Veterans Day is observed each year on November 11 to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The date marks the armistice that ended World War I on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all who have served, past and present. This day reminds us to reflect with gratitude on their courage, sacrifice, and love of country, and to continue striving for the peace and freedom they fought to protect.

At UMBC, the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program offers dedicated support to student veterans. A partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, VITAL connects student veterans with VA mental health professionals and essential resources to help them thrive academically and personally.

VITAL can assist with:

• Enrollment in VA healthcare

• Navigating VA and non-VA resources

• Academic accommodations

• Advocacy for student veterans

• Clinical services for challenges such as stress, sleep problems, attention issues, anxiety, depression, and PTSD

The Student Disability Services (SDS) office proudly supports our student veterans by ensuring equitable access to education. Whether you are navigating service-connected disabilities or seeking classroom and testing accommodations, SDS is here to help. Our team is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every veteran can thrive, succeed, and feel supported throughout their time at UMBC.

In addition, UMBC's Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) is here to support all students' mental health needs, offering a range of counseling, wellness, and psychiatric services in a safe and inclusive environment.

Support is here. You are not alone.

To learn more or connect with VITAL, visit  veterans.umbc.edu. Resources – Veteran and Military Affiliated Services – UMBC

Since 1940, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has been a relentless force for change and fighting for those affected by diabetes through research, advocacy, education, and community. This American Diabetes Month, we reflect on the journey that has transformed lives and continues to inspire progress.

A Legacy of Breakthroughs and Compassion

• 1940: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is born—finally giving Americans with diabetes an organization devoted to their health.
• 1949:  American Diabetes Association (ADA) creates the first camps where kids with diabetes can safely enjoy summer like everyone else.
• 1952: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Research Program is founded, accelerating innovation and saving lives.
• 1963: Scientists invent the first wearable insulin pump, transforming diabetes care forever.

The Good Fight: It All Matters

Eighty-five years later, the ADA remains at the forefront of the fight to end diabetes. From improving access to care and advocating for equitable treatment, to funding cutting-edge research and building supportive communities—the mission endures.

This American Diabetes Month, we celebrate the courage, resilience, and unity of everyone impacted by diabetes—those who live with it, those who support loved ones, and the healthcare heroes who dedicate their lives to care and research.

Supporting Our Community During Diabetes Awareness Month

For UMBC students and employees who are managing diabetes, whether newly diagnosed or navigating ongoing treatment, please know that Student Disability Services (SDS) is here to support you. Diabetes has a broad global impact and meets the definition of a disability. At times, concerns about managing its flares—especially for individuals with Type 1 diabetes—arise, so we encourage students and staff to seek on-campus resources such as:

Get involved and make a difference!

• Download the ADA's American Diabetes Toolkit to help raise awareness.

• Share your story and show support using #AmericanDiabetesMonth and #WeFight
  

Halloween is a time of excitement, costumes, and community fun — but for children with food allergies, it can also be stressful and even dangerous. The Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), helps make Halloween safer and more inclusive for all trick-or-treaters.

By placing a teal pumpkin on your porch or displaying one of FARE's printable signs, you signal that you are offering non-food treats — such as stickers, small toys, bubbles, or glow sticks — in addition to traditional candy. This simple act ensures that children with food allergies or dietary restrictions can enjoy the fun of Halloween without fear of an allergic reaction.

Candy Facts: Staying Safe This Spooky Season

Help all trick-or-treaters have fun without worrying about accidental exposure to allergens!
Always check labels carefully, and when in doubt, contact the manufacturer before consuming.

• Candy Corn: Often contains egg whites and sometimes sesame oil. If labeled egg-free, double-check for other potential allergens.

• Mini or "Fun Size" Candy: May have different ingredients than full-size versions. Always read the label.

• Last Year's Favorites: Ingredients can change — a candy that was safe last year might not be this year.

• Candy Without Labels: If the product isn't clearly identified, it's safest to discard it or trade it for another treat.

• Licorice: Often contains wheat as a binding ingredient — check labels if you have a wheat allergy.

• "Allergy-Free" Candy: There is no such thing as completely "allergy-free" candy. While the top nine allergens cause most reactions, over 200 allergens have been reported.

• Dark Chocolate: Can contain traces of milk, which are unsafe for those with milk allergies, even if tolerated by those with lactose intolerance.

How You Can Participate:

• Add your home or event to the official Teal Pumpkin Project Map so families can plan allergy-safe routes.

• Display a teal pumpkin or sign to show your participation.

• Provide non-food treats in a separate bowl from candy to ensure safety and inclusion.

• Encourage friends and neighbors to join the movement and help spread awareness.

Together, we can make Halloween a time of joy and inclusion for every child.
Learn more here and add your home to the map!

Let's bring the magic of Halloween to everyone — one teal pumpkin at a time!

Did You Know Not All Disabilities Are Visible?

This week (October 19–25) is Invisible Disabilities Week — a time to raise awareness and support for those living with non-visible conditions.

An invisible disability is a physical, mental, or neurological condition that may not be apparent from the outside but can significantly affect a person's daily life, movements, senses, or activities.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple yet powerful symbol that lets people discreetly share that they have an invisible disability and may need extra time, understanding, or support. The movement began in the United Kingdom and is now recognized across Great Britain, Ireland, and Scotland — and it's spreading worldwide.

