November is American Diabetes Month! 85 Years of Progress, Hope, and Action

Since 1940, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has been a relentless force for change and fighting for those affected by diabetes through research, advocacy, education, and community. This American Diabetes Month, we reflect on the journey that has transformed lives and continues to inspire progress.

A Legacy of Breakthroughs and Compassion

The Good Fight: It All Matters

Eighty-five years later, the ADA remains at the forefront of the fight to end diabetes. From improving access to care and advocating for equitable treatment, to funding cutting-edge research and building supportive communities—the mission endures.

This American Diabetes Month, we celebrate the courage, resilience, and unity of everyone impacted by diabetes—those who live with it, those who support loved ones, and the healthcare heroes who dedicate their lives to care and research.

Supporting Our Community During Diabetes Awareness Month

For UMBC students and employees who are managing diabetes, whether newly diagnosed or navigating ongoing treatment, please know that Student Disability Services (SDS) is here to support you. Diabetes has a broad global impact and meets the definition of a disability. At times, concerns about managing its flares—especially for individuals with Type 1 diabetes—arise, so we encourage students and staff to seek on-campus resources such as:

If your health needs are affecting your academics or work, we encourage you to register with Student Disability Services (SDS) to explore available accommodations and support options. We're committed to ensuring you have access, understanding, and the resources you need to thrive. 

Get involved and make a difference!

Expanding Awareness Beyond Diabetes

While we honor American Diabetes Month, November also highlights many important causes that intersect with accessibility, inclusion, and health. As we enter a month known for travel, shared meals, and family gatherings, let's make our celebrations more inclusive and disability-friendly with thoughtful approaches to dining and travel.

Inclusive Celebrations and Accessible Cooking

People with disabilities also host fabulous meals and lead the way in accessible cooking:

Want to bring some disability-friendly ideas into kitchens this season? Check out cooking hacks for chefs with disabilities and Fall recipes from The Accessible Chef to inspire your table.

Accessible Travel and Broader Awareness

Travel is also a highlight of this season—so here's a more inclusive list of tips to ease travel hassles for all kinds of disabilities.

And as we raise awareness this month, we also recognize:


]]> Since 1940, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has been a relentless force for change and fighting for those affected by diabetes through research, advocacy, education, and community. This... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/154513/guest@my.umbc.edu/e4b6dad381f4375fbf304f8e253c8e11/api/pixel accessibility american awareness campus chronic diabetes disability equity health illness inclusion month sds services student support umbc wellness 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/000/154/513/f0577b6674e1bf7391a03e8449ed99ee/xxlarge.jpg?1763050054 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/154/513/f0577b6674e1bf7391a03e8449ed99ee/xlarge.jpg?1763050054 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/154/513/f0577b6674e1bf7391a03e8449ed99ee/large.jpg?1763050054 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/154/513/f0577b6674e1bf7391a03e8449ed99ee/medium.jpg?1763050054 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/154/513/f0577b6674e1bf7391a03e8449ed99ee/small.jpg?1763050054 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/154/513/f0577b6674e1bf7391a03e8449ed99ee/xsmall.jpg?1763050054 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/154/513/f0577b6674e1bf7391a03e8449ed99ee/xxsmall.jpg?1763050054 An image of a woman injecting herself with diabetes medication. The text reads "November is Diabetes Awareness Month." 2 0 false Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:08:27 -0500 May is National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month! Equitable access to treatments for asthma and allergies.

A stethoscope rests on a sheet of paper with an electrocardiogram (EKG) graph in the background. Bold text reads, “May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month” with emphasis on the words “Asthma” (in orange) and “Allergy Awareness” (in yellow and black).

May is also National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month! This month is dedicated to raising awareness, educating communities, and advocating for equitable access to treatments for asthma and allergies.

More than 100 million people in the U.S. live with asthma or allergies—conditions that affect every aspect of daily life, from physical health and emotional well-being to financial stability. Yet for many, life-saving treatments remain out of reach due to barriers like high costs or limited insurance coverage.

AAFA continues to call for action: lower treatment costs, better healthcare access, and increased research funding. Access matters. Awareness matters. Let’s work together to create healthier, more inclusive communities for all.

Did you know that at UMBC, our Dining Services are committed to supporting students with food allergies and celiac disease?

We recognize that starting college can be stressful, especially for students with dietary restrictions. UMBC Dining offers personalized support to make sure every student can eat safely on campus. Key features of our allergy support program include:

  • One-on-one consultations with Campus Dietitian Adam Sachs, RDN, LDN, where students can discuss their allergies, dietary needs, review menus, and create an individualized dining plan.

  • Your S.P.A.C.E. (Special Prepared Allergy Controlled Eating) at True Grit’s, a designated area with allergy-safe products including rice milk, Lactaid, gluten-free bread and cereal, and a dedicated gluten-free toaster.

  • “Delicious Without” Station at True Grit’s, offering meals prepared without the 9 most common allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, shellfish, dairy, wheat, eggs, and sesame) and gluten. These meals are made with separate equipment and utensils to minimize cross-contact.

