Watch Chip lead the way to accessible paths on campus — tap to play! Next tour- Nov 19 @ Math/Psych 222!
October was Disability Identity and Awareness Month, and SDS was bustling with exciting events! One of the highlights was welcoming our special guest, Chip, who joined us for one of our monthly Accessibility Walk & Roll Tours.

We're thrilled to share this video showcasing Chip as she explores and demonstrates some of the accessible routes around campus. If you missed this one, don't worry! There are more opportunities to join us. Our next tours will take place on November 19 at 12 PM.

Click on the image below to watch it!

Thumbnail image for Chip’s Accessibility Tour video

What are the features? We have many, including a Skywalk and several upgrades (lecture halls and elevators) and more on the way.
What are the bugs?  Learn more about how work with situations, whether it's contacting Work Control for a repair (410-455-2550), reporting an accessibility concern, or working with campus partners, such as Facilities Management  and DoIT to support inclusion.  Accessibility is everyone's responsibility.

We will gather in the ADS Conference Room - learn the skywalk and tunnel connections within the Academic Core, review Adaptive Computing within the Library, and visit the reception area of Retriever Integrated Health - which supports both physical and mental health.  The tour is limited to a small group, and please know that mask use is VERY WELCOME.

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 slazar@umbc.edu with "November 10/11 Accessibility Tour" in the subject line.

Can't make the day or time? More tours are planned.  Have a (small) group? Email us to set up a day and time that works for the occasion.  

Come learn, explore, and experience how accessibility shapes our campus community. See you then!
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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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Navigating UMBC's campus-on-a-hill as a person with a disability brings out overt and sometimes more subtle features of its accessible design.  Join us to learn more (which can extend to being an effective Accessibility Ally!) and discuss: 

What are the features? We have many, including a Skywalk and several upgrades (lecture halls and elevators) and more on the way.

What are the bugs?  Learn more about how work with situations, whether it's contacting Work Control for a repair (410-455-2550), reporting an accessibility concern, or working with campus partners, such as Facilities Management  and DoIT to support inclusion.  Accessibility is everyone's responsibility.

We will gather in the ADS Conference Room - learn the skywalk and tunnel connections within the Academic Core, review Adaptive Computing within the Library, and visit the reception area of Retriever Integrated Health - which supports both physical and mental health.  The tour is limited to a small group, and please know that mask use is VERY WELCOME.

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 slazar@umbc.edu May 14 Accessibility Tour in the subject line.


Can't make the day or time? More tours are planned.  Have a (small) group? Email us to set up a day and time that works for the occasion.  
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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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