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.

Finally, come celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with UMBC's Accessibility and Disability Services AND Student Disability Services. The celebration starts at 10:00 AM at Math/Psych 222 and 212. Stop by, meet our team, get a quick tour of our spaces and learn more about UMBC's disability-focused work and partnerships that support people with disabilities by providing access as well as accommodation services. Additional activities that day include:

• At 12:00 noon we will celebrate the Anniversary of the ADA and have a brief Accessibility Tour of campus in the ADS conference room.
• At 1:00 we will have a demonstration of Assistive Technology.

During the Open House ADS will be running a Disability Film Festival in the spirit of "Nothing About Us, Without Us!" with the screenings of: 

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

Popcorn and cake will be served.  We look forward to honoring the anniversary and making more progress together with you and the entire campus community!

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.  All films are captioned and have audio description available.  ASL is available upon request.  For additional inquiries about access or accommodation, please email slazar@umbc.edu with "ADA Celebration" in the subject line.

This summer, UMBC is teaming up with the Maryland Department of Disabilities to upgrade nine teaching labs in the Meyerhoff Chemistry Building—marking a major step in fostering inclusive STEM education. The goal: ensure all students, including wheelchair users and those with various disabilities, can fully participate in core chemistry and biochemistry courses.

What's Changing in the Labs?

• Wheelchair-accessible sinks, fume hoods, lab benches, and cabinets

• Lowered equipment stations for independent use

• A research lab redesigned for accessible hands-on experience

Lecture Hall Upgrades Include:

• Wheelchair-accessible seating in multiple locations with fold-down tablets

• TV monitors for better visibility for low-vision students

• Standing desks and seating variations for diverse body types, pregnant students, and orthopedic needs

• Assisted listening tech and designated interpreter areas for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing

Additional accessibility projects include:

• Restroom renovations in the Biological Sciences Building

• Elevator upgrades across multiple academic buildings

“The Office of Accessibility & Disability Services greatly values our longstanding partnership with Facilities Management to assist us in the mission of inclusive access and elimination of barriers for all UMBC community members,” says Tawny McManus, Assistant Vice President for Accessibility.

Learn how these changes are reshaping inclusion in STEM at UMBC: Read more here.

Are you passionate about advocacy, event planning, research, or policy? The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is now recruiting paid committee members for the 2025–2026 academic year! This is your opportunity to grow as a leader, collaborate with fellow students, and support the graduate community at UMBC.

Committee members receive an annual stipend of $1,000 – $1,500 in recognition of their valuable contributions.

You can apply to join the committee through a single application form: APPLY HERE

1) Graduate Experience, Achievements, Research and Successes (GEARS) Committee

Mission: GEARS (Graduate Experience, Achievements, Research and Successes) showcase graduate student creativity, research, and resilience through engaging events.

We are recruiting 5 members for these roles:

• Events Lead: Coordinate and execute events; assist Chair in planning.

• Public Relations Manager: Build campus partnerships; increase engagement.

• Operations Manager: Oversee logistics, attendance, and feedback forms.

• Secretary: Record minutes, maintain event records, support communication.

• Graphics Manager: Design promotional content; manage event marketing.

Time Commitment: 3–4 hours/week

Ideal for creative, collaborative, and organized individuals who love event planning and community building.

2) Grants Review Panel (GRP) Committee

Mission: Review and evaluate GSA grant applications for research and travel support.

We are recruiting 6 members with strong attention to detail and accountability. You need to have at least one semester completed to be a part of this committee.
Responsibilities:

• Review and track applications using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets

• Maintain accurate records

• Attend all committee meetings

• Communicate promptly and meet deadlines

Skills Needed: Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, formulas, formatting)
Time Commitment: 3–4 hours/week
Ideal for analytical and detail-oriented individuals with strong communication skills.

3) Graduate Assistant Advisory Committee (GAAC)

Mission: Represent the voice of Graduate Assistants (GAs) by collecting concerns, advocating for fair compensation and benefits, and shaping policy through the USM Meet & Confer process.

We are recruiting 4 Graduate Assistants:

• One each from COEIT, CNMS, CAHSS

• One PhD student in Public Policy as a Legislative Concerns Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Attend one GA Town Hall or tabling event per semester

• Submit monthly report updates and assist with GA Handbook or surveys

• Help draft issue briefs for biannual Meet & Confer meetings

Time Commitment: ~3 hours/week (slightly higher near meetings)
Ideal for GAs passionate about advocacy, policy, and workplace fairness.

4) Equity of Funds Committee (EoF)

Mission: Ensure GSA funds are distributed fairly, transparently, and equitably while monitoring member accountability.

We are recruiting 3 members.
Responsibilities:

• Attend all committee meetings

• Review GSA-funded events and programs

• Track GSA member performance and accountability

• Maintain records and submit reports

• Complete tasks as assigned in a timely manner

Time Commitment: 3–4 hours/week
Ideal for students committed to transparency, fairness, and accountability in student government.

Ready to Apply? Click Here!

Use the form above to express your interest in one or more committees. 

We can’t wait to work with you and empower the UMBC graduate student community—one initiative at a time.

Are you passionate about advocacy, event planning, research, or policy? The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is now recruiting paid committee members for the 2025–2026 academic year! This is your opportunity to grow as a leader, collaborate with fellow students, and support the graduate community at UMBC.

Committee members receive an annual stipend of $1,000 – $1,500 in recognition of their valuable contributions.

You can apply to join the committee through a single application form. You can select up to two committees: APPLY HERE

1) Graduate Experience, Achievements, Research and Successes (GEARS) Committee

Mission: GEARS (Graduate Experience, Achievements, Research and Successes) showcase graduate student creativity, research, and resilience through engaging events.

We are recruiting 5 members for these roles:

• Events Lead: Coordinate and execute events; assist Chair in planning.

• Public Relations Manager: Build campus partnerships; increase engagement.

• Operations Manager: Oversee logistics, attendance, and feedback forms.

• Secretary: Record minutes, maintain event records, support communication.

• Graphics Manager: Design promotional content; manage event marketing.

Time Commitment: 3–4 hours/week

Ideal for creative, collaborative, and organized individuals who love event planning and community building.

2) Grants Review Panel (GRP) Committee

Mission: Review and evaluate GSA grant applications for research and travel support.

We are recruiting 6 members with strong attention to detail and accountability. You need to have at least one semester completed to be a part of this committee.
Responsibilities:

• Review and track applications using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets

• Maintain accurate records

• Attend all committee meetings

• Communicate promptly and meet deadlines

Skills Needed: Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, formulas, formatting)
Time Commitment: 3–4 hours/week
Ideal for analytical and detail-oriented individuals with strong communication skills.

3) Graduate Assistant Advisory Committee (GAAC)

Mission: Represent the voice of Graduate Assistants (GAs) by collecting concerns, advocating for fair compensation and benefits, and shaping policy through the USM Meet & Confer process.

We are recruiting 4 Graduate Assistants:

• One each from COEIT, CNMS, CAHSS

• One PhD student in Public Policy as a Legislative Concerns Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Attend one GA Town Hall or tabling event per semester

• Submit monthly report updates and assist with GA Handbook or surveys

• Help draft issue briefs for biannual Meet & Confer meetings

Time Commitment: ~3 hours/week (slightly higher near meetings)
Ideal for GAs passionate about advocacy, policy, and workplace fairness.

Ready to Apply? Click Here!

Use the form above to express your interest in one or more committees. 

We can’t wait to work with you and empower the UMBC graduate student community—one initiative at a time.