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  <NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="88463" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/posts/88463">
    <Title>Sensory Disability and Apps as Assistive Technology</Title>
    <Tagline>Navigating sight, sound and more</Tagline>
    <Body>
      <![CDATA[
          <div class="html-content"><div>When Nobel Laureate Jose Saramago wrote the novel <u>Blindness</u> in 1995, he highlighted how losing sight can bring out the best (and worst) in people. Technology has evolved  since those days before smart phones and ubiquitous personal technology.  Today, the drive for ideal inclusive technology is advancing to assist people with disabilities in all aspects of daily life, not just work and school. This progress, not unlike the book's quest to triumph over adversity, is a quest to overcome privilege toward universal design.   For the uninitiated these tools might be hiding in plain sight.  A broad sampling of this progress from several major developers include:</div><div><br></div><div>Google apps that <a href="https://www.blog.google/perspectives/eve-andersson/accessibility-digital-world-and-beyond/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">create accessibility in the digital world and beyond</a>, such as: </div><div><ul><li><a href="null" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Live Transcribe (link</a>)<span>, which provides speech captioning  </span></li><li><span><a href="https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/accessibility/lookout-app-help-blind-and-visually-impaired-people-learn-about-their-surroundings/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Lookout</a>, which helps people with visual impairments learn about their surroundings.</span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>Additionally <a href="https://www.blog.google/products/maps/better-maps-for-people-with-vision-impairments/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">voice guidance in Google Maps helps people with visual impairments get to their destinations with more confidence with this linked article</a>.</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=7PEbPYy56XI" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Explore Wakana Sugiyama's experience with this linked video.</a></div><div> </div><div><br></div><div> <span>Microsoft's accessibility supports include:  </span></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/features?activetab=pivot_1:primaryr3" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Translator and an other audio/hearing technology supports</a></li><li><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/features?activetab=pivot_1:primaryr2" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Color filters, Tell Me, Soundscapes, Narrator, Magnifier and other visual tech options</a> </li></ul><div><a href="https://www.apple.com/accessibility/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Apple's embedded assistive technology</a> include:</div></div><div><ul><li>Voiceover, color filters and Magnifier for accessing visual content</li><li>LiveListen for assistive listening</li><li>FaceTime for ASL communication</li><li>Voice Control and Switch Control as mobility options.</li></ul><div>UMBC's <a href="https://doit.umbc.edu/itnm/?id=85855" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Blackboard learning management system has Ally</a> as a support for accessible online course materials.  <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/77486" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Instructional Technology has training for faculty and staff posted on their myUMBC site</a>.   </div><div><br></div><div>Thumbnail image:  Black and white photo of sculpture depicting a line of four squatting humans with each person's hands covering the eyes and ears of the person in front of them.</div><div><br></div></div><div><br></div></div>
      ]]>
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    <Summary>When Nobel Laureate Jose Saramago wrote the novel Blindness in 1995, he highlighted how losing sight can bring out the best (and worst) in people. Technology has evolved  since those days before...</Summary>
    <Website>https://accessibility.umbc.edu/website-accessibility/</Website>
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    <Tag>accommodation</Tag>
    <Tag>app</Tag>
    <Tag>apple</Tag>
    <Tag>blackboard</Tag>
    <Tag>blind</Tag>
    <Tag>captions</Tag>
    <Tag>deaf</Tag>
    <Tag>disability</Tag>
    <Tag>google</Tag>
    <Tag>handicap</Tag>
    <Tag>hearing</Tag>
    <Tag>impairment</Tag>
    <Tag>live</Tag>
    <Tag>lookout</Tag>
    <Tag>maps</Tag>
    <Tag>microsoft</Tag>
    <Tag>mobility</Tag>
    <Tag>transcribe</Tag>
    <Tag>translator</Tag>
    <Group token="accessibility">Office of Accessibility &amp;amp; Disability Services</Group>
    <GroupUrl>https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility</GroupUrl>
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    <Sponsor>Office of Accessibility &amp; Disability Services</Sponsor>
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    <PostedAt>Wed, 13 Nov 2019 22:52:42 -0500</PostedAt>
    <EditAt>Thu, 21 Nov 2019 17:15:03 -0500</EditAt>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="88083" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/posts/88083">
