NDAM's roots go back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with various types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to "National Disability Awareness Month" to address inclusion more broadly.

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 31st anniversary. This month includes:

and given the beauty and complexity of being human, 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). 

Accessibility and Disability Services

Student Disability Services

Retriever Integrated Health includes The Counseling Center as counseling (of course) as well as events and group meetings

Retriever Integrated Health also has a range of health services that support campus members of all abilities in the new, very-accessible Center for Wellbeing  across from Erickson Field (D7 on the map).

Student Organizations:

Faculty Group:  Disability Studies Working Group

Oct 7: Campus Accessibility Project Update and Discussion

Accessible Tech Wednesdays: October 12, October 19, October 26

Oct 14: Demystifying Disability: Student Recruitment, Hiring and UMBC's Workforce Recruitment Program (students and recent grads)

The VSR is a Discord server that is available 24/7. For access, join Discord's UMBC Student Hub and find our server under the "Social & Study" section.

Our main channel is the "group study room" text channel- the place where you can do homework alongside your peers and hold yourself accountable with updates on your progress. Complain or totally nerd out about what you're working on. Share study tips. The works! It is a text channel that has the following corresponding features:

In addition to the group study channels, we’re especially fond of these guys:

• "lobby"- a text channel for hanging out, meeting your friends, and chatting with other students and library staff.
• "research help desk"- a text channel for asking library staff questions that you might have for your assignments and the resources available to you at the library.

Staff members will pop in every now and then to answer questions and build community. We hope to see you there!

We have opened up the October signups and look forward to seeing you in front of AOK Library! 

Sign up here.

National Hispanic Heritage Month has begun - celebrating those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.  September 15, 16 and 18 celebrate independence for at least six of these countries - which is valued and celebrated especially by community members and luminaries with disabilities.  Respect Ability shares their robust list of luminaries here - and while it does mention Frida Kahlo, an artist who contracted polio at age 6  and survived a horrific bus accident at 18, taking up painting during her recovery, and leaving an indelible mark on the world - other luminaries include:

ADS closes this invitation to celebrate Hispanic/Latine heritage with Elizabeth Acevedo's powerful poetry, calling forth beauty within the reach of her words.

For campus resources and to request accommodations please reach out to Student Disability Services (for undergraduate and graduate students) or Accessibility & Disability Services.  

Photo of Artistic Human archway gate from Tulun Mexico accompanies this post.  Credit: Helen Ngoc N. via unsplash.com

GSO registration for the 2022-2023 is open! If you are an existing or new GSO, please use the form below to register your organization. This form must be completed in order to be an officially recognized GSO and to be eligible for GSA funding. If you have any questions please email gsa@umbc.edu