Make your Word Documents Accessible Be an Accessible Content Ally with your Word Docs!

Are your Microsoft Word documents accessible to every student in your course? Instructors routinely upload Word docs into their course, but this doesn't mean that every student has the same opportunity to access the materials, based on an individual's abilities. Come see what this is about with Instructional Technology's training on Thursday October 31st at 11:30 in ENG 102.  Follow the link below to reserve your space and get it on your calendar.

Microsoft Word is widely used for document creation and distribution. Unfortunately, students with disabilities are often faced with an array of challenges when accessing Word documents. According to the Quality Matters rubric for assessing courses, “course design [and content] should reflect a commitment to accessibility and usability for all learners, ensuring they can access all course content and activities.” 

Join us to learn how you can make your Word documents more accessible. Remember: accessible content is good content! 

Objectives
Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
  • Update to the latest version of Microsoft Office through UMBC's Office 365 license 
  • Utilize headers, formatting tools, and text styles rather than stylizing text
  • Modify alt text on images and shapes for screen-readers
  • Explain the importance of layout stylization and its impact on accessibility, like creating table headers, or splitting text into multiple columns 
  • Review accessibility through the Read Aloud, Check Accessibility, and Ally tools   

About Ally
Ally is a tool used for instructors to receive feedback on the accessibility of their content, coupled with instructions on how to improve the accessibility of their content. Additionally, Ally automatically creates alternative versions of files which allows students to choose the type of file they want that best suits their needs. To learn more about Ally, visit our extensive FAQ collection. 

Accessible Content Ally Badge
Instructional Technology will be awarding the Accessible Content Ally Badge to instructors who complete all of the following trainings:
  • Making Word Docs Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar
  • Making PowerPoints Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar
  • Making PDFs Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar
  • Any Ally Orientation -- 1 training OR 1 webinar
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National Disability Awareness Month is a national campaign held in October that raises awareness about issues for people with disabilities, and celebrates the many and varied contributions of Americans with disabilities.

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."

Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population. Since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by the 41st Present George H.W. Bush on July 26th 1990.  There have been huge strides in accessibility and inclusion. People with disabilities still face discrimination and lack of understanding. 

However, the fight is not done.

The Presidential Proclamation of 2015 states: “America is at its strongest when we harness the talents and celebrate the distinct gifts of all our people.  This October, as we observe the 70th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let us pay tribute to all who fought for better laws, demanded better treatment, and overcome ignorance and indifference to make our Nation more perfect.  In their honor, and for the betterment of generations of Americans to come, let us continue the work of removing obstacles to employment so every American has the chance to develop their skills and make their unique mark on the world we share.”

Disability Awareness Events:
Oct 1 All Day MP 212 - Open House with Office Accessibility & Disability Services
Oct 7 at Noon, MP 222 - Mission Possible! Disability & Accessibility Scavenger Hunt
Oct 14 at Noon, Online: Make Your PDFs Accessible
Oct 23 at Noon, UC 310 - Campus Accessibility Project Update and Discussion
Oct 25 at Noon, Online - Make Your PDFs Accessible
Oct 30 at Noon, Sondheim - Trick or Treat: Accessibility Walk, Tap, and Roll
Oct 31 at 11:30 ENG 102 Make Your Word Documents Accessible 

We hope to see you there!
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Diagnosed four years ago, Greta Thunberg has not let autism slow her down in her advocacy for people around the world to do their part in slowing down, or indeed ending, climate change.  She has organized student strikes, addressed Swedish Parliament, sailed across the Atlantic on a carbon-neutral sailboat, and most recently spoken in front of the U.S. House of Representatives and the United Nations.  Her ability to raise awareness about acting responsibly to end climate change has been very, very successful.  Additionally, her experience has also demonstrated possibility to others with autism and disability, as representation matters, not just during Disability Awareness Month, which starts tomorrow. Learn more about her work here:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/11/greta-thunberg-schoolgirl-climate-change-warrior-some-people-can-let-things-go-i-cant


https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/09/27/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-inspires-others-aspergers-autism/3778356002/


Greta's global quest continues the legacy of people with a disabilities making the most of their circumstances, standing up and speaking up for initiatives that benefit communities, nations, and the world. Below are links to people with disabilities whose focus on ability has made a difference:

Helen Keller: avoiding war and preserving peace
Stella Young:  on respect and avoiding Inspiration Porn
ADAPT has spoken up for affordable health care and Medicaid
Senator Tammy Duckworth: preserving the ADA 

Feeling inspired?  If you or someone you know is a UMBC student with a disability, we are looking for a few good student (GPA of 3.1 or better is ideal) to join UMBC's chapter of DAPi, an international honor society.Reach out to them through the linked website below.  