    <Title>Designing Courses Inclusively for Students w/Disabilities</Title>
    <Tagline>Faculty know-how w/Blackboard Ally &amp; UMBC Instructional Tech</Tagline>
    <Body>
      <![CDATA[
          <div class="html-content"><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/posts/87608" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Instructional Technology is hosting a series of events for National Distance Learning Week</a>, and many of concepts and skills that are imparted directly support better outcomes for students with disabilities.  These same strategies also work for faculty and staff with disabilities who use Blackboard to communicate with their classes, senates or groups.  <a href="https://wiki.umbc.edu/display/faq/Ally" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Blackboard Ally</a> has features and tools to support how content is shared with distance learners which can include a higher proportion of students with disabilities.<div><br></div><div>Universal Design for Learning, Accessible Content and Blackboard Ally is a one-hour session on Tuesday November 5, 2019 at noon, which includes lunch if you RSVP, and it also has an online option via Blackboard Collaborate.  Details are here: <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/76798" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/76798</a></div><div><br></div><div>Additional course offerings next week can also increase accessibility of course materials, such as the adoption of <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/76804" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Open Educational Resources, during which faculty share their experience with OER, use cases and resources</a>.<br><div><br></div><div>We want more accessibility in course design, and we hope to see you there!</div><div><br></div><div>Accompanying thumbnail image:  hand holding sign stating "we want more"</div></div></div>
      ]]>
    </Body>
    <Summary>Instructional Technology is hosting a series of events for National Distance Learning Week, and many of concepts and skills that are imparted directly support better outcomes for students with...</Summary>
    <Website>https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/76798</Website>
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    <Tag>academic</Tag>
    <Tag>access</Tag>
    <Tag>accessibility</Tag>
    <Tag>accommodation</Tag>
    <Tag>ally</Tag>
    <Tag>blackboard</Tag>
    <Tag>cripple</Tag>
    <Tag>disability</Tag>
    <Tag>distance</Tag>
    <Tag>faculty</Tag>
    <Tag>handicap</Tag>
    <Tag>instruction</Tag>
    <Tag>learning</Tag>
    <Tag>staff</Tag>
    <Tag>student</Tag>
    <Tag>training</Tag>
    <Group token="accessibility">Office of Accessibility &amp;amp; Disability Services</Group>
    <GroupUrl>https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility</GroupUrl>
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    <Sponsor>Office of Accessibility &amp; Disability Services/Instructional</Sponsor>
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    <PostedAt>Fri, 01 Nov 2019 17:45:41 -0400</PostedAt>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="87777" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/posts/87777">
    <Title>What's it like living with a disability?</Title>
    <Tagline>Minda Dentler, Business school student</Tagline>
    <Body>
      <![CDATA[
          <div class="html-content"><span>When Minda Dentler was a baby she contracted polio, which paralyzed her legs. Adopted by an American family, she grew up watching other kids run and jump. It wasn't until she was at university that she finally felt the wind through her hair -- and now she is an Ironman world champion. Dentler gives her Brief but Spectacular take on living with a disability.  </span><div><span><br></span></div><div><span><a href="https://youtu.be/DAS7SacuRHY">https://youtu.be/DAS7SacuRHY</a></span><br><div><span><br></span></div><div><span>The captioned video is three and a half minutes covering her experience and spectacular journey from hating recess to loving the wind in her hair.  The transcript is available here: </span><a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/brief/318333/minda-dentler" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://www.pbs.org/newshour/brief/318333/minda-dentler</a></div></div><div><br></div><div>As we raise awareness about the intersection of Disability with campus life, UMBC has an Adaptive Sports Committee, which works with students and also hosts adaptive sports events like wheelchair basketball (see postings here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/umbcadaptivesports" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://www.facebook.com/umbcadaptivesports</a>)<span>. If you, or your student group are interested in participating, reach out to the organizer via </span><a href="mailto:yomiyuf1@umbc.edu" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">yomiyuf1@umbc.edu</a> <span>for more details.</span></div></div>
      ]]>
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    <Summary>When Minda Dentler was a baby she contracted polio, which paralyzed her legs. Adopted by an American family, she grew up watching other kids run and jump. It wasn't until she was at university...</Summary>
