April is about Autism Acceptance Making Inclusion and Acceptance the Norm

Autism is a Spectrum- and Acceptance Matters


April is known as Autism Awareness Month, including April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (link).   In listening to many within the Autism community - there is a call for media to move from outdated and using awareness to acceptance to foster change and inclusivity for those affected by autism - experience more about Autism Society's Autism IS series here.  Information on What is Autism is linked here, and a deeper dive sharing the voices of many people on the Autism Spectrum is posted here.
Last year Maryland Governor Wes Moore proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month  and Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller presented the Governor’s proclamation to recognize people who are living with autism and those who advocate on their behalf, and honor the contributions of the autism community. She was joined by Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty and Maryland Statewide Autism Coordinator Victoria Rodriguez-Roldán in unveiling Maryland’s five-year Autism State Plan.  This year ADS is screening Being Michelle on Wednesday April 8th at 4:00p in ENG 027 - please join us!

Being on the Autism Spectrum is a nuanced diagnosis with a wide range of traits, and is explained well here.  For a more visual presentation, Rebecca Burgess also explains the spectrum within her comic on The Mighty. Day-to-day living and learning independence was recently examined in depth on PBS's In a Different Key which covers the history of autism and highlights the experience of a range of people with autism, their families and their community.
Recently, autism has been in the news, resulting in leading autism organizations to release this joint statement on upholding scientific integrity and supporting the autism community. 

Finally, with Autism Awareness Month, it's important to move beyond basic awareness and focus on real understanding. There are still many myths about autism that create barriers for autistic individuals. With understanding, acceptance, and respect for different communication styles, we can help create a more inclusive world. These facts are based on resources from the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Different Minds Scotland, two organizations doing critical work to promote accurate information about autism. Let's keep learning, listening, and working toward true inclusion, not just in April, but all year long.

Graphic titled 'Autism MythBusters'. Left side shows myth: 'Everyone with autism is either non-verbal or a savant.' Right side shows fact: Autism Spectrum Disorder varies widely among individuals; not all are non-verbal or savants. Some live independently, while others need more support. Illustration of three people using laptops and phones together.
Graphic titled 'Autism MythBusters'. Left side shows myth: 'People with autism cannot form relationships.' Right side shows fact: Many people with autism want and can form strong relationships with support and understanding. Illustration of two people talking and smiling while seated on yellow chairs
Graphic titled 'Autism MythBusters'. Left side shows myth: 'Autism mainly affects young children.' Right side shows fact: Autism is lifelong; people are born autistic, and some aren't diagnosed until adulthood. Illustration of a group of children playing and making heart signs with their hands.

Graphic titled 'Autism MythBusters'. Left side shows myth: 'You can tell someone is autistic by looking at them.' Right side shows fact: Autism isn't always visible and should not be dismissed based on appearance. Illustration of four interlocking puzzle pieces in black, gray, and yellow.


People of all identities around the world live, go to school and go to work with the neurodiversity that Autism brings to a world, often with struggle and difficulty. UMBC's students, faculty, staff, and visitors have this neurodiversity as well.  While many learn and work well with best practices and accessible design,  students (both undergraduate and graduate), as well as faculty and staff who experience disability with a diagnosed health condition (which includes autism) may seek accommodations through Student Disability Services (link) for academic programs, as well as work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services. 

Thumbnail Photo credit: unsplash.com
*See UMBC's Style Guide about variations within inclusive language - it's better to ask about preferences than assume

