Join us for an exclusive screening of Quad Life — the powerful story of a young Black father whose world is turned upside down after a life-changing accident. Follow his journey of resilience and reinvention as he pursues his passion as an artist and quadriplegic sound designer, redefining what "normal" means along the way.

Popcorn will be provided. For a special surprise, the main actor will be joining us after the screening for a live Q&A session.

Go to this link and click "Going In-Person" to reserve your spot.

Please note: This event is not sponsored, and Quad Life is not currently available on Netflix. All graphics and introductory materials are created solely to enhance the promotional experience and generate excitement for this screening.

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:

• All Riders
• Le Frere
• Unseen, 
• The Body is a House of Familiar Rooms 
• The Beautiful Colors of Jeremy Sicile-Kira

With over 18 million cancer survivors in the U.S., it's clear that research is making a difference—but the journey doesn't end at survival. One in four survivors reports poor physical health, and one in ten faces challenges with mental health. We are proud to highlight the work of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), which is leading the way in survivorship science—improving outcomes and saving lives.

What can you do?
✅ Support the research
✅ Learn the science
✅ Advocate for survivors

Share your story and use #CelebrateSurvivorship and #NationalCancerSurvivorMonth to spread awareness.

Read more information at: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)

#CancerSurvivor #CancerResearch #AACR #UMBC #CancerAwareness

1. Schedule Your Final Exams Now
   Don’t wait, log into your Accommodate portal to schedule your accommodated testing for final exams as soon as possible.

2. Connect with Your Faculty Early
   Be proactive in discussing your accommodation needs.
   For example, if you need to reschedule a test or adjust the time, email your professor in advance.
   Remember:

   • Requests for disability-related absences, make-up tests, or extensions on assignments should be made ahead of time.

   • At least 24 hours' notice is preferred.

   • All exam or quiz rescheduling requires your instructor’s approval.

3. Last Call for SDS Student Survey – We Want to Hear from You!
   Help us improve by sharing your experiences and suggestions in Accommodate.
   Survey closes May 1st.

4. Nominate a Faculty Accessibility Trailblazer
   Know a professor who goes above and beyond to support accessibility?
   Nominate them as a Trailblazer for Accessibility today!
   Nominations close May 1st.

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 loss can be treated with hearing aids, but only 1 in 4 people use them.
• Untreated hearing loss increases the risk of cognitive decline (5x), depression (18% vs. 8%), and falls (3x higher risk).
• 28% of adults over 52 with hearing loss struggle with daily activities, compared to 7.3% with normal hearing.
• 1 in 8 people in the U.S. (ages 12+) experience hearing loss.
• Hearing loss is linked to lower salaries (up to $30,000 less) and higher unemployment rates (44% vs. 27%).

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


Credit:  Maryland Department of Disabilities