    <Website>https://youtu.be/DAS7SacuRHY</Website>
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    <Tag>accessibility</Tag>
    <Tag>achilles</Tag>
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    <Tag>bike</Tag>
    <Tag>dentler</Tag>
    <Tag>disability</Tag>
    <Tag>handicap</Tag>
    <Tag>iron</Tag>
    <Tag>man</Tag>
    <Tag>marathon</Tag>
    <Tag>minda</Tag>
    <Tag>polio</Tag>
    <Tag>project</Tag>
    <Tag>ravens</Tag>
    <Tag>sports</Tag>
    <Tag>wheelchair</Tag>
    <Tag>woman</Tag>
    <Group token="accessibility">Office of Accessibility &amp;amp; Disability Services</Group>
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    <Sponsor>Office of Accessibility &amp; Disability Services</Sponsor>
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    <PostedAt>Mon, 21 Oct 2019 19:38:00 -0400</PostedAt>
    <EditAt>Tue, 22 Oct 2019 09:27:09 -0400</EditAt>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="87430" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/posts/87430">
  <Title>Make your PowerPoints Accessible w/Instructional Technology</Title>
  <Tagline>Be an Accessible Content Ally with your PowerPoints!</Tagline>
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    <![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><div><div><br>Are your PowerPoint presentations accessible to every student in your course? Instructors routinely upload PowerPoint presentations into their course, but this doesn't mean that every student has the same opportunity to access the materials, based on an individual's abilities. </div><div><br></div><div><strong><em>Instructional Technology is conveniently offering this online, one-hour course on November 13th at noon.  Click on the Visit Website button below to register through myUMBC.</em></strong></div><div><br></div><div>Microsoft PowerPoint is widely used to distribute content and information. Unfortunately, students with disabilities are often faced with an array of challenges when accessing PowerPoint presentations. According to the Quality Matters rubric for assessing courses, “course design [and content] should reflect a commitment to accessibility and usability for all learners, ensuring they can access all course content and activities.” </div><div><br></div><div>Join us to learn how you can make your PowerPoint Presentations more accessible. Remember: accessible content is good content! </div></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Objectives</strong></div><div>Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:</div><div><ul><li>Update to the latest version of Microsoft Office through UMBC's Office 365 license </li><li>Utilize headers, formatting tools, and text styles rather than stylizing text</li><li>Modify alt text on images and shapes for screen-readers</li><li>Explain the importance of layout stylization and its impact on accessibility, like creating table headers, or splitting text into multiple columns </li><li>Review accessibility through the Read Aloud, Check Accessibility, and Ally tools   </li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong>About Ally</strong></div><div><a href="https://wiki.umbc.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=77431271" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Ally </a>is a tool used for instructors to <a href="https://wiki.umbc.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=77431289" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">receive feedback on the accessibility of their content</a>, coupled with instructions on how to <a href="https://wiki.umbc.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=77431315" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">improve the accessibility of their content</a>. Additionally, Ally automatically <a href="https://wiki.umbc.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=77431260" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">creates alternative versions of files </a>which allows students to choose the type of file they want that best suits their needs. To learn more about Ally, visit our <a href="https://wiki.umbc.edu/display/faq/Ally" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">extensive FAQ collection</a>. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Accessible Content Ally Badge</strong></div><div>Instructional Technology will be awarding the Accessible Content Ally Badge to instructors who complete all of the following trainings:</div><div><ul><li>Making Word Docs Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar</li><li>Making PowerPoints Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar</li><li>Making PDFs Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar</li><li>Any Ally Orientation -- 1 training OR 1 webinar</li></ul></div></div>
]]>
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  <Summary>Are your PowerPoint presentations accessible to every student in your course? Instructors routinely upload PowerPoint presentations into their course, but this doesn't mean that every student has...</Summary>
  <Website>https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/73357</Website>
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  <Tag>design</Tag>
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  <Tag>instructional</Tag>
  <Tag>microsoft</Tag>
  <Tag>powerpoint</Tag>
  <Tag>technology</Tag>