]]> Autism is a Spectrum- and Acceptance Matters April is known as Autism Awareness Month, including April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (link).   In listening to many within the Autism community... https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/autism-awareness-month/2023/ Image https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/111339265755fa8b4cc4a19aef9d9ff0/69e97430/news/000/158/288/20c361dae26c548a297c7bd43b5f6ffa/1.png?1775486261 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/158288/guest@my.umbc.edu/fdce2570d0b7382b397fc80fba2499c2/api/pixel ability able ableist aspie autism behavior black disability disorder female grandin neurodivergent neurotypical race social spectrum temple 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://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/158/288/2d004bd25bb9111daf93f993c304a6f7/xxlarge.jpg?1775486261 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/158/288/2d004bd25bb9111daf93f993c304a6f7/xlarge.jpg?1775486261 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/158/288/2d004bd25bb9111daf93f993c304a6f7/large.jpg?1775486261 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/158/288/2d004bd25bb9111daf93f993c304a6f7/medium.jpg?1775486261 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/158/288/2d004bd25bb9111daf93f993c304a6f7/small.jpg?1775486261 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/158/288/2d004bd25bb9111daf93f993c304a6f7/xsmall.jpg?1775486261 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/158/288/2d004bd25bb9111daf93f993c304a6f7/xxsmall.jpg?1775486261 a silhouette of a person standing underneath a multi-colored spectral sky with the Milky Way illuminated 2 0 false Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:43:52 -0400 May is Mental Health Awareness Month In Every Story, There is Strength
Illustration for Mental Health Awareness Month featuring a gold and black ribbon in the center surrounded by diverse outstretched hands. Text reads: ‘May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Get involved and make a difference!

Each year, millions of people navigate the lived experience of mental illness.  UMBC's Office of Accessibility and Disability Services, which includes Student Disability Services, joins the movement in solidarity and partnership with Human Resources with its many departmental partnerships, to promote mental health awareness, fight stigma, and provide support. One in five people will have a mental health diagnosis in their lifetime.  We are in this together, indeed, we are stronger together when we embrace and support mental health.

#In Every Story There is Strength is this year's motto from NAMI:  more information about Mental Health Awareness Month from NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), including promotional material, is linked here.

NAMI shares information about identity and cultural aspects that influence individual journeys, including people living with a disability.  They also link to this article on why having mental health professionals with disabilities is important.

In addition to UMBC's NAMI student organization's outreach, to  end the stigma toward mental health, behavioral health, and substance use disorders - On Our Own of Maryland's Distorted Perceptions/Refocus Look Again Campaign is a local Anti-Stigma initiative that supports mental health with local outreach to end stigma.  More information on their campaign is linked here.

In addition to the information above, UMBC has many resources and opportunities outlined here:


Student Resources for undergraduate and graduate students include:

UMBC Retriever Integrated Heath has counseling and related services (Link) which includes

Faculty and staff mental health supports available through Human Resources include:
If a campus member's health situation changes (such as a recent injury or diagnosis, they can apply for, or update academic accommodation requests via Student Disability Services (link) and work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services (link).  ADS works in partnership with HR for faculty, staff and student employee job-related situations.

Community

While some 24 hour resources are provided, it's important to know that  anyone can have a moment of crisis, and are people available to listen and help via the following resources:


Have a safe and healthy month!
]]> Each year, millions of people navigate the lived experience of mental illness.  UMBC's Office of Accessibility and Disability Services, which includes Student Disability Services, joins the... Image https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/d760abb85f4a95290d90ca368e3c5aa5/69e97431/news/000/149/628/357c89f62ec8ad848ec78881a3aea3e6/Mental Health Awareness Month Instagram Post.png?1746820371 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/149628/guest@my.umbc.edu/97bb75fb1f0f09b0b3ab0a117644a01a/api/pixel accessibility accommodation ads anxiety applicant bipolar campaign coping crisis depression disability disorder employee health illness is-spring-distinghuised-lecture mental nami ptsd sds strategy student suicide trigger 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 4 0 false Fri, 09 May 2025 15:48:01 -0400 Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:46:06 -0400 April is about Autism Acceptance Making Inclusion and Acceptance the Norm

Autism is a Spectrum- and Acceptance Matters


April is known as Autism Awareness Month, including April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (link).   In listening to many within the Autism community - there is a call for media to move from outdated and using awareness to acceptance to foster change and inclusivity for those affected by autism - experience more about Autism Society's Autism IS series here.  Information on What is Autism is linked here, and a deeper dive sharing the voices of many people on the Autism Spectrum is posted here.

