National Disability Awareness Month October has seven rich, full days to raise awareness about issues that arise within the lived experience of people with disabilities, co-create a welcoming and inclusive campus experience and celebrates the many and varied contributions of Americans with disabilities.
We hope to see you at any of the following
October 24 (noon): Hands On Assistive Technology Demonstration
October 25 (online): Assistive Tech at Work MDoD Webinar
October 25 : Freedom and a Friend: Cultural Histories of the Guide Dog (Dresher Center Humanities Series)
October 26 (Noon, AOK Gallery) Silent Tears: Toward a Theory of Bad Crip/Queer Feelings J. Logan Smilges (Dresher Center)
October 27 (request time): Boost Accessibility with Ally Instructional Tech Event
Oct 30 at noon: Campus Accessibility Presentation with Facilities Management
Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population, which brings more celebration to this month, underneath the umbrella of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrating its 32st anniversary, and Section 504 celebrating its 50th Anniversary. In addition to honoring
we respectfully nod to disability-related health conditions that are highlighted at other times. We see you. You matter.
Accessibility and Disability Services, remains committed to building on past progress and creating inclusive change as we work in partnership with the entire UMBC community, including Facilities Management, Human Resources and Instructional Technology. Student Disability Services provides support for students with disabilities, as education is a path toward progress. While huge strides have been made with accessibility and inclusion (which can happen via accommodation), people with disabilities still face discrimination and lack of understanding. and has many events planned - the fight for full inclusion remains (Judy Heumann Ted Talk link).
Retriever Integrated Health includes The Counseling Center as counseling (of course) as well as workshops and group meetings - they are recruiting for their Neurodiversity group, and have several short series to address.
Retriever Integrated Health also has a range of health services that support campus members of all abilities in their very-accessible Center for Wellbeing across from Erickson Field (D7 on the map).
Student Organizations:
Faculty Group: Disability Studies Working Group
A photo of UMBC's Campus Visitor Guide Accessible Route Map next to a disability pride pin and an illustration of diverse group of fourteen people, each with differing disabilities accompanies this post.