  <Tag>training</Tag>
  <Tag>universal</Tag>
  <Group token="accessibility">Office of Accessibility &amp;amp; Disability Services</Group>
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  <PostedAt>Wed, 09 Oct 2019 02:09:15 -0400</PostedAt>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="false" id="87429" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/posts/87429">
    <Title>Make your Word Documents Accessible</Title>
    <Tagline>Be an Accessible Content Ally with your Word Docs!</Tagline>
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      <![CDATA[
          <div class="html-content"><div><br>Are your Microsoft Word documents accessible to every student in your course? Instructors routinely upload Word docs into their course, but this doesn't mean that every student has the same opportunity to access the materials, based on an individual's abilities. Come see what this is about with Instructional Technology's training on Thursday October 31st at 11:30 in ENG 102.  Follow the link below to reserve your space and get it on your calendar.</div><div><br></div><div>Microsoft Word is widely used for document creation and distribution. Unfortunately, students with disabilities are often faced with an array of challenges when accessing Word documents. According to the Quality Matters rubric for assessing courses, “course design [and content] should reflect a commitment to accessibility and usability for all learners, ensuring they can access all course content and activities.” </div><div><br></div><div>Join us to learn how you can make your Word documents more accessible. Remember: accessible content is good content! </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Objectives</strong></div><div>Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:</div><div><ul><li>Update to the latest version of Microsoft Office through UMBC's Office 365 license </li><li>Utilize headers, formatting tools, and text styles rather than stylizing text</li><li>Modify alt text on images and shapes for screen-readers</li><li>Explain the importance of layout stylization and its impact on accessibility, like creating table headers, or splitting text into multiple columns </li><li>Review accessibility through the Read Aloud, Check Accessibility, and Ally tools   </li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong>About Ally</strong></div><div><a href="https://wiki.umbc.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=77431271" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Ally </a>is a tool used for instructors to <a href="https://wiki.umbc.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=77431289" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">receive feedback on the accessibility of their content</a>, coupled with instructions on how to <a href="https://wiki.umbc.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=77431315" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">improve the accessibility of their content</a>. Additionally, Ally automatically <a href="https://wiki.umbc.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=77431260" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">creates alternative versions of files </a>which allows students to choose the type of file they want that best suits their needs. To learn more about Ally, visit our <a href="https://wiki.umbc.edu/display/faq/Ally" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">extensive FAQ collection</a>. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Accessible Content Ally Badge</strong></div><div>Instructional Technology will be awarding the Accessible Content Ally Badge to instructors who complete all of the following trainings:</div><div><ul><li>Making Word Docs Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar</li><li>Making PowerPoints Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar</li><li>Making PDFs Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar</li><li>Any Ally Orientation -- 1 training OR 1 webinar</li></ul></div></div>
      ]]>
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    <Summary>Are your Microsoft Word documents accessible to every student in your course? Instructors routinely upload Word docs into their course, but this doesn't mean that every student has the same...</Summary>
    <Website>https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/73354</Website>
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    <PostedAt>Wed, 09 Oct 2019 01:57:56 -0400</PostedAt>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="87276" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/posts/87276">
  <Title>October is Disability Awareness Month</Title>
  <Tagline>Celebrate the diversity of disability</Tagline>
