Engaging with Disability Awareness Month at UMBC 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 32st 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 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 workshops and group meetings - they are recruiting for their Neurodiversity group now.

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 2: Campus Accessibility Tour
Oct 3: Fix Your Content Day (Session 1 at 10am and Session 2 at 2p)  
October 9: Demystifying Disability (for Students) Hiring, Work and WRP
October 11: Delta Alpha Pi Disability Honor Society Meeting
October 14: Campus Accessibility Walk
Oct 15: Assistive Tech Open House
October 15: Voice Thread and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 
Oct 16:  Campus Accessibility Presentation with Facilities Management
Oct 16: UDL Guidelines 3.0: What's New and Why It Matters
Oct 17: Create Accessible Documents
Oct 17-19: Superfest Virtual Film Festival
October 22: Cyborg Meets AI Virtual Lecture with Dr. Ashley Shew 4:00
October 25: Dis/Ability on the Job: Accommodations and FML 101 (for non-supervisors)

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.

myUMBC is a UMBC limited public community forum for information sharing and dialogue. As a public institution, UMBC generally may not limit a community member's right to free speech on this forum. UMBC does not endorse the views expressed or information presented here, unless specifically stated in an official UMBC post. Learn more...
]]> 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/144390/guest@my.umbc.edu/995a71736a8240e52a00ed6d7d14d361/api/pixel awareness disability equity etiquette hiring inclusion recruitment retention welcome 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 2 0 true Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:49:56 -0400 SDS: Fall 2024 Reminders & Announcements Have you submitted your Fall 2024 Semester Request?

UMBC SDS Letterhead

Happy Fall, SDS Students!

The Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) would like to welcome you and highlight some important reminders for working with our office to ensure you have the access you need to be successful.

NEW: Please note that the wording for some of our accommodations may have changed, based on feedback from you and faculty, in order to provide clarification and other resources.

  1. Semester Requests:
    If you have not done so, please submit your request for your accommodation letters to be sent to your faculty members now. How? https://sds.umbc.edu/accommodate-semester-request/

    If you wish to use your approved SDS accommodations in your current courses, you need to have submitted a “Semester Request” for the Fall 2024 semester in the Accommodate online student portal on the SDS website. Log in, review and select your accommodations and courses, and click Submit.

    If you have added/changed a course since you first submitted your Semester Request, please submit a new Semester Request. **NOTE: Your faculty will not get your letters and you will not be able to schedule in-person tests through Accommodate (or at USG) without a Semester Request submitted to SDS for Fall 2024.**

  2. Accommodated testing:
    The deadline for scheduling in-person proctored testing on the Main Campus is 96 hours prior to the test date/time (4-5 days advance notice)!

    You should schedule ALL of your (in-person) main campus tests in the Accommodate portal at the beginning of the semester, so that you never miss a deadline.

    SDS testing hours:
    9 AM - 4 PM, Monday, Thursday, and Friday.
    9 AM - 6 PM, Tuesday and Wednesday.

    a. If you are taking online or hybrid courses, you will likely take the tests online. You will NOT schedule these tests in SDS. Instructors can provide extended time in the platform they use (if a test is timed). Remind your instructor(s) that you have testing accommodations before each test.

    b. For in-person tests for courses on the UMBC-Shady Grove Campus (USG), you will need to follow the procedures of the Macklin Center for Leadership & Communication (MCLC) DSS office - see  https://shadygrove.umd.edu/student-affairs/leadership-communication/dss.

  3. Notetaking assistance:
    If you are approved for notetaking assistance as an accommodation, SDS recommends using assistive technology for notetaking support. We are transitioning from Glean web-based notetaking software to Otter.ai software, with the full transition to occur by January 2025.  More details will be coming soon.

    Students report significant benefits from the software’s audio recording and transcription features.  Check out Otter.ai on the web at https://otter.ai.

    If you are experiencing a disability-related barrier that prevents you from taking your own notes, please send an email to SDSnotetaking@umbc.edu to discuss solutions.
     
    Notetaking support information is on the SDS website: https://sds.umbc.edu/note-taking-assistance/ and https://sds.umbc.edu/assistive-technology/notetaking-support/

  4. SDS office hours:
    Staff are available Monday through Friday during regular office hours, 8:30-4:30 PM. Appointments are available in person, via Webex, and by phone. Please schedule appointments online using the Accommodate portal or contact the front office for assistance at disability@umbc.edu or (410) 455-2459.

    Please contact SDS if you experience disability-related challenges in your courses as soon as possible. We are here to assist you in navigating what may be unfamiliar procedures to ensure that your accommodations are implemented when needed. Staff are available to review accommodations and assist in finding solutions if any new challenges arise.