On April 25, Maryland Governor Wes Moore proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month  and Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller presented the Governor’s proclamation to recognize people who are living with autism and those who advocate on their behalf, and honor the contributions of the autism community. She was joined by Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty and Maryland Statewide Autism Coordinator Victoria Rodriguez-Roldán in unveiling Maryland’s five-year Autism State Plan.


Being on the Autism Spectrum is a nuanced diagnosis with a wide range of traits, and is explained well here.  For a more visual presentation, Rebecca Burgess also explains the spectrum within her comic on The Mighty. Day-to-day living and learning independence was recently examined in depth on PBS's In a Different Key which covers the history of autism and highlights the experience of a range of people with autism, their families and their community.

Recently, autism has been in the news, resulting in leading autism organizations to release this joint statement on upholding scientific integrity and supporting the autism community. 

Finally, as we close out Autism Awareness Month, it's important to move beyond basic awareness and focus on real understanding. There are still many myths about autism that create barriers for autistic individuals. With understanding, acceptance, and respect for different communication styles, we can help create a more inclusive world. These facts are based on resources from the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Different Minds Scotland, two organizations doing critical work to promote accurate information about autism. Let's keep learning, listening, and working toward true inclusion, not just in April, but all year long.

Graphic titled 'Autism MythBusters'. Left side shows myth: 'Everyone with autism is either non-verbal or a savant.' Right side shows fact: Autism Spectrum Disorder varies widely among individuals; not all are non-verbal or savants. Some live independently, while others need more support. Illustration of three people using laptops and phones together.

Graphic titled 'Autism MythBusters'. Left side shows myth: 'People with autism cannot form relationships.' Right side shows fact: Many people with autism want and can form strong relationships with support and understanding. Illustration of two people talking and smiling while seated on yellow chairs

Graphic titled 'Autism MythBusters'. Left side shows myth: 'Autism mainly affects young children.' Right side shows fact: Autism is lifelong; people are born autistic, and some aren't diagnosed until adulthood. Illustration of a group of children playing and making heart signs with their hands.

Graphic titled 'Autism MythBusters'. Left side shows myth: 'You can tell someone is autistic by looking at them.' Right side shows fact: Autism isn't always visible and should not be dismissed based on appearance. Illustration of four interlocking puzzle pieces in black, gray, and yellow.


People of all identities around the world live, go to school and go to work with the neurodiversity that Autism brings to a world, often with struggle and difficulty. UMBC's students, faculty, staff, and visitors have this neurodiversity as well.  While many learn and work well with best practices and accessible design,  students (both undergraduate and graduate), as well as faculty and staff who experience disability with a diagnosed health condition (which includes autism) may seek accommodations through Student Disability Services (link) for academic programs, as well as work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services. 


Thumbnail Photo credit: unsplash.com

*See UMBC's Style Guide about variations within inclusive language - it's better to ask about preferences than assume
]]> Autism is a Spectrum- and Acceptance Matters April is known as Autism Awareness Month, including April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (link).   In listening to many within the Autism... https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/autism-awareness-month/2023/ Image https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/6c8e63233478105db5a3c2f386d24870/69e97431/news/000/149/537/54c46af9d80b9eb85ad8f2fef1787136/1.png?1745954605 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/149537/guest@my.umbc.edu/afdaadc6b0f3533db12c4d689c7f47be/api/pixel ability able ableist aspie autism behavior black disability disorder female grandin neurodivergent neurotypical race social spectrum temple 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/000/149/537/782f1dc5557145883d3270966e6b81ad/xxlarge.jpg?1745854534 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/537/782f1dc5557145883d3270966e6b81ad/xlarge.jpg?1745854534 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/537/782f1dc5557145883d3270966e6b81ad/large.jpg?1745854534 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/537/782f1dc5557145883d3270966e6b81ad/medium.jpg?1745854534 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/537/782f1dc5557145883d3270966e6b81ad/small.jpg?1745854534 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/537/782f1dc5557145883d3270966e6b81ad/xsmall.jpg?1745854534 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/537/782f1dc5557145883d3270966e6b81ad/xxsmall.jpg?1745854534 a silhouette of a person standing underneath a multi-colored spectral sky with the Milky Way illuminated 9 0 false Mon, 28 Apr 2025 16:12:27 -0400 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:28:44 -0400 May is Mental Health Awareness Month Join the Take The Moment Campaign
Each year, millions of people navigate the lived experience of mental illness.  UMBC's Office of Accessibility and Disability Services, in solidarity with Student Disability Services, joins the movement  with its many departmental partnerships, to promote mental health awareness, fight stigma, and provide support. One in five people will have a mental health diagnosis in their lifetime.  We are in this together, indeed, we are stronger together for mental health.