Additional information about Disability Awareness Month events on campus is listed under the Events tab above and summarized here:   https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/60435
]]> Diagnosed four years ago, Greta Thunberg has not let autism slow her down in her advocacy for people around the world to do their part in slowing down, or indeed ending, climate change.  She has... https://sds.umbc.edu/dapi-international-honor-society/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/87166/guest@my.umbc.edu/f1eadb410466eb6b2865cf77f9641e6f/api/pixel accessibility adapt ads advocacy asperger autism change climate dapi disability duckworth greta helen honor keller nations sds senate speak spectrum speech stella tammy thunberg united wheelchair young Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/166/1fd4027460ea131cda5785309dc07220/xxlarge.jpg?1569867405 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/166/1fd4027460ea131cda5785309dc07220/xlarge.jpg?1569867405 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/166/1fd4027460ea131cda5785309dc07220/large.jpg?1569867405 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/166/1fd4027460ea131cda5785309dc07220/medium.jpg?1569867405 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/166/1fd4027460ea131cda5785309dc07220/small.jpg?1569867405 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/166/1fd4027460ea131cda5785309dc07220/xsmall.jpg?1569867405 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/166/1fd4027460ea131cda5785309dc07220/xxsmall.jpg?1569867405 2 0 false Mon, 30 Sep 2019 20:54:21 -0400 Mon, 30 Sep 2019 21:07:49 -0400 What is it like living with a disability? Veterans share Explained so even a 5 year-old can understand it
In our post-9/11 experience, we have more people, including more veterans, who have survived traumatic events and are navigating life with a disability.  Here are two examples:

Life with an invisible disability:  Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:  https://youtu.be/XFBlfzVveao *

Life after an injury: https://youtu.be/igIkKmMzuS4 *

Both videos include the journey from "before" to their current lived experience, including family caregiver perspectives.  Some of the experiences are similar for people who have survived trauma resulting in disability, such as being hit by a car as a pedestrian.  Both videos include people who may come to a campus for academic, work, and event purposes. What are the strategies they use to be successful that might work at UMBC?

Find support and ask for help.

When an incoming or current undergraduate or graduate student is working with a licensed health care professional (including VA providers) accommodations for academic life are requested through Student Disability Services: https://sds.umbc.edu.  The student accommodation process is available online through the website and is described here:  https://sds.umbc.edu/accommodations/registering-with-sds/

Students seeking local support can reach out to the Counseling Center and University Health Services

Employees with disabilities may also request work-related accommodations.  The process is available here: https://accessibility.umbc.edu/employee-accommodation-request/

For others who might want to help - the person with a disability takes the lead with asking for accommodation as a matter of respect and dignity. They are students and employees here because they have the qualifications for the role.  Accommodations are handled confidentially, so it is entirely possible that a classmate, workmate or a bystander might be the nth person to offer unsolicited advice for something that is well-covered.  How new is the person to their health condition? How new are they to UMBC? Is this related to your role with the person with a disability?  How new is a potential ally to working with someone with a disability?  This linked video helps those who are very new to engaging with people with disabilities. Do what you would do with anyone on campus: be present, listen, and reflect before acting, and ask the person involved. If it's a technical question, the disability professionals on campus are only a phone call away: 410-455-2459 or 410-455-5745.


Self-Care

Self-care on campus can include a variety of activities that are part of the UMBC Wellness Initiative: https://wellness.umbc.edu/  and are available to people of all abilities.  Some activities include taking a Zumba or Yoga class, as well as using the weight room or going for a swim at the RAC (the pools have lifts).  Taking a walk around the loop or on the CERA trail. Accessing resources through the Counseling Center, such as the Mind Spa is an option. 

