Congrats to UMBC's Faculty Accessibility Trailblazers!

We are proud to announce our second annual Faculty Accessibility Trailblazer Awards to recognize faculty members who have championed accessibility in their course materials and instruction and demonstrated a commitment to the inclusion, access, and success of students with disabilities at UMBC.

ADS is thrilled to recognize the following "trailblazers" who were consistently recommended by their colleagues and students as faculty committed to accessibility and inclusion over the past academic year.

Please join us in congratulating:

Dr. Eric Anderson, Physics

Dr. Nicole Belfiore, Social Work (UMBC-USG)

Dr. Carlton Crabtree, Information Systems

Dr. Mercedez Dunn-Gallier, Sociology, Anthropology, & Public Health

These faculty members will receive a certificate of recognition from ADS, will be featured in the SDS office bulletin board and newsletter, named in a Division of Institutional Equity announcement shared with the broad campus community, and this recognition will be shared with Academic and Faculty Affairs senior leadership and college and department leads. We encourage these faculty members to share their inclusive teaching practices with their colleagues to help foster our next faculty accessibility trailblazers at UMBC!

*The previous year, we honored faculty members from the Chemistry and Psychology departments and adjunct faculty in Cinematic Arts; all who continue to teach with accessibility and inclusion as vital elements in their pedagogy.

UMBC is committed to ensuring all students with disabilities are afforded an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from all of the University's programs, services, and activities through creating an educational environment of equal access, inclusive participation, and welcoming belonging. Full inclusion requires accessible course materials and teaching practices, supportive advising and mentoring of diverse student learning styles, and proactive welcoming to the University through the creation of universally designed environments. We cannot achieve our University's goal of inclusive excellence without our faculty's commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Accessibility is a shared campus responsibility, and all community members play a role in fostering disability inclusion and belonging through accessible practices.

Kudos to our amazing faculty who go above and beyond to support student success daily. We appreciate you and your partnership!

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, next one 4/25)
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 16 - 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.

A thumbnail image of seven young adult students gathered at a table, with two seated, accompanies this post.