  5. MyUMBC group: 
    Please follow our group page, where we list events, reminders, changes, or updates related to disability services.
    Click on the link at https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/sss.
    Click the "follow" button, and under the "Notifications" button, please be sure to click "All Updates" to receive all of our posts.
    And check your UMBC email regularly to avoid missing anything we want to share.

  6. Helpful Resource Links:

    Academic Success Center (Main Campus): academic advocacy, tutoring, academic support, success meetings: https://academicsuccess.umbc.edu/

    Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) for Counseling & Health Services: https://health.umbc.edu/

    We look forward to working with you and wish everyone a wonderful semester.
    Go, Retrievers!


The Student Disability Services (SDS) staff
Office of Accessibility & Disability Services
Email: disAbility@umbc.edu  
Phone: 410-455-2459  
Website: https://sds.umbc.edu/

 

]]> Happy Fall, SDS Students! The Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) would like to welcome you and highlight some important reminders for working with our office to ensure you have the... https://sds.umbc.edu/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/143310/guest@my.umbc.edu/05270dcfc5edecf053a8b0bb2a7d2efe/api/pixel accessibility disability students 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://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/143/310/e8b880356038be0e01bc4f8bb8a6bc77/xxlarge.jpg?1724378055 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/143/310/e8b880356038be0e01bc4f8bb8a6bc77/xlarge.jpg?1724378055 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/143/310/e8b880356038be0e01bc4f8bb8a6bc77/large.jpg?1724378055 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/143/310/e8b880356038be0e01bc4f8bb8a6bc77/medium.jpg?1724378055 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/143/310/e8b880356038be0e01bc4f8bb8a6bc77/small.jpg?1724378055 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/143/310/e8b880356038be0e01bc4f8bb8a6bc77/xsmall.jpg?1724378055 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/143/310/e8b880356038be0e01bc4f8bb8a6bc77/xxsmall.jpg?1724378055 8 0 true Thu, 22 Aug 2024 21:56:07 -0400 Thu, 22 Aug 2024 22:05:13 -0400 Celebrating Disability Pride in July '24 at UMBC and Beyond On Belonging, Ending Stigma and Being Authentically Known Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July each year - and in 2013, Chicago's Disability Pride Parade explained their mission as:

"To change the way people think about and define 'disability,' to break down and end the internalized shame among people with disabilities, and to promote the belief in society that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with disability can take pride." 

The Disability Pride movement is long-standing, and became more evident as a day of celebration in 1990 - the same year that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law.   Boston celebrated its first Disability Pride Day that year, however many are also familiar with the earlier 504 disability civil rights movements of the 1970s which is chronicled in the movie Crip Camp, (Crip Camp Netflix link, Crip Camp YouTube link, which highlights the advocacy efforts of Judy Heumann and James LeBrecht, among others).  The Capitol Crawl in March of 1990 created momentum for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act later that year. This July marks the 34th anniversary of the ADA, and many cities across the country celebrate disability pride with parades and festivals.  Let's work together to support access and inclusion so more people can say it loud, "I'm disabled and I'm proud!" 


Celebrate the Anniversary of the ADA on July 29th by stopping by UMBC's ADS/SDS Open House, or going on theADA Celebration and Accessibility Walk and Roll at noon.

Learn more about the lived experience of people with disabilities:

Other ways to celebrate Disability Pride: 
Get familiar with local resources and technical assistance - here is a sampling of what is available at UMBC: 

We look forward to celebrating with you all month long.  We ALSO celebrate Disability Pride every day, and especially in October, when more students are on campus.
]]> Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July each year - and in 2013, Chicago's Disability Pride Parade explained their mission as: "To change the way people think about and define... http://sds.umbc.edu https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/142804/guest@my.umbc.edu/ca2af3ffac2a9a15f8ced9ce8d77e7dc/api/pixel access accommodation ada dc disability employee equal faculty graduate pride student 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 1 0 true Tue, 16 Jul 2024 20:59:20 -0400 NEW: Announcing UMBC Critical Disability Studies Minor and Great Disability-Inclusive Courses to Register for Now!
We invite you to support disability inclusion and further your knowledge through taking one of these great courses offered at UMBC!

Debuting in the Fall 2024 semester, the Department of English is now home to a new Critical Disability Studies minor.

Students in this interdisciplinary minor will encounter both the lived experiences of disability, past and present, and a critical analysis of intersecting systems of ableism, heteropatriarchy, white supremacy, colonialism, and capitalist violence.

To earn a minor in Critical Disability Studies, students will complete 15 credits of coursework: one introductory course (3 credits), two core courses (6 credits), and two elective courses (6 credits).