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    <![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><hr><div><div><div><strong>National Disability Awareness Month</strong> is a national campaign held in October that raises awareness about issues for people with disabilities, and celebrates the many and varied contributions of Americans with disabilities.</div><div><br></div><div>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."</div><div><br></div><div>Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population. Since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by the 41st Present George H.W. Bush on July 26th 1990.  There have been huge strides in accessibility and inclusion. People with disabilities still face discrimination and lack of understanding. </div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABFpTRlJUuc" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">However, the fight is not done.</a></div><div><br></div><div>The Presidential Proclamation of 2015 states: <em>“America is at its strongest when we harness the talents and celebrate the distinct gifts of all our people.  This October, as we observe the 70th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let us pay tribute to all who fought for better laws, demanded better treatment, and overcome ignorance and indifference to make our Nation more perfect.  In their honor, and for the betterment of generations of Americans to come, let us continue the work of removing obstacles to employment so every American has the chance to develop their skills and make their unique mark on the world we share.”</em></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Disability Awareness Events:</strong></div><div>Oct 1 All Day MP 212 - <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/60435" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Open House with Office Accessibility &amp; Disability Services</a></div><div>Oct 7 at Noon, MP 222 - <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/75597" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Mission Possible! Disability &amp; Accessibility Scavenger Hunt</a></div><div>Oct 14 at Noon, <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/73352" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Online: Make Your PDFs Accessible</a></div><div>Oct 23 at Noon, UC 310 - <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/73242" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Campus Accessibility Project Update and Discussion</a></div><div>Oct 25 at Noon, Online - <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/73353" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Make Your PDFs Accessible</a></div><div>Oct 30 at Noon, Sondheim - <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/63502" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Trick or Treat: Accessibility Walk, Tap, and Roll</a></div><div>Oct 31 at 11:30 ENG 102 <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/73354" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Make Your Word Documents Accessible</a><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/63502" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"> </a></div><div><br></div><div>We hope to see you there!</div></div></div></div>
]]>
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  <Summary>National Disability Awareness Month is a national campaign held in October that raises awareness about issues for people with disabilities, and celebrates the many and varied contributions of...</Summary>
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  <Tag>month</Tag>
  <Tag>october</Tag>
  <Tag>pdf</Tag>
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  <PostedAt>Wed, 02 Oct 2019 17:58:55 -0400</PostedAt>
  <EditAt>Wed, 09 Oct 2019 01:51:24 -0400</EditAt>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="87166" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/posts/87166">
  <Title>DisAbility: The Power of Focusing on Ability</Title>
  <Tagline>From Advocacy to Academics, Leveraging "I Can"</Tagline>
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    <![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><div>Diagnosed four years ago, Greta Thunberg has not let autism slow her down in her advocacy for people around the world to do their part in slowing down, or indeed ending, climate change.  She has organized student strikes, addressed Swedish Parliament, sailed across the Atlantic on a carbon-neutral sailboat, and most recently spoken in front of the U.S. House of Representatives and the United Nations.  Her ability to raise awareness about acting responsibly to end climate change has been very, very successful.  Additionally, her experience has also demonstrated possibility to others with autism and disability, as representation matters, not just during <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/60435" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Disability Awareness Month</a>, which starts tomorrow. Learn more about her work here:</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/11/greta-thunberg-schoolgirl-climate-change-warrior-some-people-can-let-things-go-i-cant" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/11/greta-thunberg-schoolgirl-climate-change-warrior-some-people-can-let-things-go-i-cant</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/09/27/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-inspires-others-aspergers-autism/3778356002/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/09/27/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-inspires-others-aspergers-autism/3778356002/</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Greta's global quest continues the legacy of people with a disabilities making the most of their circumstances, standing up and speaking up for initiatives that benefit communities, nations, and the world. Below are links to people with disabilities whose focus on ability has made