Connecting with people who know the journey, including successes and struggles, can also be a part of self-care.  UMBC Student Veterans have more information and resources on their website:  https://veterans.umbc.edu/

Getting busy with other people can also help, and there are several service and social action student organizations listed here for joining or volunteering:  https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/studentorgs including Retrievets some are  health-related such as Red Cross and UMBC-NAMI, and much, much more. Just like they say on the airplane, take care of your own oxygen first.


Take good care, all!


As a community that cares, accessibility concerns, may be reported here:  https://accessibility.umbc.edu/report-campus-accessibility-concern/  If it is a repair, call it in to Work Control first: 410-455-2550, as they coordinate sending out the repairpersons.

*Both videos are from Sesame Street in the Community resources and are accessible for adults.  Their work is here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuEgW3r4ytXwd9UfQySv_Nw and includes many, many videos that often involve muppets
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Paralyzed from the chest down in a diving accident at age 23, Marca Bristo became a staunch disability activist early in life, starting Access Living just two years after her accident in 1977. From there, her work expanded to the national and international stage.  She was an essential influence for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, and continued her advocacy for decades after it was signed into law.

Said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth: “Marca reached out to me during my first few months home after Walter Reed, and she has been a friend and counselor—especially on disability issues—ever since. Without Marca’s work over the last 30 years, the Americans with Disabilities Act would not be in existence and I would not be a U.S. Senator. Because she crawled up the steps of the United States Capitol to pass the ADA, I get to roll through its corridors to cast my votes in the U.S. Senate. While we have so much progress yet to make, the disability community can thank Marca’s leadership, activism and sacrifice for the more inclusive society we live in today. I was honored to call her my friend and will miss her dearly.”

She passed away on September 8, 2019 from cancer.  Additional information about Marca Bristo's trailblazing civil rights work  can be found on Access Living website's press release here:
https://www.accessliving.org/newsroom/press-releases-and-statements/beloved-disability-rights-leader-marca-bristo-dies-at-66/

A brief video and interview with former U.S. Senator Harkin is contained within the linked website.  May she rest in power.
]]> Paralyzed from the chest down in a diving accident at age 23, Marca Bristo became a staunch disability activist early in life, starting Access Living just two years after her accident in 1977.... http://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-marca-bristo-took-down-barriers-for-americans-with-disabilities https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/86509/guest@my.umbc.edu/d7d164e6c64930f3fbb4e2ab0e4a161d/api/pixel access accessibility ada adaaa advocacy bristo bus civil inclusion marca ob paralysis rights wheelchair Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/509/f9c8b8ea70c2890da51104b4a8380a9b/xxlarge.jpg?1568144143 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/509/f9c8b8ea70c2890da51104b4a8380a9b/xlarge.jpg?1568144143 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/509/f9c8b8ea70c2890da51104b4a8380a9b/large.jpg?1568144143 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/509/f9c8b8ea70c2890da51104b4a8380a9b/medium.jpg?1568144143 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/509/f9c8b8ea70c2890da51104b4a8380a9b/small.jpg?1568144143 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/509/f9c8b8ea70c2890da51104b4a8380a9b/xsmall.jpg?1568144143 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/509/f9c8b8ea70c2890da51104b4a8380a9b/xxsmall.jpg?1568144143 6 0 false Tue, 10 Sep 2019 21:35:09 -0400 Can College Friendships and Severe Social Anxiety Work? Spoiler Alert: Yes!
Going back to school can spark both excitement and stress, as students navigate social circles and workload. For 21-year-old college student Ben Rolnick, who suffers from severe social anxiety, meeting new people and facilitating conversation present a challenge -- but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t think they’re worth it. Rolnick offers his brief but spectacular take on seeking acceptance here:

https://youtu.be/mOHngOg-w_4

Three minute video is courtesy of PBS Newshour, 

It's Welcome Week, and this video is a great reminder that all students want to be genuinely welcomed and accepted, so put your best self out there!


While there are resources:  

Student Disability Services for academic accommodations in Math/Psychology 212 and online at sds.umbc.edu

The Counseling Center is near Erickson Field and online at counseling.umbc.edu

We co-create the campus community, so take a note from this student and bring openness and acceptance to Welcome Week, and embrace the awkward of new beginnings. Happy New School Year UMBC!