Fall 2024 Course Offerings:

  • AGNG 200 - Aging People, Policy and Management (multiple sections)
  • ENGL 320 - Disability and Technology: Writing, Design, and Resistance (Dr. Drew Holladay)
  • ENGL 461/669 - (Dis)ability in Asian American Literacture (Dr. Sharon Tran)
  • GLBL 410 - I'm a Cyborg But That's OK: Technology, Culture, and Disablity (Dr. Tania Lizarazo)
  • PBHL/PHIL 375 - Philosophy of Medicine (Dr. Jessica Pfeifer)
  • PSYC 305 - Children with Exceptionalities (Dr. Laura Rose)
  • SOCY 351 - Sociology of Health, Illness, and Medicine (Dr. Karon Philips)
------------------------------------
*Recommended for Fall:

 FYS 106: First-Year Seminar Introduction to Disability Studies (01-LEC (6751)
This three-credit course is designed to introduce the foundations of Disability Studies and meets Culture (GEP), Social Sciences (GEP), Culture (GFR), and Social Sciences (GFR) requirements. Meets in person. 

**Recommended for Summer II, Winter or Spring: 

American Sign Language (ASL) will fulfill UMBC’s GEP language requirement. 

Courses offered:

  • ASL 101
  • ASL 102
  • ASL 201

For more information, use the link below to access course/catalog details or email Dr. Tania Lizarazo, lizarazo@umbc.edu


]]> We invite you to support disability inclusion and further your knowledge through taking one of these great courses offered at UMBC! Debuting in the Fall 2024 semester, the Department of... https://catalog.umbc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=36&poid=7258 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/142582/guest@my.umbc.edu/d8e2ed25403dfab800d3acb4670f2801/api/pixel disability english lizarazo minor studies tania 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 Thu, 27 Jun 2024 12:28:58 -0400 Celebrating National LGBTQ+ Pride with Disability Awareness ~5 million disabled people under the LGBTQ+ umbrella June marks National LGBTQ+ Pride Month and offers the nation the opportunity to reflect on the incredible contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Our nation is at its best when it welcomes, represents and includes people of all backgrounds. This includes people with disabilities and the intersections shared with the LGBTQ+ community. According to a study published in 2012, fully 36 percent of women in the LGBTQ+ community and 30 percent of men in the community also self-identify as people with disabilities. Learn more about the intersection via RespectAbility here, especially with Leah Ilana's essay on the need for safe refuge.  More  Disabled LBGTQ+ Profiles, in their own voices, are profiled here.

Mid-Atlantic ADA is also offering a webinar on Elevating Inclusion through Intersectionality on June 28: Making Programs and Places Accessible for Disabled LGBTQ+ Folks, with registration linked here.

We celebrate with you! You matter! UMBC Resources include:

LGBTQ Student Union - for all students (undergrad, grad, part-time, full-time)
LGBTQ+ FSA - Faculty and Staff group
The Pride Center via i3b is centrally located on the second floor of the UC and holds Pride Week during April while the academic year is underway.
Retriever Integrated Health has an LGBTQ Group, and additional mental health supports.
LGBTQIA+ Resource Page via the Office of Equity and Civil Rights

For question about disability or accessibility at UMBC, undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities connect with Student Disability Services online (link) or via disability@umbc.edu.

Accessibility & Disability Services (link) administers employee (faculty, staff, graduate assistant and student worker) accommodations.  

UMBC's most recent Accessible Route map is linked here. 

Accessibility Concerns may be reported via this online form.


]]> June marks National LGBTQ+ Pride Month and offers the nation the opportunity to reflect on the incredible contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Our nation is at its best when it welcomes,... https://ecr.umbc.edu/lgbtq-resources/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/142330/guest@my.umbc.edu/64a2a489483434e936fe94f6f81a9477/api/pixel accessibility asexual bisexual disability diversity diversityandinclusion fluid gay gender inclusion lesbian pride queer spectrum trans transgender webinar 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 7 0 true Wed, 05 Jun 2024 10:36:06 -0400 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
]]> 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... http://sds.umbc.edu https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/141988/guest@my.umbc.edu/ddcaaa4bfe5a1e7b930817e330619906/api/pixel aapi accessibility ally alpha american asian autism awareness blackboard brown buendens champion day delta department disability faculty fulbright gaad gamma globla health heritage islander kappa kostgen language learning lydia may mental month neurodiversity nominate pacific pi tesolwon 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 Tue, 14 May 2024 18:37:00 -0400 Tue, 14 May 2024 18:51:21 -0400 May is Mental Health Awareness Month Join the Take The Moment Campaign
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!
]]> 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... http://sds.umbc.edu https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/141596/guest@my.umbc.edu/20d06fe9fd60e6af4534f5cd22f77778/api/pixel accessibility accommodation ads anxiety applicant bipolar campaign coping crisis depression disability disorder employee health illness is-spring-distinghuised-lecture mental nami ptsd sds strategy student suicide trigger 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 3 0 true Wed, 01 May 2024 15:25:01 -0400 Fulbright Scholars with Disabilities Share Their Experiences UMBC Alum Mariam Yaldram featured on May 6!
Please join us for Fulbright's online events that review and unpack the Fulbright experience for Fulbright Scholars with disabilities from around the world:


