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 June is National Cancer Survivor Month Championing survivors today, shaping stronger tomorrows.

Poster for National Cancer Survivor Month by UMBC Accessibility and Disability Services. At the center, two hands are gently holding each other, symbolizing unity and support. A white cancer awareness ribbon loops around their arms. The text reads: “National Cancer Survivor Month” in bold, dark lettering. The UMBC logo appears in the top left corner.

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


]]> 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... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150817/guest@my.umbc.edu/41c828129bca480938c5d909bfe48b30/api/pixel aacr accessibility awareness cancer celebrate disability matters month national support survivor survivors survivorship umbc 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 Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:02:31 -0400 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 November is Diabetes Awareness Month It's about insulin, then small steps to support well being Diabetes Awareness Month is celebrated in November, where we call attention to a serious health condition that is no laughing matter with its need for monitoring and management, as well as its intersection with disability and mortality.  November includes World Diabetes Day (November 14th) which was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization to recognize growing concerns about escalating health threats posed by diabetes. In 2006, it was recognized by the UN, and is celebrated on the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

Diabetes has a wide global reach and fits within the definition of a disability, and sometimes concerns about its flares (especially with Type 1) have graduate and undergraduate students reach out for on-campus resources, such as 

The students with UMBC College Diabetes Network Chapter let us know that their national organization has been renamed to The Diabetes Link, with the tagline: Diabetes does not define you, but does define us, we exist to support and empower you. The students' recommended Diabetes Resources for young adults include:

 

]]> Diabetes Awareness Month is celebrated in November, where we call attention to a serious health condition that is no laughing matter with its need for monitoring and management, as well as its... https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/national-diabetes-month https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/129034/guest@my.umbc.edu/73a95a6c085a952a0eab9d77c4b97e7a/api/pixel awareness chronic conditions diabetes disability health insulin metformin month sds 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 2 0 true Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:09:32 -0500 Raising Awareness: World Diabetes Day and Month (November) Small steps, including awareness, yield big health dividends World Diabetes Day (November 14th) fell on a Sunday - within Diabetes Awareness Month - it was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization to recognize growing concerns about escalating health threats posed by diabetes. In 2006, it was recognized by the UN, and is celebrated on the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

Diabetes has a wide global reach and fits within the definition of a disability, and sometimes concerns about its flares have graduate and undergraduate students reach out for on-campus resources, such as 

ADS just heard from students co-creating the UMBC College Diabetes Network Chapter if students are interested in more information email  UMBC@collegediabetesnetwork.org  to get connected. They are sorting out meeting times and will be meeting in the coming weeks.  Another reason to reach out - they have resource sheets for insulin affordability, which is in harmony with the theme "Access to Diabetes Care - If Not Now, When?"

Their recommended Diabetes Resources include:

 

Again, students interested in joining the UMBC chapter should email UMBC@collegediabetesnetwork.org  to get connected.


]]> World Diabetes Day (November 14th) fell on a Sunday - within Diabetes Awareness Month - it was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization to... https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/national-diabetes-month https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/115148/guest@my.umbc.edu/f98a280e6d0303a684b5cd79d34b8a62/api/pixel awareness chronic condition diabetes disability health insulin metformin month sds 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 2 0 true Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:39:16 -0500 Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:46:05 -0500