  • Ongoing support from trained chefs and dining staff to help students feel safe and confident in their dining choices.

  • Ingredient transparency through our online database and clearly labeled menus to assist students in making informed decisions.

Students and families are encouraged to reach out before the semester starts to establish a dining plan tailored to their needs. To schedule a meeting or ask questions, contact Adam Sachs at umbcrd@umbc.edu or 443.612.8331.

Learn more about allergy-friendly dining options at UMBC:
https://dineoncampus.com/UMBC/allergyceliac-options

Let’s continue to prioritize access, awareness, and inclusion—not only during Allergy Awareness Month, but every day.

]]> May is also National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month! This month is dedicated to raising awareness, educating communities, and advocating for equitable access to treatments for asthma and... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150078/guest@my.umbc.edu/2d548899f7cf02d0cd6ed5f0a79576d4/api/pixel accessible allergy asthma awareness by chronic commas dines dining equity food hashtags health heres illness instead list naaam of safe separated sure umbc your 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 false Tue, 13 May 2025 10:29:28 -0400 May is Mental Health Awareness Month In Every Story, There is Strength
Illustration for Mental Health Awareness Month featuring a gold and black ribbon in the center surrounded by diverse outstretched hands. Text reads: ‘May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Get involved and make a difference!

Each year, millions of people navigate the lived experience of mental illness.  UMBC's Office of Accessibility and Disability Services, which includes Student Disability Services, joins the movement in solidarity and partnership with Human Resources 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 when we embrace and support mental health.

#In Every Story There is Strength is this year's motto from NAMI:  more information about Mental Health Awareness Month from NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), including promotional material, is linked here.

NAMI shares information about identity and cultural aspects that influence individual journeys, including people living with a disability.  They also link to this article on why having mental health professionals with disabilities is important.

In addition to UMBC's NAMI student organization's outreach, to  end the stigma toward mental health, behavioral health, and 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:


Student Resources for undergraduate and graduate students include:

UMBC Retriever Integrated Heath has counseling and related services (Link) which includes

Faculty and staff mental health supports available through Human 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, which includes Student Disability Services, joins the... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/149976/guest@my.umbc.edu/5acae467c48dbb9e9efe174bfa0330a1/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 2 0 false Fri, 09 May 2025 15:58:19 -0400 Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:05:01 -0400 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 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 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 Suicide Prevention Month Spotlight: Disability Crisis Resources at UMBC, 988, and Beyond
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and UMBC is helping to raise awareness and promote effective strategies in the campus community and beyond.

Don't Ignore Suicide In The Disability Community - Learn About the Live On! Movement (abilities.com link)

Study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine about the Association of Disability with Suicide-Related Outcomes.

What can you do if you if you are worried about yourself or someone else:

Reach out - it's not a time to be silent, connect.

Listen - no one needs to feel like they are alone - we're in this together.

Get help - there is campus, local and national support

UMBC Resources include:

Retriever Integrated Health, which has Counseling Services and more for students

Reach Out Retrievers - Online Support for Mental Health, including Peer-to-Peer resources, Togetherall, WellTrack, and Kognito

Faculty and Staff can reach out to the USM Employee Assistance Program.

For all who are  working with a mental health provider - check in and schedule an urgent appointment with that health professional.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available at any time by calling or texting 988 - different from 911 - to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Megan Thee Stallion whose line in "Anxiety" is "I just want to talk to someone who gets me" created a website of mental health resources beginning with the National Crisis Textline (Text HOME to 741741), Stronghearts Native Helpline, Therapy Resources for Black Women and Men, LGBTQ Psychotherapist of Color Directory and much more. - here's the link for dealing with those bad days.

The Trevor Project provides support for LGBTQ+ community

From all who are struggling, Please Stay.

We're glad you are here, peace to you.

A captioned performance of Please Stay by Jake Runestead is linked here.

On the response side, UMBC's Office of Health Promotion has programs and trainings, including Mental Health First Aid that boost the campus community's ability to respond effectively when someone is in crisis.


]]> September is Suicide Prevention Month, and UMBC is helping to raise awareness and promote effective strategies in the campus community and beyond. Don't Ignore Suicide In The Disability... http://sds.umbc.edu https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/135185/guest@my.umbc.edu/11f90fa969df88082a4fc4b1b7d58014/api/pixel anxiety crisis disability health illness lgbtq megan mental native prevention project stallion stay stronghearts suicide thee trevor wellness 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 6 0 true Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:41:40 -0400 May is Mental Health Awareness Month Join the More Than Enough 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.

#More Than Enough is this year's motto from NAMI:  more information about Mental Health Awareness Month from NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), including promotional material, is linked here.

NAMI shares information about identity and cultural aspects that influence individual journeys, including people living with a disability.  They also link to this article on why having mental health professionals with disabilities is important.

One challenging area is ending 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 support mental health by working 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:

UMBC Retriever Integrated Heath has counseling and related services (Link) which includes

Faculty and staff mental health supports available through Human 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 worker 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!

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