May 2nd, 2024 3-4 pm- Navigating a Fulbright Study Grant as a Neurodivergent Scholar in the UK with Geglie Davis-Tillie  (Online)

May 6th, 2024 3-4 pm Navigating a Fulbright ETA Grant as a Disabled Scholar in Taiwan with Speaker Mariam Yaldram, UMBC ALUMNI  (Online) 


Sessions are 45 minutes-1 hour


Feel free to register for any of these Fulbright events by scanning the QR code on the linked flyer or click on the website button below. Enjoy the webinars and best wishes with the Fulbright process. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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:


Download Flyer
]]> Please join us for Fulbright's online events that review and unpack the Fulbright experience for Fulbright Scholars with disabilities from around the world: May 2nd, 2024 3-4 pm-... https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceYOKBsFNZs-iVoRK4J7CwH2gP1ofH3tSb8FmB3T-WiTbbmQ/viewform Photo https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/3e478dc45e951a8498a10bae880271d5/69ede11f/news/000/141/425/49d0a82eeff713b74763ec2aefde176b/Fulbrighters with Disabilities Flyer.jpg?1714317843 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/141425/guest@my.umbc.edu/8c7896e76400e09f95184371d71b3a40/api/pixel disability fulbright international kingdom mariam neurodiversity scholar taiwan uk united yaldram 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 3 0 true Sun, 28 Apr 2024 11:26:05 -0400 National Assistive Technology Day is April 17

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:
]]> 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... https://ataporg.org/policy-and-advocacy/national-at-awareness-day/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/141013/guest@my.umbc.edu/88182e9fc4203b33faedaa569a3051b8/api/pixel accessibility accessible audio blind cane disability inclusion legally loss low render social speech technology text vision white work 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 Tue, 16 Apr 2024 22:26:09 -0400 Autism: From Awareness to Acceptance in April Making Inclusion and Acceptance the Norm

Autism is a Spectrum- from Awareness to Acceptance


April is known as Autism Awareness Month, including April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (link).   In listening to many within the Autism community - there is a call for media to move from using awareness to acceptance to foster change and inclusivity for those affected by autism - read more about it from the Autism Society here.  Information on What is Autism is linked here, and a deeper dive sharing the voices of many people on the Autism Spectrum is posted here.

Being on the Autism Spectrum is a nuanced diagnosis with a rainbow of traits, and is explained well here.  Rebecca Burgess also explains the spectrum within her comic on The Mighty here. Day-to-day living and learning independence was recently examined in depth on PBS's In a Different Key which covers the history of autism and highlights the experience of a range of people with autism, their families and their community.

People of all identities around the world live, go to school and go to work with the neurodiversity that Autism brings to a world, often with struggle and difficulty. UMBC's students, faculty, staff, and visitors have this neurodiversity as well.  While many learn and work well with best practices and accessible design,  students (both undergraduate and graduate), as well as faculty and staff who experience disability with a diagnosed health condition (which includes autism) may seek accommodations through Student Disability Services (link) for academic programs, as well as work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services. 


Sexual Assault Awareness Month


April is also a time when UMBC highlights awareness about sexual assault - which informs community safety and health at UMBC. ADS and SDS are acutely aware of how this harmful and criminal behavior disproportionately affects people with disabilities.  Hannah Gadsby speaks about her experience within the wide-ranging special, Nanette. Information on how to access help and support is available at any time on the ECR website.

Learn more about Disability, Victimization and becoming a survivor here.  Become involved with awareness, prevention and safety by participating in Green Dot (prevention) Training and being familiar with UMBC Resources.


Have a good April everyone!

*See UMBC's Style Guide about variations within inclusive language
]]> Autism is a Spectrum- from Awareness to Acceptance April is known as Autism Awareness Month, including April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (link).   In listening to many within the Autism... https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/autism-awareness-month/2023/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/140538/guest@my.umbc.edu/a0ffefbc8abbd8685e282a6b4790f5a3/api/pixel ability able ableist aspie autism behavior black disability disorder female grandin neurodivergent neurotypical race social spectrum temple 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 3 0 true Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:51:27 -0400