NOTEWORTHY NEWS Please take a moment to read
1. Asian American and Pacific Island (AAPI) Heritage Month has a lot of intersectionality with disability beyond luminaries like Alice Wong and local Lydia X. Y. Brown -  Read more about the Asian Americans with Disabilities Initiative here.

2. May 16th is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) - click on the link to learn more about how to celebrate and enhance accessibility, especially digital accessibility. 

3. Do you know a UMBC faculty member or a department that champions accessibility?  NOMINATE THEM for the ADS Accessibility Trailblazer Award via this link.  
Last year's awardees: Dr. Laura Rose, Psychology (Faculty) & the Chemistry Department (2023)

4. Want to learn more about course accessibility? Attend this session:
May 21st: Improve Course Accessibility with a 30-minute Quick Start with Instructional Technology; faculty can sign up for this online session here.

5. Congratulations! On May 10, UMBC's Gamma Kappa chapter of Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society for students with disabilities had its Induction ceremony, welcoming seven (7) new members and celebrating three graduating SDS seniors.

6. Check out this UMBC article: SDS collaboration with UMBC's Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence research on neurodiversity in language teaching and learning (TESOL)
Our AD, Michael Canale, is featured!

7. And don't forget to take care of yourself (Take the Moment) throughout May in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Don't hesitate to reach out if you are having accommodation challenges. 

GOOD LUCK on finals!!! 

The Accessibility & Disability Services staff
sds.umbc.edu
disability@umbc.edu
(410) 455-2459
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Each year, millions of people navigate the lived experience of mental illness.  UMBC's Office of Accessibility and Disability Services, in solidarity with Student Disability Services, joins the movement  with its many departmental partnerships, to promote mental health awareness, fight stigma, and provide support. One in five people will have a mental health diagnosis in their lifetime.  We are in this together, indeed, we are stronger together for mental health.



In addition to UMBC's NAMI student organization's outreach, to  end the stigma toward mental health, behavioral health or substance use disorders - On Our Own of Maryland's Distorted Perceptions/Refocus Look Again Campaign is a local Anti-Stigma initiative that supports mental health with local outreach to end stigma.  More information on their campaign is linked here.

In addition to the information above, UMBC has many resources and opportunities outlined here:

Students (undergraduate and graduate) groups and resources include:

If a campus member's health situation changes (such as a recent injury or diagnosis, they can apply for, or update academic accommodation requests via Student Disability Services (link) and work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services (link).  ADS works in partnership with HR for faculty, staff and student employee job-related situations.

Community

While some 24 hour resources are provided, it's important to know that  anyone can have a moment of crisis, and are people available to listen and help via the following resources:


Have a safe and healthy month!
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Join the U.S. Congress, Maryland Department of Disabilities  and the disability community within UMBC and beyond to celebrate National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day.

National AT Awareness Day honors people with disabilities who require AT to access their education, workplace, community, and recreational activities. The day also recognizes the innovation of researchers, educators, and the dedication of AT specialists and program providers who operate AT programs so that millions of individuals can acquire and use low-cost and often no-cost AT.  

Every state has an Assistive Technology Program that is a resource for its residents - information on Maryland's Assistive Technology program MDTAP is linked here.  MDTAP AT loan libraries are located throughout the state with nine community locations so people can try out devices for suitability before committing to a purchase.  Assistive Technology is in regular use on campus.

Learn more about Maryland's AT High Tech Reuse Program on June 12th via the MDoD webinar, register via this Zoom link - potentially a no-cost option for some Maryland residents.

More information about National Assistive Technology Day is available at the link below.

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland is in nearby Halethorpe and works with Marylanders and vision loss, including connecting with resources for incorporating assistive technology into daily living.  Celebrate with group of AT users this Saturday at their upcoming Brew Reveal.

#ATAwarenessDay #disability #disabilityinclusion

At UMBC the Office of Accessibility & Disability Services can be a resource for co-creating a disability-friendly community on campus (which may include assistive technology), including these processes:
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Thursday, March 14, 2024 · 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Public Policy : 105/Lecture Hall 9
Join ADS, SDS and Social Work for the UMBC (free) screening of unseen, an award-winning documentary described as:

Most people dream of a better future. Pedro, an aspiring social worker, is no different. But as a blind, undocumented immigrant, Pedro faces political restrictions to obtain his college degree, secure a job in his field, and support his family. As he finally graduates, uncertainty looms over Pedro. What starts as a journey to provide mental health care for his community ultimately transforms into Pedro’s path towards his own healing. 

Through experimental cinematography and sound, UNSEEN reimagines the accessibility of cinema, while exploring the intersections of immigration, disability, and mental health.

When:  Thursday March 14, 2024 at 4:30p
Where: Public Policy 105

Prepare for an experience that will leave you talking long after the credits roll - and may influence matters of inclusion, immigration, health care, public policy, film design, and raise your awareness of how people engage with the world.  

