - there are many who are building momentum toward making that dream a reality - read more via this linked article.


For those who want to explore the history and culture of disability now, or prefer to explore online museums - here is a small selection of what is available:
Have questions about how museums handle accessibility - check out these sites:

For more information locally about Accessibility and Disability Services at UMBC, click on the website button.  

Student Disability Services serves undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities, as well as those who might want to explore further information about the academic accommodation process.


A Photo of The Museum of The Future's stainless steel sculpture accompanies this post, featuring an outstretched hand reaching for an oval ring with Arabic writing inscribed upon it.

]]> The National Council on Public History poses that it's about time for a Museum of Disability Culture and History in the nation's capitol  - there are many who are building momentum toward making... https://accessibility.umbc.edu/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/126899/guest@my.umbc.edu/3f12934683b83158a666f9d118aabb54/api/pixel culture disability everybody history park pennhurst preservation smithsonian Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/899/2a1ae8f05fb95c222a844affc8f4a389/xxlarge.jpg?1660775856 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/899/2a1ae8f05fb95c222a844affc8f4a389/xlarge.jpg?1660775856 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/899/2a1ae8f05fb95c222a844affc8f4a389/large.jpg?1660775856 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/899/2a1ae8f05fb95c222a844affc8f4a389/medium.jpg?1660775856 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/899/2a1ae8f05fb95c222a844affc8f4a389/small.jpg?1660775856 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/899/2a1ae8f05fb95c222a844affc8f4a389/xsmall.jpg?1660775856 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/899/2a1ae8f05fb95c222a844affc8f4a389/xxsmall.jpg?1660775856 7 0 false Thu, 18 Aug 2022 09:18:14 -0400 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 09:18:52 -0400 5 Things Ally Can Do For Bb Course Accessibility (IT Repost) Making Bb Courses Accessible & Disability Friendly 8/16 10a REPOST from Instructional Technology, click here or on the Website button to register for the 8/16/22 10:00a online session.

Learn about Ally, a tool available in Blackboard Original and Ultra courses, that improves the accessibility of your course content. Attend this session to see Ally's remediation capabilities and file conversion tools that generate alternative formats for you and your students. 

This workshop will offer ideas for developing a strategy to improve your course usability and accessibility and how to get started with Blackboard Ally. Available in both Original and Ultra courses, Ally scans content in Blackboard and provides feedback and tools to identify and fix accessibility issues. 

Leverage Ally's powerful alternative format options yourself, and let students know they can download content in multiple formats that give them choices in how they watch, read, or listen. 

Upon completing this online session, participants should be able to:

Following the 45-minute presentation, join us for a closer look at how to use Ally and Q&A.  

To RSVP for this event, please click the Website button below to get to the Instructional Tech page to "Go virtually" and be sure to add the event to your calendar!

This webinar will take place in a Blackboard Collaborate virtual conference room. Enter the webinar up to 15 minutes before the start time. Use the "Join Online Event" link above to join the session.


At least 5 registrations are needed for this session to proceed as scheduled. The session will be recorded if two or more people attend and the link will be distributed to everyone who registered.

]]> REPOST from Instructional Technology, click here or on the Website button to register for the 8/16/22 10:00a online session. Learn about Ally, a tool available in Blackboard Original and Ultra... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/106859 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/126804/guest@my.umbc.edu/de9cb93dd24cdcacee8fffac53a91b4a/api/pixel access accessibility ally blackboard compliance content course disability doit faculty instructional remediation scan student technology tools Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Instructional Technology/Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/804/80d7e3c6558db1f033d0d2f2809ae57d/xxlarge.jpg?1660228881 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/804/80d7e3c6558db1f033d0d2f2809ae57d/xlarge.jpg?1660228881 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/804/80d7e3c6558db1f033d0d2f2809ae57d/large.jpg?1660228881 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/804/80d7e3c6558db1f033d0d2f2809ae57d/medium.jpg?1660228881 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/804/80d7e3c6558db1f033d0d2f2809ae57d/small.jpg?1660228881 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/804/80d7e3c6558db1f033d0d2f2809ae57d/xsmall.jpg?1660228881 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/126/804/80d7e3c6558db1f033d0d2f2809ae57d/xxsmall.jpg?1660228881 2 0 false Thu, 11 Aug 2022 10:58:55 -0400