#Take a Mental Health Moment is this year's motto from NAMI:  more information about Mental Health Awareness Month from NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), including promotional material, is linked here.

NAMI shares information about identity and cultural aspects that influence individual journeys, including people living with a disability.  They also link to this article on why having mental health professionals with disabilities is important.

In addition to UMBC's NAMI student organization's outreach, to  end the stigma toward mental health, behavioral health or substance use disorders - On Our Own of Maryland's Distorted Perceptions/Refocus Look Again Campaign is a local Anti-Stigma initiative that supports mental health with local outreach to end stigma.  More information on their campaign is linked here.

In addition to the information above, UMBC has many resources and opportunities outlined here:


Students (undergraduate and graduate) groups and resources include:

UMBC Retriever Integrated Heath has counseling and related services (Link) which includes

Faculty and staff mental health supports available through Human Resources include:
If a campus member's health situation changes (such as a recent injury or diagnosis, they can apply for, or update academic accommodation requests via Student Disability Services (link) and work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services (link).  ADS works in partnership with HR for faculty, staff and student employee job-related situations.

Community

While some 24 hour resources are provided, it's important to know that  anyone can have a moment of crisis, and are people available to listen and help via the following resources:


Have a safe and healthy month!

A thumbnail photo credit Marcel Straub via  Unsplash
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Autism is a Spectrum- from Awareness to Acceptance


April is known as Autism Awareness Month, including April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (link).   In listening to many within the Autism community - there is a call for media to move from using awareness to acceptance to foster change and inclusivity for those affected by autism - read more about it from the Autism Society here.  Information on What is Autism is linked here, and a deeper dive sharing the voices of many people on the Autism Spectrum is posted here.

Being on the Autism Spectrum is a nuanced diagnosis with a rainbow of traits, and is explained well here.  Rebecca Burgess also explains the spectrum within her comic on The Mighty here. Day-to-day living and learning independence was recently examined in depth on PBS's In a Different Key which covers the history of autism and highlights the experience of a range of people with autism, their families and their community.

People of all identities around the world live, go to school and go to work with the neurodiversity that Autism brings to a world, often with struggle and difficulty. UMBC's students, faculty, staff, and visitors have this neurodiversity as well.  While many learn and work well with best practices and accessible design,  students (both undergraduate and graduate), as well as faculty and staff who experience disability with a diagnosed health condition (which includes autism) may seek accommodations through Student Disability Services (link) for academic programs, as well as work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services. 


Sexual Assault Awareness Month


April is also a time when UMBC highlights awareness about sexual assault - which informs community safety and health at UMBC. ADS and SDS are acutely aware of how this harmful and criminal behavior disproportionately affects people with disabilities.  Hannah Gadsby speaks about her experience within the wide-ranging special, Nanette. Information on how to access help and support is available at any time on the ECR website.

Learn more about Disability, Victimization and becoming a survivor here.  Become involved with awareness, prevention and safety by participating in Green Dot (prevention) Training and being familiar with UMBC Resources.


Have a good April everyone!