a difference:</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://eloquentwoman.blogspot.com/2011/02/famous-speech-friday-helen-keller-i-am.html" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Helen Keller</a>: avoiding war and preserving peace</div><div><a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/stella_young_i_m_not_your_inspiration_thank_you_very_much" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Stella Young</a>:  on respect and avoiding Inspiration Porn</div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/luHwmslreCg" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">ADAPT</a> has spoken up for <a href="https://www.thenation.com/article/disability-rights-activists-are-the-real-heroes-of-the-health-care-fight/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">affordable health care and Medicaid</a></div><div><a href="https://rewire.news/article/2018/04/03/sen-tammy-duckworth-saves-americans-disabilities-act-now/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Senator Tammy Duckworth</a>: preserving the ADA </div><div><br></div><div><span>Feeling inspired?  If you or someone you know is a UMBC student with a disability, we are looking for a few good student (GPA of 3.1 or better is ideal) to join UMBC's chapter of DAPi, an international honor society.</span><span>Reach out to them through the linked website below.  </span></div><div><span><br></span></div><div><span>Additional information about Disability Awareness Month events on campus is listed under the Events tab above and summarized here:   </span><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/60435" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/60435</a></div></div>
]]>
  </Body>
  <Summary>Diagnosed four years ago, Greta Thunberg has not let autism slow her down in her advocacy for people around the world to do their part in slowing down, or indeed ending, climate change.  She has...</Summary>
  <Website>https://sds.umbc.edu/dapi-international-honor-society/</Website>
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  <Tag>wheelchair</Tag>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="86765" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/posts/86765">
  <Title>What is it like living with a disability? Veterans share</Title>
  <Tagline>Explained so even a 5 year-old can understand it</Tagline>
  <Body>
    <![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><div>In our post-9/11 experience, we have more people, including more veterans, who have survived traumatic events and are navigating life with a disability.  Here are two examples:</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/XFBlfzVveao" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Life with an invisible disability</a>:  Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:  <a href="https://youtu.be/XFBlfzVveao">https://youtu.be/XFBlfzVveao</a> *</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/igIkKmMzuS4" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Life after an injury</a>: <a href="https://youtu.be/igIkKmMzuS4">https://youtu.be/igIkKmMzuS4</a> *</div><div><br></div><div>Both videos include the journey from "before" to their current lived experience, including family caregiver perspectives.  Some of the experiences are similar for people who have survived trauma resulting in disability, such as being hit by a car as a pedestrian.  Both videos include people who may come to a campus for academic, work, and event purposes. What are the strat<span>egies they use to be successful that might work at UMBC?</span></div><div><br></div><div><em><strong>Find support and ask for help.</strong></em></div><div><br></div><div>When an incoming or current undergraduate or graduate student is working with a licensed health care professional (including VA providers) accommodations for academic life are requested through Student Disability Services: <a href="https://sds.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://sds.umbc.edu</a>.  <span>The student accommodation process is available online through the website and is described here:  </span><a href="https://sds.umbc.edu/accommodations/registering-with-sds/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://sds.umbc.edu/accommodations/registering-with-sds/</a></div><div><br></div><div>Students seeking local support can reach out to the <a href="https://counseling.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Counseling Center </a>and <a href="https://uhs.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">University Health Services</a></div><div><br></div><div>Employees with disabilities may also request <a href="https://accessibility.umbc.edu/employee-accommodation-request/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">work-related accommodations</a>.  The process is available here: <a href="https://accessibility.umbc.edu/employee-accommodation-request/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://accessibility.umbc.edu/employee-accommodation-request/</a></div><div><br></div><div><div>For others who might want to help - the person with a disability takes the lead with asking for accommodation as a matter of respect and dignity. They are students and employees here because they have the qualifications for the role.  