If you notice someone wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, please show kindness, patience, and understanding. Displaying a sunflower symbol on your office door, reception area, or workspace helps communicate that people with hidden disabilities are welcome and supported.

Living with a hidden disability can make everyday life more challenging — and these challenges are not always easy to recognize or understand. Wearing the Sunflower is a way to promote empathy and inclusion.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program officially launched at UMBC in Spring 2025!

This October is not only Disability Identity Awareness Month, but also Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Awareness Month—a crucial time to raise awareness about the violence affecting students on college campuses and throughout the world.

Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Among People with Disabilities
Research shows that individuals with disabilities are at an increased risk for experiencing sexual and intimate partner violence.

• More than one in four women and one in five men in the United States live with a disability.

• Women with disabilities are more likely to experience rape, sexual violence, and stalking.

• Men with disabilities are at higher risk for sexual coercion, unwanted contact, and psychological aggression by an intimate partner.

• Having a disability is associated with an increased risk of sexual coercion and harassment, both in person and online.

These statistics highlight the need for ongoing education, prevention, and advocacy to create safer environments for all individuals. By fostering open dialogue and promoting prevention strategies, we can work toward building respectful and inclusive communities.

Upcoming Events Hosted by the UMBC Women's Center

Wednesday, October 22 – Start By Believing
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | The Commons, Room 329
A workshop for faculty and staff to learn how to respond to student disclosures of trauma.

Monday, October 27 – Self-Defense Workshop
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | RAC 130 (Fitness Room B)
A practical workshop focused on self-defense techniques and personal safety awareness.

Wednesday, October 29 – In Her Shoes
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | UC 310
An interactive workshop that illustrates the difficult choices survivors face while navigating safety and support systems.

By participating in these events and continuing these conversations, we can honor survivors, support those affected, and commit to ending campus violence through education, awareness, and collective action.

Hosted by the Women's, Gender, and Equity Center.

Each October, the nation observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month to honor survivors, remember those who have passed, and raise awareness about the ongoing fight against breast cancer. Since 1989, breast cancer death rates in the United States have declined by 44 percent. This progress reflects decades of education, research, and early detection efforts that have saved more than half a million lives.

For over forty years, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has inspired communities to take action. Through increased awareness, screenings, and access to care, we continue to make strides in prevention and treatment.

UMBC Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
The UMBC Sisterhood, in collaboration with the Black Student Union (BSU) and Curl Pwr, invites the campus community to participate in the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Erickson Field, UMBC Campus

This event is dedicated to supporting those currently battling breast cancer, celebrating survivors, and honoring the lives of those who have passed. Members of the UMBC community are encouraged to walk together in solidarity, fostering hope and awareness across campus.

Join the Walk Here!

Learn More and Take Action
The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) offers free educational resources to help individuals learn about early detection, survivorship, and healthy living. Access these materials to support continued education and awareness efforts:

• Early Detection: Step-by-step guides to help recognize early signs and symptoms.

• Survivorship: Resources for those navigating life after treatment.

• Healthy Living: Tools and cookbooks promoting wellness and risk reduction.

Together, we can continue to advance education, awareness, and support for all those affected by breast cancer.

For UMBC students and employees who may be going through breast cancer treatments or surgical recovery while in classes or on the job, please know that support may be available to you via the temporary disability accommodation process, if needed.

In addition, our partners in Human Resources are also a resource to employees to discuss leave benefits, such as FMLA, that may be needed for support during diagnosis, treatment, or recovery. Do not hesitate to contact the Accessibility & Disability Services department with inquiries.

In honor of all those affected by breast cancer, all ADS/SDS staff will wear pink on Fridays throughout October to show support and raise awareness within the UMBC community.

Facilities Management and the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services are hosting a review and update of construction projects that enhance accessibility, improve the physical environment of UMBC, and benefit the entire community while supporting accessibility for people with disabilities.  Maja Tokic, Campus Planner, will be leading the Facilities presentation. 

Note the in-person location change: ENG 027

While the event is complete, the slides are attached as a reference.  The recording of the program will be posted to the event site (click the website button)  as soon as the captioning is edited for accuracy.

Click Here To Join Online 

Password: rWvKwYtU823 (79859988 when dialing from a phone or video system)

Learn about elevator replacement progress, accessible design within renovation, and more! Current/planned projects will be discussed and campus members (especially those with disabilities) are encouraged to share ideas, some may inform the proposal process for UMBC's participation with the AccessMD Program. The presentation goes well beyond that program - and ideas from the lived experience of people with disabilities are especially important to this event.  

Daniel Teague, Acting Director of UMBC Transit will also present on both UMBC Transit as a partner for disability inclusion, as well as accessibility within UMBC Transit services.

If you are not able to attend:

Submit questions and ideas ahead of the discussion via this link. 

UMBC's  Accessible Route Map is linked here as a resource. Ideas for additional projects are also welcome at any time, please share them with FM Campus Planning via Maja Tokic, Campus Planner and Stephanie Lazarus, ADA/Section 504 Coordinator via slazar@umbc.edu / 410-455-5745.  Bring UMBC accessibility concerns to the attention of Accessibility & Disability Services at any time via this linked reporting form.