Thumbnail Photo credit: unsplash.com

*See UMBC's Style Guide about variations within inclusive language
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Each year, millions of people navigate the lived experience of mental illness.  UMBC's Office of Accessibility and Disability Services, in solidarity with Student Disability Services, joins the movement  with its many departmental partnerships, to promote mental health awareness, fight stigma, and provide support. One in five people will have a mental health diagnosis in their lifetime.  We are in this together, indeed, we are stronger together for mental health.

#More Than Enough is this year's motto from NAMI:  more information about Mental Health Awareness Month from NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), including promotional material, is linked here.

NAMI shares information about identity and cultural aspects that influence individual journeys, including people living with a disability.  They also link to this article on why having mental health professionals with disabilities is important.

One challenging area is ending the stigma toward mental health, behavioral health or substance use disorders - On Our Own of Maryland's Distorted Perceptions/Refocus Look Again Campaign is a local Anti-Stigma initiative that support mental health by working to end stigma.  More information on their campaign is linked here.

In addition to the information above, UMBC has many resources and opportunities outlined here:


Students (undergraduate and graduate) groups and resources include:

UMBC Retriever Integrated Heath has counseling and related services (Link) which includes

Faculty and staff mental health supports available through Human Resources include:
If a campus member's health situation changes (such as a recent injury or diagnosis, they can apply for, or update academic accommodation requests via Student Disability Services (link) and work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services (link).  ADS works in partnership with HR for faculty, staff and student worker job-related situations.

Community

While some 24 hour resources are provided, it's important to know that  anyone can have a moment of crisis, and are people available to listen and help via the following resources:


Have a safe and healthy month!

Photo of tiles spelling out  MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS is displayed; credit Marcel Straub via  Unsplash
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Autism is a Spectrum- from Awareness to Acceptance


April is known as Autism Awareness Month, including April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (link), with more events happening across the United States.   In listening to many within the Autism community - there is a call for media to move from using awareness to acceptance to foster change and inclusivity for those affected by autism - read more about it from the Autism Society here.  Information on What is Autism is linked here, and a deeper dive sharing the voices of many people on the Autism Spectrum is posted here.

Being on the Autism Spectrum is a nuanced diagnosis with a rainbow of traits, and is explained well here.  Rebecca Burgess also explains the spectrum within her comic on The Mighty here. Day-to-day living and learning independence was recently examined in depth on PBS's In a Different Key which covers the history of autism and highlights the experience of a range of people with autism, their families and their community.

People of all identities around the world live, go to school and go to work with the neurodiversity that Autism brings to a world, often with struggle and difficulty. UMBC's students, faculty, staff, and visitors have this neurodiversity as well.  While many learn and work well with best practices and accessible design,  students (both undergraduate and graduate), as well as faculty and staff who experience disability with a diagnosed health condition (which includes autism) may seek accommodations through Student Disability Services (link) for academic programs, as well as work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services. 


Sexual Assault Awareness Month


April is also a time when UMBC highlights awareness about sexual assault - which informs community safety and health at UMBC. ADS and SDS are acutely aware of how this harmful and criminal behavior disproportionately affects people with disabilities.  Hannah Gadsby speaks about her experience within the wide-ranging special, Nanette. Information on how to access help and support is available at any time on the OEI website.

Learn more about Disability, Victimization and becoming a survivor here.  Become involved with awareness, prevention and safety by participating in Green Dot (prevention) Training and being familiar with UMBC Resources.


Have a good April everyone!

A silhouette of a person standing underneath a multi-colored sky with the  Milky Way illuminated illustrates this post. Photo credit: unsplash.com

*See UMBC's Style Guide about variations within inclusive language
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Autism - from Awareness to Acceptance


April is known as Autism Awareness Month, including April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (link).   In listening to many within the Autism community - there is a call for media to move from using awareness to acceptance this year to foster change and inclusivity for those affected by autism - read more about it from the Autism Society here.  Information on What is Autism is linked here, and a deeper dive sharing the voices of many people on the Autism Spectrum is posted here.

