April is about Autism Acceptance Making Inclusion and Acceptance the Norm

Autism is a Spectrum- and Acceptance Matters


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   In listening to many within the Autism community - there is a call for media to move from outdated and using awareness to acceptance to foster change and inclusivity for those affected by autism - experience more about Autism Society's Autism IS series here.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.

On April 25, Maryland Governor Wes Moore proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month  and Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller presented the Governor’s proclamation to recognize people who are living with autism and those who advocate on their behalf, and honor the contributions of the autism community. She was joined by Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty and Maryland Statewide Autism Coordinator Victoria Rodriguez-Roldán in unveiling Maryland’s five-year Autism State Plan.


Being on the Autism Spectrum is a nuanced diagnosis with a wide range of traits, and is explained well here.  For a more visual presentation, Rebecca Burgess also explains the spectrum within her comic on The Mighty. 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.

Recently, autism has been in the news, resulting in leading autism organizations to release this joint statement on upholding scientific integrity and supporting the autism community. 

Finally, as we close out Autism Awareness Month, it's important to move beyond basic awareness and focus on real understanding. There are still many myths about autism that create barriers for autistic individuals. With understanding, acceptance, and respect for different communication styles, we can help create a more inclusive world. These facts are based on resources from the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Different Minds Scotland, two organizations doing critical work to promote accurate information about autism. Let's keep learning, listening, and working toward true inclusion, not just in April, but all year long.

Graphic titled 'Autism MythBusters'. Left side shows myth: 'Everyone with autism is either non-verbal or a savant.' Right side shows fact: Autism Spectrum Disorder varies widely among individuals; not all are non-verbal or savants. Some live independently, while others need more support. Illustration of three people using laptops and phones together.

Graphic titled 'Autism MythBusters'. Left side shows myth: 'People with autism cannot form relationships.' Right side shows fact: Many people with autism want and can form strong relationships with support and understanding. Illustration of two people talking and smiling while seated on yellow chairs

Graphic titled 'Autism MythBusters'. Left side shows myth: 'Autism mainly affects young children.' Right side shows fact: Autism is lifelong; people are born autistic, and some aren't diagnosed until adulthood. Illustration of a group of children playing and making heart signs with their hands.

Graphic titled 'Autism MythBusters'. Left side shows myth: 'You can tell someone is autistic by looking at them.' Right side shows fact: Autism isn't always visible and should not be dismissed based on appearance. Illustration of four interlocking puzzle pieces in black, gray, and yellow.


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. 


Thumbnail Photo credit: unsplash.com

*See UMBC's Style Guide about variations within inclusive language - it's better to ask about preferences than assume.
]]> Autism is a Spectrum- and Acceptance Matters April is known as Autism Awareness Month, including April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (link).   In listening to many within the Autism... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/149607/guest@my.umbc.edu/958a58ed0282dba50da615d3edf091ef/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 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/607/5a0df9912d0e408728e09ee62f8fee7c/xxlarge.jpg?1745958439 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/607/5a0df9912d0e408728e09ee62f8fee7c/xlarge.jpg?1745958439 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/607/5a0df9912d0e408728e09ee62f8fee7c/large.jpg?1745958439 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/607/5a0df9912d0e408728e09ee62f8fee7c/medium.jpg?1745958439 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/607/5a0df9912d0e408728e09ee62f8fee7c/small.jpg?1745958439 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/607/5a0df9912d0e408728e09ee62f8fee7c/xsmall.jpg?1745958439 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/607/5a0df9912d0e408728e09ee62f8fee7c/xxsmall.jpg?1745958439 a silhouette of a person standing underneath a multi-colored spectral sky with the Milky Way illuminated 3 0 false Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:29:01 -0400 Tue, 13 May 2025 10:25:01 -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 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 Autism Hiring Program Accepting Applications Now! Applications being accepted for 2023-24 Autism Hiring Program Expands to Anne Arundel County for 2023-24; cohorts in Howard, Montgomery, and Surrounding Areas! 

 

Applications are now being accepted for 2023-24 cohorts of the Autism Hiring Program with a new program beginning this fall in Anne Arundel County in partnership with the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation!  The program now serves residents of Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Howard County/Surrounding Counties.

 

The next session application deadlines are September 15th for the Mid-Maryland Fall Session (Residents of Howard County and Surrounding Areas); and October 15th for the Anne Arundel Fall Session (Residents of Anne Arundel).  The complete schedule for all three locations is below:

 

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY (NEW!) - Anne Arundel County Residents Only

FALL 2023: Late October-December 2023 – Deadline to apply is October 15, 2023

WINTER 2024: January-March 2024 – Deadline to apply is January 15, 2024

SPRING 2024: April-June 2024 – Deadline to apply is March 15, 2024

FALL 2024: September–November. 2024 – Deadline to apply is August 15, 2024

 

MID-MARYLAND: Residents of Howard County & Surrounding Areas

FALL 2023: September-December 2023 - Deadline to apply is September 15, 2023

WINTER 2024: January-March 2024 - Deadline to apply is January 15, 2024

SPRING 2024: April-June 2024 - Deadline to apply is March 15, 2024

 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY: Montgomery County Residents Only

FALL 2023 - This session is now full. Please check back for 2024 dates as they are scheduled.