Audience dialogue with Social Work faculty and ADS staff to follow the film.

The Public Policy Lecture Hall is on the first floor, has accessible seating, and a range of features that enhance accessibility for audiences.  The film is captioned, and an audio-described version is available upon request. Mask use is very welcome.  Please email any accommodation requests and event inquiries to slazar@umbc.edu with "Documentary" in the subject line

Co-Sponsored by The School of Social Work and Human Context of Computing

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Accessibility and Disability Services and Student Disability Services celebrates Women's History Month, calling to mind all women who have contributed to pivotal moments and events in history and contemporary society. Today is also International Women's Day with the theme of Inspiring Inclusion, and even with disabilities have always been an essential part of history.  Here are some women who have made history recently:


These two articles showcase some of these women trailblazers, with links for more in-depth information:

Disabled Women from History You Should Know About
  • Sarah Bernhardt
  • Adelaide Knight
  • Raganhild Kata
  • Rosa May Billinghurst
  • Annette Kellerman
  • Dorothea Lange
Disabled Women of Color from History You Should Know About
Take a moment, connect with the linked material, and learn more about these trail-blazers.  


Disability-related resources at UMBC include:

Happy Women's History Month!
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Accessibility and Disability Services is showing its stripes  in raising awareness for Rare Disease Day on the rare leap day, February 29.

What is Rare Disease Day? 


Rare Disease Day is the globally-coordinated movement on rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease.


Since its creation in 2008, Rare Disease Day has played a critical part in building an international rare disease community that is multi-disease, global, and diverse– but united in purpose.

Rare Disease Day is observed every year on 28 February (or 29 in leap years)—the rarest day of the year.

Though Rare Disease Day is patient-led, everyone, including individuals, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, clinicians, policy makers, industry representatives and the general public, can participate in raising awareness and taking action today for this vulnerable population who require immediate and urgent attention.

By Sharing your colors via social media, events, illuminating buildings, monuments and homes, by sharing experiences online and with friends, by calling on policy makers and shining the light on people living with a rare disease, collectively we aim to change and improve lives of the 300 million people worldwide.

Historically, ADS has worked with campus sustainability efforts in recognition in a way that mirrors the United Nations Resolution on Persons Living with a Rare Disease and their Families

The overarching goal of the UN campaign is to recognize that People Living With Rare Disease (PLWRD) are an overlooked population requiring immediate and urgent attention, and global and national policies that address their needs and contribute to achieving the UN 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals and their pledge to ‘leave no one behind’. 

The 300 million PLWRD around the world and their families face common challenges in all aspects of their daily lives. As a population with increasing vulnerabilities, they are disproportionally affected by stigma, discrimination and social marginalization, within their social environment and in society at large. The paucity of knowledge and expertise on rare diseases and the lack of awareness of the challenges faced by PLWRD mean that they are psychologically, socially, culturally and economically vulnerable. 

There are a number of synergies between the rare disease community’s needs and goals, and those of the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals , mainly the following ones: 
  • Challenges affect the whole family and cause overall increased isolation and impoverishment (SDG 1); 
  • PLWRD lack access to appropriate diagnosis and lifelong care and social support (SDG 3); 
  • PLWRD face challenges in accessing education at all stages of their life due to inaccessibility of facilities and non-adapted teaching methods (SDG 4); 
  • Women living with a rare disease face more difficulties in accessing care and, when a member of the family lives with a rare disease, the primary unpaid care role is most often assumed by women (SDG 5); 
  • PLWRD and their families face challenges in access, retention and return to employment (SDG 8); 
  • The disproportionate level of vulnerabilities means PLWRD face stigma, discrimination and lack of opportunities for inclusion in society (SDG 10). 


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Welcome back, SDS Students!

Are you ready to begin the Spring 2024 Semester? We are excited to see you back on campus and hope you had a restful and healthy break! The Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) would like to share some reminders and offer some tips on places to get information and keep connected. If you haven't registered with SDS, go to https://sds.umbc.edu/accommodations/registering-with-sds/ to get started.

Please follow this group where we list events, reminders, changes or updates related to our office. Click the "follow" button, and under the "Notifications" button, please be sure to click "All Updates" to receive all of our posts.

SDS testing is available from 9 AM - 4 PM Monday through Friday.  Extended testing hours will be offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 6pm. Please consider wearing a face mask (KN95 or equivalent) during testing to protect yourself and others.

We are available Monday through Friday during regular office hours: staff have both in-person and telework/remote days. You can schedule appointments in our Accommodate student portal.
 
