October is Disability Identity Awareness Month

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:06:28 -0400
accessibility, awareness, campus, community, disability, events, identity, inclusion, inclusive, month, pride, services, student, umbc

October is a special month at UMBC as we celebrate Disability Identity Awareness Month on campus while also recognizing the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM is an annual observance that highlights the contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce and emphasizes the importance of inclusive workplaces for individuals with all types of disabilities, including non-obvious and mental health conditions. This year’s NDEAM theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” honors the achievements of American workers with disabilities, past and present, and aligns with the upcoming celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reminding us of the importance of early detection, education, and support in the fight against breast cancer. Over the past 40 years, awareness efforts have helped reduce breast cancer death rates in the U.S. by 44%, saving more than half a million lives. The National Breast Cancer Foundation encourages everyone to "Help Women Now" through education, early screenings, and community support.

At UMBC, we invite our community to join us in celebrating disability identity through events, conversations, and activities designed to foster inclusion, understanding, and connection. Events are happening throughout October on the highlighted dates, with some hosted by the UMBC ADS/SDS Office and others by Instructional Technology. From engaging conversations to hands-on workshops and community-building activities, these events provide opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate the diverse experiences of our UMBC community.

October 3, 8, 27: Campus Accessibility Walk & Roll Tours (Noon, MP 222)

October 3: I Have an LOA (Letter of Accommodation), Now What? (Online, 2-3 PM)

Oct 9: Digital Accessibility 101: Principles and Practices – 12–12:30 PM, Online
If you can click it, you can fix it. Learn what digital accessibility is and why it matters.

Oct 10: Accessible Images: Basics of Alt Text & Decorative Images – 12–12:30 PM, Online

October 13: Disability Awareness Month Film Screening: Quad Life (4:30–7 PM, UC 310)- Click the link to save your spot!

October 15: Campus Accessibility: Facilities Management & ADS Project Discussion (Hybrid, Noon, ILSB 101/ Engineering Lecture Hall 027*)

Oct 15: Free Webinar – Making AI Work for All: Enhancing Accessibility for Students in Higher Education – 2–3 PM, Online
Sponsored by Northwest Higher Ed Accessible Technology

October 17: Accessible Documents and Course Materials: PDFs, PPTs, and More (Noon, MP 222)

October 21: FMLA & Job Accommodations (Non-Supervisors) (Noon, Online)

October 24: Tea Time with Tori (Noon, MP 222)

Oct 24: Review & Improve Your Blackboard Course Accessibility Score with Ally – 12–12:45 PM, Online

October 27: FMLA & Job Accommodations (Supervisors) (11 AM, Online)

We look forward to seeing you this semester.

Movies with Meaning: Honoring Awareness, Inclusion, and Hope

Stories have the power to inspire empathy, raise awareness, and spark meaningful conversations. In recognition of Disability Identity Awareness Month, the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we've curated a list of impactful films that celebrate resilience, identity, and community. Each of these movies sheds light on personal strength, inclusion, and the importance of support—values that resonate deeply with UMBC's commitment to accessibility, understanding, and compassion.

Disability Identity & Disability Employment Awareness

1. Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020) – A powerful documentary about a groundbreaking summer camp for teens with disabilities that sparked the disability rights movement and led to the creation of the ADA.

2. Door to Door (2002) – Based on the true story of Bill Porter, a man with cerebral palsy who became a top-performing door-to-door salesman. A touching example of persistence and dignity in employment.

3. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) – A heartwarming adventure about a young man with Down syndrome pursuing his dream of becoming a wrestler, highlighting inclusion and independence.

4. The Theory of Everything (2014) – Chronicles the life of physicist Stephen Hawking, showing his journey with ALS and his groundbreaking scientific achievements.

5. Ray (2004) – Chronicles the life of musician Ray Charles, focusing on his success despite blindness, illustrating employment, talent, and perseverance.

Contact us: disability@umbc.edu | (410) 455-2459 | sds.umbc.edu

These events are 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. For additional inquiries about access or accommodation, please email disability@umbc.edu.