People of all identities around the world live, go to school and go to work with the neurodiversity that Autism brings to a world, often with struggle and difficulty. UMBC's students, faculty, staff, and visitors have this neurodiversity as well.  While many learn and work well with best practices and accessible design,  students (both undergraduate and graduate), as well as faculty and staff who experience disability with a diagnosed health condition (which includes autism) may seek accommodations through Student Disability Services (link) for academic programs, as well as work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services. 

National Deaf History Month


National Deaf History Month runs from March 13-April 15th - and had its beginning in 1996 when two Deaf employees at Martin Luther King Library in DC began teaching their colleagues American Sign Language.  (UMBC has American Sign Language courses throughout the year, and Sign of  Life is the student organization for people who are learning/know ASL) April 8, 1864 was when Gallaudet University-the world's first institution of higher education for the Deaf and hard of hearing,  April 15th, 1817 is when the American School for the Deaf - the first public school of its kind - opened. 

Recent history includes the 2021 movie CODA winning Best Picture and Deaf actor Troy Kotsur, winning Best Actor at the Oscars, among other Oscars that night and SAG awards for best cast.  Marlee Matlin, who won her first Oscar in 1987, played a pivotal role in advocating for a predominantly Deaf cast.  Perhaps some of UMBC's students and alumni will be influenced by this history-making, if-you-can-see-it-you-can-be-it moment? Students, faculty and staff can learn more about UMBC's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services here.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month


This month we highlight awareness about sexual assault - which informs community safety and health at UMBC. ADS and SDS are acutely aware of how this harmful and criminal behavior disproportionately affects people with disabilities.  Participating in the campus climate survey supports the campus awareness and training and response efforts. UMBC Office of Equity and Inclusion's survey is now open. You can access the online survey here and it will be open until Monday, April 25, 2022 and will take about 15-25 minutes to complete. This survey is anonymous and confidential; only after completing the Campus Climate Survey, is there a voluntary prompt for a drawing.

Content note: This survey asks some questions about personal experiences with sexual and interpersonal violence. Some of the language used in this survey is explicit and direct, and may be triggering or uncomfortable for some participants. Information on how to get help, if you need it, appears before and after the survey and is available at any time on the OEI website.

Learn more about Disability and Victimization here.  Become involved with awareness, prevention and safety by participating in Green Dot (prevention) Training and being familiar with UMBC Resources.


*People with disabilities, including the Deaf and Autistic communities are not a monolith, it's important to respect how people individually self-identify.
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April is known as Autism Awareness Month, including April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (link).   In listening to many within the Autism community - there is a call for media to move from using awareness to “acceptance” this year to foster change and inclusivity for those affected by autism – read more about it from the Autism Society here.  Information on What is Autism is linked here.

People of all identities around the world live, go to school and go to work with the neurodiversity that Autism brings to a world, often with struggle and difficulty. UMBC's students, faculty, staff, and visitors have this neurodiversity as well.  While many learn and work well with best practices and accessible design,  students (both undergraduate and graduate), as well as faculty and staff who experience disability with a diagnosed health condition (which includes autism) may seek accommodations through Student Disability Services (link) for academic programs, as well as work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services. 

UMBC is not unique with inclusion, accessibility and accommodation of people with autism on the job- some employers have specialized programs including Freddie Mac (link), Microsoft (link), as well as Ernst & Young, in addition to requesting job accommodations generally. Symone, an adult with autism, was interviewed by Ask a Manager’s Alison Green about her work experience at a majority-autistic company (link) and reviews several modifications to the hiring process that provide disability-friendly solutions for Autistic job seekers.

Other Autistic adults share their stories:


Research on Autism is ongoing, such as what Wendy Chung explains here (link), however, like most people. those who have been diagnosed or identify as Autistic* are seeking dignity, understanding, respect and inclusion within their families, schools, workplace and community - not a "cure".  Take a journey with Steve Silberman to learn of The Forgotten History of Autism. He went on to write NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity - the future is inclusive of Autism Women & Non-Binary Network and the voices within All The Weight of Our Dreams: On Living with Racialized Autism.

