November is American Diabetes Month! 85 Years of Progress, Hope, and Action

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

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:

If your health needs are affecting your academics or work, we encourage you to register with Student Disability Services (SDS) to explore available accommodations and support options. We're committed to ensuring you have access, understanding, and the resources you need to thrive. 

Get involved and make a difference!

Expanding Awareness Beyond Diabetes

While we honor American Diabetes Month, November also highlights many important causes that intersect with accessibility, inclusion, and health. As we enter a month known for travel, shared meals, and family gatherings, let's make our celebrations more inclusive and disability-friendly with thoughtful approaches to dining and travel.

Inclusive Celebrations and Accessible Cooking

People with disabilities also host fabulous meals and lead the way in accessible cooking:

Want to bring some disability-friendly ideas into kitchens this season? Check out cooking hacks for chefs with disabilities and Fall recipes from The Accessible Chef to inspire your table.

Accessible Travel and Broader Awareness

Travel is also a highlight of this season—so here's a more inclusive list of tips to ease travel hassles for all kinds of disabilities.

And as we raise awareness this month, we also recognize:


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A stethoscope rests on a sheet of paper with an electrocardiogram (EKG) graph in the background. Bold text reads, “May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month” with emphasis on the words “Asthma” (in orange) and “Allergy Awareness” (in yellow and black).

May is also National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month! This month is dedicated to raising awareness, educating communities, and advocating for equitable access to treatments for asthma and allergies.

More than 100 million people in the U.S. live with asthma or allergies—conditions that affect every aspect of daily life, from physical health and emotional well-being to financial stability. Yet for many, life-saving treatments remain out of reach due to barriers like high costs or limited insurance coverage.

AAFA continues to call for action: lower treatment costs, better healthcare access, and increased research funding. Access matters. Awareness matters. Let’s work together to create healthier, more inclusive communities for all.

Did you know that at UMBC, our Dining Services are committed to supporting students with food allergies and celiac disease?

We recognize that starting college can be stressful, especially for students with dietary restrictions. UMBC Dining offers personalized support to make sure every student can eat safely on campus. Key features of our allergy support program include:

  • One-on-one consultations with Campus Dietitian Adam Sachs, RDN, LDN, where students can discuss their allergies, dietary needs, review menus, and create an individualized dining plan.

  • Your S.P.A.C.E. (Special Prepared Allergy Controlled Eating) at True Grit’s, a designated area with allergy-safe products including rice milk, Lactaid, gluten-free bread and cereal, and a dedicated gluten-free toaster.

  • “Delicious Without” Station at True Grit’s, offering meals prepared without the 9 most common allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, shellfish, dairy, wheat, eggs, and sesame) and gluten. These meals are made with separate equipment and utensils to minimize cross-contact.

  • Ongoing support from trained chefs and dining staff to help students feel safe and confident in their dining choices.

  • Ingredient transparency through our online database and clearly labeled menus to assist students in making informed decisions.

Students and families are encouraged to reach out before the semester starts to establish a dining plan tailored to their needs. To schedule a meeting or ask questions, contact Adam Sachs at umbcrd@umbc.edu or 443.612.8331.

Learn more about allergy-friendly dining options at UMBC:
https://dineoncampus.com/UMBC/allergyceliac-options

Let’s continue to prioritize access, awareness, and inclusion—not only during Allergy Awareness Month, but every day.

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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" to address inclusion more broadly.

Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population, which brings more celebration to this month, underneath the umbrella of the  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)  celebrating its 32st anniversary, and Section 504 celebrating its 51st Anniversary. This month includes:

and given the beauty and complexity of being human, we respectfully nod to disability-related health conditions that are highlighted at other times.  We see you.  You matter.