Accommodations are handled confidentially, so it is entirely possible that a classmate, workmate or a bystander might be the nth person to offer unsolicited advice for something that is well-covered.  How new is the person to their health condition? How new are they to UMBC? Is this related to your role with the person with a disability?  How new is a potential ally to working with someone with a disability?  <a href="https://youtu.be/Gv1aDEFlXq8" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">This linked video helps those who are very new to engaging with people with disabilities</a>. Do what you would do with anyone on campus: be present, listen, and reflect before acting, and ask the person involved. If it's a technical question, the disability professionals on campus are only a phone call away: 410-455-2459 or 410-455-5745.</div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><strong><em>Self-Care</em></strong></div><div><br></div><div>Self-care on campus can include a variety of activities that are part of the <span>UMBC Wellness Initiative: </span><a href="https://wellness.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://wellness.umbc.edu/</a><span>  and are available to people of all abilities.  Some activities include taking a Zumba or Yoga class, as well as using the weight room or going for a swim at the RAC (the pools have lifts).  Taking a walk around the loop or on the CERA trail. Accessing <a href="https://counseling.umbc.edu/resources/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">resources through the Counseling Center,</a> such as the Mind Spa is an option. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Connecting with people who know the journey, including successes and struggles, can also be a part of self-care.  UMBC Student Veterans have more information and resources on their website:  <a href="https://veterans.umbc.edu/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://veterans.umbc.edu/</a></div><div><br></div><div>Getting busy with other people can also help, and there are several service and social action student organizations listed here for joining or volunteering:  <a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/studentorgs" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/studentorgs</a> including<a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/retrievets" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"> Retrievets</a> some are  health-related such as Red Cross and UMBC-NAMI, and much, much more. Just like they say on the airplane, take care of your own oxygen first.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Take good care, all!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>As a community that cares, accessibility concerns, may be reported here:  <a href="https://accessibility.umbc.edu/report-campus-accessibility-concern/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://accessibility.umbc.edu/report-campus-accessibility-concern/</a>  If it is a repair, call it in to Work Control first: 410-455-2550, as they coordinate sending out the repairpersons.</div><div><br></div><div>*Both videos are from Sesame Street in the Community resources and are accessible for adults.  Their work is here:  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuEgW3r4ytXwd9UfQySv_Nw" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuEgW3r4ytXwd9UfQySv_Nw</a> and includes many, many videos that often involve muppets</div></div>
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  <Summary>In our post-9/11 experience, we have more people, including more veterans, who have survived traumatic events and are navigating life with a disability.  Here are two examples:     Life with an...</Summary>
  <Website>https://accessibility.umbc.edu/</Website>
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  <Tag>support</Tag>
  <Tag>tbi</Tag>
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  <Tag>veteran</Tag>
  <Tag>visible</Tag>
  <Tag>wheelchair</Tag>
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  <PostedAt>Wed, 18 Sep 2019 11:08:25 -0400</PostedAt>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="86509" important="false" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/posts/86509">
  <Title>Paralyzed at 23 and Moving the World Over 40 Years Later</Title>
  <Tagline>Marca Bristo Disability Trailblazer Rest in Power</Tagline>
  <Body>
    <![CDATA[
    <div class="html-content"><div><span>Paralyzed from the chest down in a diving accident at age 23, Marca Bristo became a staunch disability activist early in life, starting Access Living just two years after her accident in 1977. From there, her work expanded to the national and international stage.  She was an essential influence for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, and continued her advocacy for decades after it was signed into law.</span></div><div><span><br></span></div><div><strong>Said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth:</strong><span> “Marca reached out to me during my first few months home after Walter Reed, and she has been a friend and counselor—especially on disability issues—ever since. Without Marca’s work over the last 30 years, the Americans with Disabilities Act would not be in existence and I would not be a U.S. Senator. Because she crawled up the steps of the United States Capitol to pass the ADA, I get to roll through its corridors to cast my votes in the U.S. Senate. While we have so much progress yet to make, the disability community can thank Marca’s leadership, activism and sacrifice for the more inclusive society we live in today. I was honored to call her my friend and will miss her dearly.”