Here at UMBC, we know a thing or two about Retrievers—and this month, we're honoring some of the hardest-working ones around.

Guide dogs are more than companions; they are highly trained service animal partners who provide independence, safety, and confidence to individuals who are visually challenged. Their dedication and loyalty empower their handlers to navigate the world with courage and freedom. Fun Fact: Labradors, golden retrievers, German shepherds, and labrador/golden crosses are among the most common guide dog breeds, chosen for their intelligence, size, and calm temperament.

This September, we send a round of Retriever pride to all the guide dogs who make a difference every single day. Thank you for your service, dedication, and love.

Do you know the difference between the different types of working dogs? Check out this helpful guide that explains the differences between guide dogs, service animals, and emotional support animals!

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.

As we begin this new semester, we want to highlight a few key updates and resources to help you support our students with disabilities. Here's what you need to know:

• Updated Spring 2025 Memo: The new memo for working with SDS and supporting students with disabilities is now available on our SDS Faculty Resources Webpage. 

• Recording of 1/29 Faculty Session: If you missed our session "I Got an Accommodation Letter, Now What?", we're uploading the recording to our Faculty Blackboard organization shell, where you'll find additional resources. Access the session recording by self-enrolling in our Blackboard Shell.

• Upcoming Events: We encourage you to participate in the following events throughout the semester:

  • Accessibility Walk & Roll Tours (monthly)
  • Assistive Technology Demos (monthly)
  • Inclusive Excellence in Action: A session on Disability Awareness and Inclusion will be held on April 8th.

• Join the Sunflower Initiative: Be part of supporting students with hidden disabilities. Learn more and get involved here.

• Look Ahead: Stay tuned for our upcoming Faculty Accessibility Challenge, which will help raise awareness and highlight best practices in accessibility.

• Testing Services Reminder: Our testing hours and location remain the same. 

• Location: Math/Psychology Building, Room 212 and UC Testing Room
• Monday, Thursday, & Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Please remind students to schedule their accommodated exams and tests in advance to ensure a smooth process.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students! We look forward to working with you this semester.