Celebrating 35 years of progress, protection, and possibilities for people with disabilities. ADA @ 35! Infographic titled "Fact Check: ADA Edition" with a lightbulb icon at the center. Around the center, there are six labeled sections with ADA facts: Inked for Inclusion President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA with 59 pens, which were later given to key disability rights advocates. Invisible ≠ Uncovered The ADA covers both visible and invisible disabilities, including diabetes, epilepsy, PTSD, ADHD, and more. Capitol Crawl The ADA wasn’t simply passed—it was fought for. Activists with disabilities crawled up the steps of the U.S. Capitol to demand civil rights in what became known as the "Capitol Crawl." From the U.S. to the World Countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada looked to the ADA when shaping their own disability rights laws. The ADA has had global influence. Siri Says Thanks, ADA Features like screen readers, voice recognition, and closed captions (e.g., on Netflix or Siri) are rooted in accessibility laws like the ADA. Digital? Still ADA! The ADA includes digital accessibility. In 2022, there were 3,255 web accessibility lawsuits under Title III, a 12% increase from 2021. Center Text Box: "Until 1990, it was perfectly legal to deny someone a job, apartment, or education just because they had a disability. The ADA changed that—like the Civil Rights Act did for race and gender."

July 26, 2025, marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As the ADA turns 35 this year, here are some key facts you should know.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed in 1990, was a landmark moment in U.S. civil rights history. It made it illegal to deny someone a job, education, or housing just because of a disability. But the ADA didn’t just happen. It was demanded. Activists crawled up the steps of the U.S. Capitol during the Capitol Crawl to fight for equal rights.

Today, the ADA protects people with both visible and invisible disabilities, like PTSD, ADHD, and diabetes. It also covers far more than physical spaces. Think websites, apps, voice recognition, closed captioning, and screen readers. In fact, in 2022 alone, over 3,000 web accessibility lawsuits were filed under the ADA.

From the U.S. to countries like the U.K., Canada, and Australia, the ADA’s influence is global. And yes, even Siri owes a thank you to the ADA.

Equal access isn’t extra. It’s essential.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us last Friday, the 25th, to celebrate with UMBC's Accessibility and Disability Services and Student Disability Services. Your presence and support in recognizing this important milestone meant so much to us. This celebration was a reminder that while we've made great strides since the passage of the ADA, there is still work to do—and we’re grateful to have you with us in that journey.

If you're still interested in exploring more, here are some of the powerful films we screened during the Disability Film Festival. We encourage you to check them out in your spare time:


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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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Thursday, March 14, 2024 · 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Public Policy : 105/Lecture Hall 9
Join ADS, SDS and Social Work for the UMBC (free) screening of unseen, an award-winning documentary described as:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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