]]> Going back to school can spark both excitement and stress, as students navigate social circles and workload. For 21-year-old college student Ben Rolnick, who suffers from severe social anxiety,... https://youtu.be/mOHngOg-w_4 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/86045/guest@my.umbc.edu/74fc71a07c7989e5c5c4091b8889b2e4/api/pixel anxiety autism ben disability friendship health inclusion mental rolnick severe social transition welcome Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/045/415f0004f1ce3aee84cfba3bf8d69a0e/xxlarge.jpg?1566608931 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/045/415f0004f1ce3aee84cfba3bf8d69a0e/xlarge.jpg?1566608931 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/045/415f0004f1ce3aee84cfba3bf8d69a0e/large.jpg?1566608931 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/045/415f0004f1ce3aee84cfba3bf8d69a0e/medium.jpg?1566608931 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/045/415f0004f1ce3aee84cfba3bf8d69a0e/small.jpg?1566608931 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/045/415f0004f1ce3aee84cfba3bf8d69a0e/xsmall.jpg?1566608931 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/086/045/415f0004f1ce3aee84cfba3bf8d69a0e/xxsmall.jpg?1566608931 3 0 false Fri, 23 Aug 2019 21:39:27 -0400 Mon, 26 Aug 2019 10:11:46 -0400 UMBC DoIT Instructional Tech Team offers Ally Orientation Webinar 9/16/19: Using Ally in Blackboard

WEBINAR IS ONLINE, SEPTEMBER 16, NOON TO 1 PM

Learn to make your course materials accessible in Blackboard.

During the SP2019 semester, Ally was deployed to courses using Ultra. Ally is available in all courses regardless of course interface starting in SU2019.

Learn about Ally, a new tool to help improve the accessibility of course content in Blackboard. Attend this orientation and demonstration session to see Ally’s powerful file conversion tools for alternative formats. Review the accessibility of your own course materials using the Ally indicator.

Workshop Objectives

Upon completion of the workshop, participants should be able to:

The webinar will take place in a Blackboard Collaborate virtual conference room. Use the link below to enter the webinar up to 15 minutes before the start time:
https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/F86094D72DC738A34DDA685549B72E78  

Prior to the session

If this is your first time joining one of our webinars, please review Getting Started Guide. You will also find additional helpful information for using Blackboard Collaborate at our extensive FAQs. 

For the best viewing experience, we recommend using Chrome or a recent browser update. Webinars are bandwidth intensive, so closing any unnecessary browser tabs will help conserve your bandwidth. After joining the session, please configure your audio. 

The session will be recorded if two or more people attend and the link will be distributed to everyone who registered.

For more information about Ally at UMBC, please see this announcement and the FAQ collection.

]]> WEBINAR IS ONLINE, SEPTEMBER 16, NOON TO 1 PM Learn to make your course materials accessible in Blackboard. During the SP2019 semester, Ally was deployed to courses using Ultra. Ally is... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/72091 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/85797/guest@my.umbc.edu/0cd229542b0a74a949d17d482703496b/api/pixel accessible blackboard content course development disability doit faculty instructional men-s-basketball pdf services technology training ultra Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/797/f8e1eb9b3294c2c0f0f0eda10f6cadb5/xxlarge.jpg?1565296906 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/797/f8e1eb9b3294c2c0f0f0eda10f6cadb5/xlarge.jpg?1565296906 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/797/f8e1eb9b3294c2c0f0f0eda10f6cadb5/large.jpg?1565296906 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/797/f8e1eb9b3294c2c0f0f0eda10f6cadb5/medium.jpg?1565296906 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/797/f8e1eb9b3294c2c0f0f0eda10f6cadb5/small.jpg?1565296906 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/797/f8e1eb9b3294c2c0f0f0eda10f6cadb5/xsmall.jpg?1565296906 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/797/f8e1eb9b3294c2c0f0f0eda10f6cadb5/xxsmall.jpg?1565296906 3 0 false Thu, 08 Aug 2019 16:45:40 -0400 Happy 29th Anniversary Americans with Disabilities Act! How will you celebrate?