For more reading - there are many, many books (memoirs, non-fiction and fiction) by Actually Autistic authors (link).  Most recently the 28 essays within Sincerely, Your Autistic Child share insight for parents and those who love Autistic children from those with lived experience. 

Additional Autism-focused media include:  Everything's Going to Be Okay, Please Stand By, My Name is Khan, Temple Grandin, The Imitation Game, A Brilliant Young Mind, Rain Man, Ocean Heaven, The Lighthouse of Orcas, Marathon, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Atypical, Autism in Love, The Horse Boy, as well as Life, Animated.  Many are available through UMBC's library and public library options.

*The Autistic community is not a monolith  - it's important to respect how people individually self-identify.
]]> April is known as Autism Awareness Month, including April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (link).   In listening to many within the Autism community - there is a call for media to move from using... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/100498/guest@my.umbc.edu/b1779c6e2f70ea20498ec76f8bb0f946/api/pixel ability able ableist aspie autism behavior black disability disorder female grandin neurodivergent neurotypical race social spectrum temple 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/000/100/498/ddb3cd7e5d8e3e27f110c69cec476097/xxlarge.jpg?1617311376 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/100/498/ddb3cd7e5d8e3e27f110c69cec476097/xlarge.jpg?1617311376 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/100/498/ddb3cd7e5d8e3e27f110c69cec476097/large.jpg?1617311376 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/100/498/ddb3cd7e5d8e3e27f110c69cec476097/medium.jpg?1617311376 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/100/498/ddb3cd7e5d8e3e27f110c69cec476097/small.jpg?1617311376 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/100/498/ddb3cd7e5d8e3e27f110c69cec476097/xsmall.jpg?1617311376 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/100/498/ddb3cd7e5d8e3e27f110c69cec476097/xxsmall.jpg?1617311376 6 0 false Fri, 02 Apr 2021 17:42:32 -0400 Tue, 13 Apr 2021 19:16:51 -0400 Celebrating Autism Awareness Month 2020 A Spectrum of Stories
Autism Awareness Month kicks off with World Autism Awareness Day (link)
to raise awareness that people around the world live, go to school and go to work with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. At UMBC, we works with students and employees who seek academic accommodations through Student Disability Services (link), as well as work-related accommodations via Accessibility & Disability Services. We are not unique, and some employers have specialized programs including Freddie Mac (link), Microsoft (link), as well as Ernst & Young, in addition to requesting job accommodations generally.

While there is a CDC Fact Sheet on Autism linked here, we can take note of UMBC alum Melanie Wiley's journey from diagnosis during medical school to Autism Advocate (link) and  from those who have the experience:

Temple Grandin shares that The World Needs All Kinds of Minds (link)
Ethan Lisi shares What It's Really Like to Have Autism
Rosie King shares How Autism Freed Her to Be Herself
Faith Jegede Cole shares What She Has Learned From Her Autistic Brothers

Research on Autism is ongoing, such as what Wendy Chung explains here (link), however, like most people who have been diagnosed are seeking dignity, respect and inclusion within their families, schools, workplace and community.  Take a journey with Steve Silberman to learn of The Forgotten History of Autism.

Additional Autism-focused media for home viewing during these COVID-19 Stay at Home Days include:  Please Stand By, My Name is Khan, Temple Grandin, The Imitation Game, A Brilliant Young Mind, Rain Man, Ocean Heaven, The Lighthouse of Orcas, Marathon, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Atypical, Autism in Love, The Horse Boy, as well as Life, Animated. Please consult online resources such as IMDB or Common Sense Media for brief plot descriptions, ratings, and suitable viewing ages if there are children who may view them with you.


Photo of You Belong Here Sign by Allie Smith on Unsplash
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