 

The Autism Hiring Program was created by the Howard County Autism Society to advance workplace neurodiversity and acceptance, connecting businesses to an untapped workforce of skilled Autistic adults and targeting jobseekers not supported by existing systems.  It is provided at no cost to attendees. The ideal candidate for this program is someone who comes to it with an open mind, is committed to their own success, and whose ultimate goal is to find and sustain meaningful employment. Other requirements: 

·       Has an Autism diagnosis

·       High school degree/GED (may have certifications, some college and/or college degree) 

·       Not currently receiving services from DDA, DORS, an agency, or employment specialist/counselor 

·       Able to attend weekly peer group and 1:1 sessions independently with our staff virtually and in person 

·       Responsive to requests from our staff to schedule meetings, coaching sessions, interviews, trainings 

 

At the same time, the program engages employers to ensure a good fit for candidates AND add to their bottom line.  It provides training for managers and staff on neurodiversity, ADA compliance, inclusivity, and natural supports while creating a sustainable system through which they can hire and retain great candidates.

 

Support for the program has been provided by Howard County, MD, Howard County Workforce Development, WorkSource Montgomery, Anne Arundel Workforce Development, an FY23 Congressional Community Project Funding grant,  Gula Tech Foundation, Arbor Dog Foundation and many generous individual and corporate donors.    

 

For applications, information, and deadlines, visit https://howard-autism.org/autism-hiring-program/ . Questions? Email or call Linda.Hoyt@howard-autism.org  or 410-290-3466.
]]> Autism Hiring Program Expands to Anne Arundel County for 2023-24; cohorts in Howard, Montgomery, and Surrounding Areas!    Applications are now being accepted for 2023-24 cohorts of the Autism... http://sds.umbc.edu https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/135353/guest@my.umbc.edu/78858554559100f1a8782d970b63c63e/api/pixel anne arundel autism county hiring howard montgomery program 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 5 0 true Mon, 11 Sep 2023 22:41:44 -0400 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 22:42:19 -0400 PLEASE READ - Reminder and Update: April Disability Film Discussion April 28th at Noon
As we come to the end of a month that focuses on celebrating both our Autism community and our Deaf community, we'd like to remind you to continue to engage in opportunities to learn more and engage in discussion. 

The ADS & SDS offices have selected two films this month that we encourage watching and spending time in reflection on in honor of our peers who represent these communities. As a reminder, we are hosting a Noontime, free-hour discussion session in the Math/Psychology Bldg, Room 222 conference room on Friday, 4/28 for anyone interested in joining us in discussion and reflection.

We hope to see you there, RSVPs are appreciated for space planning.

Films:  

1. "In a Different Key"- Autism documentary that centers on the experience of Autism within neurotypical communities: From Patient Zero in rural Mississippi, initial discernment with Johns Hopkins healthcare providers, history of healthcare and structural inequality, as well as hope. This film centers on people on the autism spectrum within their families and community, and is available for free through PBS. For more information and to view it, please visit the website at https://www.pbs.org/show/different-key/

Synopsis: A mother of a young adult with autism tracks down the first person ever diagnosed with autism, now an elderly man living in rural Mississippi, to learn if his life story holds promise for her own autistic son. Her journey exposes a startling record of cruelty and kindness alike, framed by forces like race, money, and privilege – but leads to hope that more communities are learning to have the backs of people on the spectrum. The documentary shows the lived experience of a diverse mix of people with autism within family, community, and transitioning toward independence.

2. "Feeling Through"- Academy Award-nominated film produced by Marlee Matlin, an American actress, and activist who is recognized as being the first Deaf performer to win an Academy Award (Best Actress, 1986). The film "Feeling Through" stars the only award-winning DeafBlind actor and the only DeafBlind member of the Screen Actors Guild.   For more information, please visit the "Feeling Through" website at https://www.feelingthrough.com/. (Please note this film is not available for free online at this time and the film organizers are accepting donations to further their activism work for accessibility and disability representation in Hollywood). 

Both films are captioned, have a downloadable transcript, as well as a version with audio description. 

April is also a powerful awareness month to recognize and honor for...

National Stress Awareness
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness
Oral Cancer Awareness 
Alcohol Awareness
Sexual Assault Awareness 
Sexually Transmitted Infections Awareness
National Minority Health Awareness
National Parkinson's Awareness
Arab American Heritage Month
Child Abuse Prevention 
]]> As we come to the end of a month that focuses on celebrating both our Autism community and our Deaf community, we'd like to remind you to continue to engage in opportunities to learn more and... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/117411 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/133024/guest@my.umbc.edu/7a3ac19235e10db8b9717a3313991b80/api/pixel accessibility actor ads autism blind casting deaf deafblind disability discussion documentary feeling film ibs parkinsons sds sti stress student theatre through 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 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:08:06 -0400 Autism: From Awareness to Acceptance in April Inclusion and Acceptance Happen Every Day

Autism is a Spectrum- from Awareness to Acceptance


April is known as Autism Awareness Month, including April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (link), with more events happening across the United States.   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 OEI 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), with more events happening across the... https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/autism-awareness-month/2023/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/132281/guest@my.umbc.edu/f38327f16e0b50d24ba423c21b660008/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 8 1 true Tue, 04 Apr 2023 17:01:29 -0400