Invisible Disabilities Week: Celebrating Strength You Can’t Always See (Oct 19-25) Show your support — wear the Sunflower, share understanding.
Did You Know Not All Disabilities Are Visible?

This week (October 19–25) is Invisible Disabilities Week — a time to raise awareness and support for those living with non-visible conditions.

An invisible disability is a physical, mental, or neurological condition that may not be apparent from the outside but can significantly affect a person's daily life, movements, senses, or activities.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple yet powerful symbol that lets people discreetly share that they have an invisible disability and may need extra time, understanding, or support. The movement began in the United Kingdom and is now recognized across Great Britain, Ireland, and Scotland — and it's spreading worldwide.

If you notice someone wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, please show kindness, patience, and understanding. Displaying a sunflower symbol on your office door, reception area, or workspace helps communicate that people with hidden disabilities are welcome and supported.

Living with a hidden disability can make everyday life more challenging — and these challenges are not always easy to recognize or understand. Wearing the Sunflower is a way to promote empathy and inclusion.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program officially launched at UMBC in Spring 2025!
Learn how you can get a sunflower sticker or button to show your support for hidden disabilities here: https://sds.umbc.edu/umbc-sunflower-program/. You can also follow the UMBC Sunflower group here. 

Spotlight on Maryland: "Eric's ID Law"

Maryland has also made great strides in recognizing invisible disabilities thanks to Eric's ID Law.

On October 1, 2025, several people gathered at the MVA's White Oak location to celebrate the launch of new Maryland ID cards featuring a butterfly logo above the words "Hidden Disability." The first card was issued to Eric Carpenter-Grantham, a Montgomery College student with high-functioning autism who inspired the law.

Eric's advocacy reminds us that awareness, empathy, and education can transform lives — one symbol at a time. Read the full story here.

Image Credit: Hidden Disabilities Sunflower 
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Today we recognize World Asthma Day 2025 with this year’s global theme: “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL.”

Asthma affects over 260 million people worldwide and causes more than 450,000 deaths annually, most of which are preventable. Inhaled corticosteroid-containing medications are essential for managing symptoms and preventing severe attacks, yet access to these treatments remains limited in many parts of the world due to high cost or lack of availability.

This year, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) is calling on healthcare professionals, governments, manufacturers, and policy makers to take urgent action to ensure that all individuals with asthma can access the medications they need to live healthy, full lives.

It’s also important to recognize that not all experiences of asthma or allergies rise to the level of a disability or create barriers in educational or work environments but for some, the symptoms can be severe enough that adjustments or alternatives are necessary. Awareness, flexibility, and equitable access are key to making spaces inclusive and supportive for all.

Together, we can reduce preventable hospitalizations and deaths, and create a world where asthma care is accessible, affordable, and informed by compassion and science.

Learn more: https://ginasthma.org/wad-2025/ ]]> Today we recognize World Asthma Day 2025 with this year’s global theme: “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL.” Asthma affects over 260 million people worldwide and causes more than 450,000... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/149866/guest@my.umbc.edu/7e653f4a37f68ecba5e89c41e1d9c0d9/api/pixel advocacy asthma awareness chronic day education health illness inhaler lung management respiratory support use world 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 0 0 false Tue, 06 May 2025 14:56:27 -0400 Spring 2025 Events – UMBC Student Disability Services
Join us for a variety of events focused on accessibility, inclusion, and building a supportive campus community!

  • March 25 – Spring Disability Film Screening
    Time: 4 PM
    Location: MYER 030 (Lecture Hall)
    Please join us for a powerful screening of The Ride Ahead: Love, Tattoos, & Other Disabled Things. Samuel Habib is a typical 21-year-old, itching to move out, start a career, and find love. But no one tells you how to be an adult, let alone an adult with a disability. Can a community of disability activists help him follow his dreams?. Feel free to watch the trailer here, and free popcorn will be provided for the screening!  .

  • March 26 – Tea Time with Tori (Held Monthly)
    Time: 12-2 PM
    Location: Mathematics/Psychology 222
    Join us for a relaxed and welcoming space where students, faculty, and staff can connect over tea and light snacks to discuss disability, accessibility, and campus experiences. Curious about how Assistive Technology can enhance learning and the classroom experience? Let’s chat!

  • April 8 – Inclusive Excellence in Action
    Location: Virtual Event (Invitation Link Provided)
    A conversation on fostering inclusivity and accessibility across UMBC.

  • April 9 - Facilities Accessibility on Campus: ADS & Facilities Management Partnership (Spring Update) Starts at Noon - RSVP at the link for virtual or in-person attendance in ILSB 116A) 

  • Accessibility Walk and Roll Tours – 3/10, 3/27, 4/7, 4/28
    Time: 12-1 PM
    Start Location: Mathematics/Psychology 222
    Join us for a guided tour of UMBC’s accessibility features, including the Skywalk and recent upgrades, while discussing ways to advocate for inclusion. Learn how to navigate campus, report accessibility concerns, and connect with key resources supporting physical and mental health.

Earlier this semester:

  • February 5 – AT Open House (Held Monthly)
    Time: 12-1 PM
    Location: Mathematics/Psychology 222
    Explore assistive technology tools and resources available to support students.

  • February 19 – SDS New Student Open House: Explore, Connect, and Learn
    Time: 12–2 PM
    Location: Mathematics/Psychology 222
    An opportunity for new and returning students to learn about SDS services, meet staff, and connect with peers. Visitors are invited to join us at noon for an Accessibility Walk & Roll tour of campus before the Open House. Those interested can meet in Math/Psychology 222.

ADS and SDS events are open to all members of the UMBC community. We especially encourage participation and connection of new students registered with SDS and allies and friends of our students and employees with disabilities. Stay connected for more updates, events, and ways to get involved!  

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all.  To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please contact us via disability@umbc.edu with the event name in the subject line and we will connect you with the event organizer.

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Judith "Judy" Heumann - widely regarded as the "mother" of the disability rights movement passed away in DC on March 4, 2023.  A summary of her life and essential work is available on her website here.


She has left and indelible mark on the world for people with disabilities and all who benefit from accessible features.  She has been a lifelong advocate for herself and others, beginning with her own educational advocacy and her successful challenge in becoming a licensed teacher who uses a wheelchair and continuing to the present day. Her experience with Camp Jened and the San Francisco 504 protests has received broad attention with the recent documentary Crip Camp. (NB: there is intersection with Dr. Sami Schalk's recent 504 UMBC talk)

More of Judy Heumann's work in her own words can be found here:

Her influence is truly global, national and local - many of the professional staff within UMBC's Accessibility and Disability Services have seen her in action through Association for Higher Ed and Disability (AHEAD) and similar  professional development events. Her memory is a global blessing.

While she will be dearly missed, as a tribute to her legacy, she would want campus members to co-create a disability-friendly community, and to reach out to UMBC Disability resources for information and support:
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