</span><span><br></span><div><br></div><div>She passed away on September 8, 2019 from cancer.  Additional information about Marca Bristo's trailblazing civil rights work  can be found on Access Living website's press release here:</div><div><a href="https://www.accessliving.org/newsroom/press-releases-and-statements/beloved-disability-rights-leader-marca-bristo-dies-at-66/" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://www.accessliving.org/newsroom/press-releases-and-statements/beloved-disability-rights-leader-marca-bristo-dies-at-66/</a></div></div><div><br></div><div>A brief video and interview with former U.S. Senator Harkin is contained within the linked website.  May she rest in power.</div></div>
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  </Body>
  <Summary>Paralyzed from the chest down in a diving accident at age 23, Marca Bristo became a staunch disability activist early in life, starting Access Living just two years after her accident in 1977....</Summary>
  <Website>http://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-marca-bristo-took-down-barriers-for-americans-with-disabilities</Website>
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  <NewsItem contentIssues="true" id="85556" important="true" status="posted" url="https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/posts/85556">
    <Title>Happy 29th Anniversary Americans with Disabilities Act!</Title>
    <Tagline>How will you celebrate?</Tagline>
    <Body>
      <![CDATA[
          <div class="html-content"><h1><span><span> </span> </span></h1><p>July 26, 2019 marks the 29th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act that was signed into law in 1990.  The ADA and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. The ADA and ADAAA also assure equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities for access to businesses, employment, transportation, state and local government programs and services, and telecommunications.</p><p>Nearly 57 million people in our country have a disability and nearly 25% of today’s 20 year olds will experience disability in their lifetime. Since 1991, the 10 regional ADA Centers have been established as a support to creating more inclusive and accessible environments by providing  accurate information, resources and training on the ADA to businesses, employers, state and local governments, people with disabilities and their families, advocates, and veterans across the United States.</p><p>Similarly, UMBC's Office of <a href="null" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">Accessibility and Disability Services</a> provides technical support and accommodation processes as a support to equal opportunity for the entire UMBC community - beyond<a href="null" rel="nofollow external" class="bo"> Student Disability Services</a>, working in partnership with all campus departments and divisions, including Human Resources, Facilities Management and DoIT.  Through the application of the law and related guidance throughout UMBC, people with disabilities have better access to buildings, classrooms, employment, programs and services, and increasing opportunities for equal and full participation in campus and community life.  Equal access and equal opportunity benefit the whole community.</p><p>If you are looking for a way to honor this occasion at UMBC, sign up <span>to attend Instructional Technology's Blackboard Ultra Ally Orientation on August 23rd at noon from the very accessible location of your own computer!  Details are here: </span><a href="https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/71615" rel="nofollow external" class="bo">https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/71615</a>  We are thankful that Instructional Technology is a champion of ADA by orienting faculty in the provision of accessible course content.</p><p>If you are looking for ways to celebrate the ADA in your daily life, or through social media, click on the link below for ideas and inspiration.</p><p>Happy Anniversary ADA!</p></div>
      ]]>
    </Body>
    <Summary>    July 26, 2019 marks the 29th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act that was signed into law in 1990.  The ADA and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) give civil rights...</Summary>
    <Website>https://www.adaanniversary.org/</Website>
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    <Tag>academic</Tag>
    <Tag>accessibility</Tag>
    <Tag>accommodation</Tag>
    <Tag>ada</Tag>
    <Tag>adaaa</Tag>
    <Tag>anniversary</Tag>
    <Tag>dc</Tag>
    <Tag>design</Tag>
    <Tag>disability</Tag>
    <Tag>education</Tag>
    <Tag>handicap</Tag>
    <Tag>inclusion</Tag>
    <Group token="accessibility">Office of Accessibility &amp;amp; Disability Services</Group>
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    <Sponsor>Office of Accessibility &amp; Disability Services</Sponsor>
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    <PostedAt>Wed, 24 Jul 2019 17:47:04 -0400</PostedAt>
    <EditAt>Wed, 24 Jul 2019 18:00:06 -0400</EditAt>
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