You can visit the SDS Front Desk (2nd floor Math/Psych) for quick questions during the hours listed on our website at https://sds.umbc.edu/, OR call our front desk at 410-455-2459, OR email us at disAbility@umbc.edu.
]]> Welcome back, SDS Students! Are you ready to begin the Spring 2024 Semester? We are excited to see you back on campus and hope you had a restful and healthy break! The Office of Student... https://sds.umbc.edu/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/138440/guest@my.umbc.edu/664ecbd67bab36e49d817f8703b6f7be/api/pixel accessibility accommodations disability Office of Student Disability Services https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/sss https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/original.jpg?1544104103 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/large.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/medium.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/small.png?1544104103 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxsmall.png?1544104103 Office of Student Disability Services https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/440/4da4344c1c190ab695fb4d65e0d7a9c7/xxlarge.jpg?1706367003 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/440/4da4344c1c190ab695fb4d65e0d7a9c7/xlarge.jpg?1706367003 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/440/4da4344c1c190ab695fb4d65e0d7a9c7/large.jpg?1706367003 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/440/4da4344c1c190ab695fb4d65e0d7a9c7/medium.jpg?1706367003 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/440/4da4344c1c190ab695fb4d65e0d7a9c7/small.jpg?1706367003 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/440/4da4344c1c190ab695fb4d65e0d7a9c7/xsmall.jpg?1706367003 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/440/4da4344c1c190ab695fb4d65e0d7a9c7/xxsmall.jpg?1706367003 10 0 false Sat, 27 Jan 2024 09:51:29 -0500 International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023 (UN) Disability-inclusive leadership and participation matters

December 1 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 2023 is "united in action to rescue and achieve Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disabilities.  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.  To view the December 1 10a-1p activities remotely, click here at that time.

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. We have a strong partnership with UMBC Sustainability as well.

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 A Day For All discusses IDPD

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

Musician Gaelynn Lea shares how Accessibility is the New Punk Rock live on stage at The Moth 

Professor Sara Hendren shares on Our Bodies, Aliveness and The Built World via the On Being podcast.



]]> December 1 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... http://sds.umbc.edu https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/137419/guest@my.umbc.edu/403b813dc068a5cf0738a04bf8cb11e5/api/pixel access accessibility accommodation day disability international nations person service technology umbc united Office of Student Disability Services https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/sss https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/original.jpg?1544104103 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/large.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/medium.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/small.png?1544104103 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxsmall.png?1544104103 Office of Student Disability Services 4 0 true Fri, 01 Dec 2023 10:10:47 -0500 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 32nd anniversary and Section 504 celebrating its 50th 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, Instructional Technology, and academic departments. Student Disability Services provides accommodations and resource 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 and collaborative campus work), people with disabilities still face discrimination and lack of understanding- the work must continue.  The fight for full inclusion remains (Judy Heumann Ted Talk link). The first step to success is access and accessible practices are everyone's responsibility to foster inclusion and belonging.

Resources & Upcoming Events: 



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

Student Organizations:


A sampling of Disability Awareness Month Events:

October 13: DAPi Honor Society Meeting (members only)
October 18: Campus Accessibility Walk (held monthly)
October 23: Disability Employment Awareness Month webinar with MDOD & the Autism Society of maryland's Autism Hiring Program (Zoom) 
October 24: SDS Open House- Hands-on Assistive Technology demos 
October 25: AT at Work: Disability Employment Awareness (MDOD Zoom session)

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.

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Accessibility Tour: Wayfinding, Skywalks and Resources

Please join us:

Monday, October 2, 2023 · 12 - 1 PM
Sondheim Hall

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 · 12 - 1 PM
Sondheim Hall

Monday, November 6, 2023 · 12 - 1 PM

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 · 12 - 1 PM
Mathematics/Psychology : 222


Navigating UMBC's campus-on-a-hill as a person with a disability brings out overt and sometimes more subtle features of its accessible design.  Join us to learn more during Disability Employment Awareness Month and discuss: 

What are the features? We have many, including a Skywalk and several upgrades that happened while we were remote, and more on the way (work on the Math/Psych elevator update  has already begun!)

What are the bugs?  Learn more about how work with situations, whether it's contacting Work Control for a repair (410-455-2550), reporting an accessibility concern, or working with campus partners, such as Facilities Management  and DoIT to support inclusion.  Accessibility is everyone's responsibility.

We will gather at the Walter Sondheim statue seating area (if the weather is challenging we can gather inside Sondheim Hall)- learn the skywalk and tunnel connections within the Academic Core, review Adaptive Computing within the Library, and visit the reception area of Retriever Integrated Health - which supports both physical and mental health.  The tour is limited to a small group, and please know that  mask use is VERY WELCOME.

Can't make the day or time? More tours are planned.  Have a (small) group? Email us to set up a day and time that works for the occasion.  

Need to request a disability-based accommodation or have questions about the event or a specific location? Email the organizer via slazar@umbc.edu

To register, please go to https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility, click on 'events" and sign up.
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