International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 (UN) Disability Inclusion Matters

December 3 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 2025 is: Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress, reaffirming the commitment to building a just, inclusive and equitable world.  The theme the important role that persons with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and accessible world for all. It also emphasizes the importance of the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes that affect their lives. More information about the UN In-Person New York Commemoration event is from 10-11a.  The event will be streamed online from 10:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. You can watch it live at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/91600322753.


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. Currently some ways that  campus members can participate are:


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 Facilities Management and  UMBC Sustainability as well.

If there is an accessibility concern on campus - report it via this linked form.  With Facilities Management as central for maintenance or repair reporting - the best, first step is to report repairs 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 

Peace Corp Worker Josh Swiller on What I Lost in Africa

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




]]> December 3 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... https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-of-persons-with-disabilities https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/155014/guest@my.umbc.edu/a000ccdc9d268fc602771a32f5ca615f/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 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/014/81c985f5383a83a08d06bac50236d4b8/xxlarge.jpg?1764789456 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/014/81c985f5383a83a08d06bac50236d4b8/xlarge.jpg?1764789456 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/014/81c985f5383a83a08d06bac50236d4b8/large.jpg?1764789456 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/014/81c985f5383a83a08d06bac50236d4b8/medium.jpg?1764789456 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/014/81c985f5383a83a08d06bac50236d4b8/small.jpg?1764789456 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/014/81c985f5383a83a08d06bac50236d4b8/xsmall.jpg?1764789456 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/155/014/81c985f5383a83a08d06bac50236d4b8/xxsmall.jpg?1764789456 A design featuring the text "International Day Of Persons With Disabilities" at the top in mixed cursive and bold fonts. Below the text is a diverse group of illustrated people standing and sitting together. The group represents inclusivity, featuring individuals with various visible disabilities, including people using wheelchairs, a walker, and prosthetic limbs. 2 0 false Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:18:01 -0500 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:19:48 -0500 World Asthma Day- May 6, 2025. Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL. Illustration for World Asthma Day, showing a girl using an inhaler with a concerned expression. The background features a yellow arch and white daisies with orange centers around the bottom. Text above reads “World Asthma Day” and below reads “May 6, 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 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 March 3rd is World Hearing Day!

Join us today and every day to raise awareness about hearing health and support those with hearing loss.

Did You Know?


Let’s break the stigma and support better hearing for all.


Credit:  Maryland Department of Disabilities 

]]> Join us today and every day to raise awareness about hearing health and support those with hearing loss. Did You Know? Hearing loss is twice as common as diabetes or cancer. 80% of hearing... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/147793/guest@my.umbc.edu/f4c8e305e6319e6988fa392119addb80/api/pixel accessibility awareness better day health hearing life loss matters 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 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/793/e9da613760d255a537e74ee313769079/xxlarge.jpg?1741028887 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/793/e9da613760d255a537e74ee313769079/xlarge.jpg?1741028887 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/793/e9da613760d255a537e74ee313769079/large.jpg?1741028887 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/793/e9da613760d255a537e74ee313769079/medium.jpg?1741028887 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/793/e9da613760d255a537e74ee313769079/small.jpg?1741028887 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/793/e9da613760d255a537e74ee313769079/xsmall.jpg?1741028887 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/147/793/e9da613760d255a537e74ee313769079/xxsmall.jpg?1741028887 0 0 false Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:09:08 -0500 International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 (UN) Disability-inclusive leadership and participation matters

December 3 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 2024 is: Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.  The theme the important role that persons with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world for all. It also emphasizes the importance of the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes that affect their lives. More information about the UN In-Person New York Commemoration event is from 10-11a.  The event will be streamed online from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. You can watch it live at the following link: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1w/k1wej4fsjh.


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. Currently some ways that  campus members can participate are:


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 Facilities Management and  UMBC Sustainability as well.

If there is an accessibility concern on campus - report it via this linked form.  With Facilities Management as central for maintenance or repair reporting - the best, first step is to report repairs 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 

Peace Corp Worker Josh Swiller on What I Lost in Africa

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

A thumbnail of the United Nations building with two rows of member-country flags accompanies the post. Image Credit : Pexels.com
]]> December 3 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... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/146010/guest@my.umbc.edu/9346fcbc54730a0a6c25aa4d12e18de8/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 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/010/ceed547d51a5fd70d9c2ffd3f8e42789/xxlarge.jpg?1733173234 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/010/ceed547d51a5fd70d9c2ffd3f8e42789/xlarge.jpg?1733173234 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/010/ceed547d51a5fd70d9c2ffd3f8e42789/large.jpg?1733173234 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/010/ceed547d51a5fd70d9c2ffd3f8e42789/medium.jpg?1733173234 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/010/ceed547d51a5fd70d9c2ffd3f8e42789/small.jpg?1733173234 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/010/ceed547d51a5fd70d9c2ffd3f8e42789/xsmall.jpg?1733173234 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/146/010/ceed547d51a5fd70d9c2ffd3f8e42789/xxsmall.jpg?1733173234 2 0 false Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:02:07 -0500 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 Leap Day is Rare Disease Day Rare is many (300M worldwide) Rare is strong. Rare is proud!
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). 


]]> 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... https://www.rarediseaseday.org/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/139438/guest@my.umbc.edu/091f7247af24db7dab54c1efd5a36123/api/pixel accessibility accommodation chronic day disability disease illness rare services 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 4 0 true Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:30:36 -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 Rare Disease Day Feb 28 - Honoring 300M People Worldwide Show Your Stripes> 2/28 UMBC Sustainability Contest Join ADS and Student Disability Services and campus partner UMBC Sustainability to celebrate and honor Rare Disease Day on February 28th.

Check out Accessibility Matters' Awareness Page with Contest Details here! (link)

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 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. Rare Disease Day provides an energy and focal point that enables rare diseases advocacy work to progress on the local, national and international levels.

Though Rare Disease Day is led by the people with these health conditions, everyone, including families and friends, healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers, and the general public, can participate in raising awareness and taking action to raise awareness.

By Sharing your colors via social media here (link), by sharing experiences online and with friends, by calling on elected officials and shining the light on the experience of people living with a rare disease, we can change to world for the better.  These improvements are not only for the 300 million people worldwide, but shape health and wellness far into the future.

UMBC's Sustainability Matters group is a partner with this cause because the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in  2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action to recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. UMBC is a community, and partnership is how we continue to end stigma and accept the diversity of health experiences and abilities among our networked communities.

Rare Diseases affect people at UMBC.  Campus resources include:

The zebra has become the official symbol of rare diseases in the United States. In honor of our shared mascot we wear striped clothing and accessories to show our support of those lives impacted by a rare disease. Additionally, many wearing blue denim genes (aka jeans) to show support.  If you are looking for selfie flair on February 28th, ADS has zebra origami hearts in the reception area (near room 212) on the second floor of the Math-Psychology Building. 


]]> Join ADS and Student Disability Services and campus partner UMBC Sustainability to celebrate and honor Rare Disease Day on February 28th. Check out Accessibility Matters' Awareness Page... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/sustainability/posts/117082 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/117218/guest@my.umbc.edu/13a0a6a1d64911a4b39636797bbb8e1e/api/pixel colors contest day disability disease horse rare sustainability zebra 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 Fri, 25 Feb 2022 09:46:32 -0500