  

July 26, 2019 marks the 29th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act that was signed into law in 1990.  The ADA and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. The ADA and ADAAA also assure equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities for access to businesses, employment, transportation, state and local government programs and services, and telecommunications.

Nearly 57 million people in our country have a disability and nearly 25% of today’s 20 year olds will experience disability in their lifetime. Since 1991, the 10 regional ADA Centers have been established as a support to creating more inclusive and accessible environments by providing  accurate information, resources and training on the ADA to businesses, employers, state and local governments, people with disabilities and their families, advocates, and veterans across the United States.

Similarly, UMBC's Office of Accessibility and Disability Services provides technical support and accommodation processes as a support to equal opportunity for the entire UMBC community - beyond Student Disability Services, working in partnership with all campus departments and divisions, including Human Resources, Facilities Management and DoIT.  Through the application of the law and related guidance throughout UMBC, people with disabilities have better access to buildings, classrooms, employment, programs and services, and increasing opportunities for equal and full participation in campus and community life.  Equal access and equal opportunity benefit the whole community.

If you are looking for a way to honor this occasion at UMBC, sign up to attend Instructional Technology's Blackboard Ultra Ally Orientation on August 23rd at noon from the very accessible location of your own computer!  Details are here: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/71615  We are thankful that Instructional Technology is a champion of ADA by orienting faculty in the provision of accessible course content.

If you are looking for ways to celebrate the ADA in your daily life, or through social media, click on the link below for ideas and inspiration.

Happy Anniversary ADA!

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Learn about Ally, a new tool to help improve the accessibility of course content in Blackboard. Attend this orientation and demonstration session to see Ally’s powerful file conversion tools for alternative formats. Review the accessibility of your own course materials using the Ally indicator while getting an understanding of how to create accessible course materials.

If you would like to learn sooner, put the Ally Orientation on your calendar for Monday August 12th from noon-1:00 p.m. It's being held online.  

Read more about Instructional Technology's event, and get the link to join in the orientation here:

https://doit.umbc.edu/itnm/training/?id=70663

If you can't make Monday's training, additional options (all online and interactive via Blackboard Collaborate) sign up here:

August 23rd:  https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/71615

September 16th:  https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/72091

October 16th: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/72092
]]> DoIT's Instructional Technology division will be holding various Blackboard training sessions to highlight changes to Ultra and the addition of Ally, which supports the accessibility of course... https://doit.umbc.edu/itnm/training/?id=70663 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/85537/guest@my.umbc.edu/ac57b114d7cacd981d38d16009c1642b/api/pixel accessibility blackboard blind content course disability faculty handicap instructional low pdf print remediate technology training vision Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Instructional Technology https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/537/7a4052ec54cdf2586645806704ebdf9c/xxlarge.jpg?1563905941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/537/7a4052ec54cdf2586645806704ebdf9c/xlarge.jpg?1563905941 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/537/7a4052ec54cdf2586645806704ebdf9c/large.jpg?1563905941 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/537/7a4052ec54cdf2586645806704ebdf9c/medium.jpg?1563905941 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/537/7a4052ec54cdf2586645806704ebdf9c/small.jpg?1563905941 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/537/7a4052ec54cdf2586645806704ebdf9c/xsmall.jpg?1563905941 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/085/537/7a4052ec54cdf2586645806704ebdf9c/xxsmall.jpg?1563905941 4 0 false Tue, 23 Jul 2019 19:38:32 -0400 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 10:18:31 -0400 Summer 2019 Construction and Accessibility Making progress and way-finding over the summer

Facilities Management has the following Summer 2019 construction update:

Over the summer numerous construction projects will be taking place on campus, which may impact pedestrian pathways, building access points, roadways and some parking areas. As always, follow directional signage at the construction sites to navigate around these minor disruptions safely and effectively. For additional information please see the current construction activity map for information pertaining to the construction on campus and the summer 2019 accessible routes map for the location of temporary accessible routes where applicable.

Maintaining accessibility is part of the design and construction process. We work in partnership with Accessibility and Disability Services which supports faculty, staff, students and visitors with disabilities. If you have a concern about accessibility, or want to inquire about a disability-based accommodation, please do so through their website, https://accessibility.umbc.edu/

*Cross-posted to broaden exposure

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