Accessibility and Disability Services, remains committed to building on past progress and creating inclusive change as we work in partnership with the entire UMBC community, including Facilities Management, Human Resources and Instructional Technology. Student Disability Services provides support for students with disabilities, as education is a path toward progress.   While huge strides have been made with accessibility and inclusion (which can happen via accommodation), people with disabilities still face discrimination and lack of understanding. and has many events planned - the fight for full inclusion remains (Judy Heumann Ted Talk link). 

Accessibility and Disability Services

Student Disability Services
Retriever Integrated Health includes The Counseling Center as counseling (of course) as well as workshops and group meetings - they are recruiting for their Executive Functioning Workshop now.

Retriever Integrated Health also has a range of health services that support campus members of all abilities in the new, very-accessible Center for Wellbeing  across from Erickson Field (D7 on the map).

Student Organizations:
Faculty Group:  Disability Studies Working Group


A sampling of Disability Awareness Events:

Oct 2: Campus Accessibility Tour
Oct 3: Fix Your Content Day (Session 1 at 10am and Session 2 at 2p)  
October 9: Demystifying Disability (for Students) Hiring, Work and WRP
October 11: Delta Alpha Pi Disability Honor Society Meeting
October 14: Campus Accessibility Walk
Oct 15: Assistive Tech Open House
October 15: Voice Thread and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 
Oct 16:  Campus Accessibility Presentation with Facilities Management
Oct 16: UDL Guidelines 3.0: What's New and Why It Matters
Oct 17: Create Accessible Documents
Oct 17-19: Superfest Virtual Film Festival
October 22: Cyborg Meets AI Virtual Lecture with Dr. Ashley Shew 4:00
October 25: Dis/Ability on the Job: Accommodations and FML 101 (for non-supervisors)

Disability identity is intersectional with the history of the LGBTQ+ community that shares October as an awareness month.  October is also Relationship Violence Awareness Month, and we are very conscious that people with disabilities are at a much higher risk of Relationship and Sexual Violence and that any violence can cause, complicate and/or exacerbate disability.


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We hope to see you at any of the following 

October 24 (noon): Hands On Assistive Technology Demonstration
October 25 (online): Assistive Tech at Work MDoD Webinar
October 25 : Freedom and a Friend: Cultural Histories of the Guide Dog (Dresher Center Humanities Series)
October 26 (Noon, AOK Gallery) Silent Tears: Toward a Theory of Bad Crip/Queer Feelings J. Logan Smilges (Dresher Center)
October 27 (request time): Boost Accessibility with Ally Instructional Tech Event
Oct 30 at noon:  Campus Accessibility Presentation with Facilities Management

Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population, which brings more celebration to this month, underneath the umbrella of the  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)  celebrating its 32st anniversary, and Section 504 celebrating its 50th Anniversary. In addition to honoring
we respectfully nod to disability-related health conditions that are highlighted at other times.  We see you.  You matter.  

Accessibility and Disability Services, remains committed to building on past progress and creating inclusive change as we work in partnership with the entire UMBC community, including Facilities Management, Human Resources and Instructional Technology. Student Disability Services provides support for students with disabilities, as education is a path toward progress.   While huge strides have been made with accessibility and inclusion (which can happen via accommodation), people with disabilities still face discrimination and lack of understanding. and has many events planned - the fight for full inclusion remains (Judy Heumann Ted Talk link). 

Accessibility and Disability Services

Student Disability Services
Retriever Integrated Health includes The Counseling Center as counseling (of course) as well as workshops and group meetings - they are recruiting for their Neurodiversity group, and have several short series to address.

Retriever Integrated Health also has a range of health services that support campus members of all abilities in their very-accessible Center for Wellbeing  across from Erickson Field (D7 on the map).

Student Organizations:
Faculty Group:  Disability Studies Working Group

A photo of UMBC's Campus Visitor Guide Accessible Route Map  next to a disability pride pin and an illustration of diverse group of fourteen people, each with differing disabilities accompanies this post.
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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" to address inclusion more broadly.

Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population, which brings more celebration to this month, underneath the umbrella of the  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)  celebrating its 32st anniversary, and Section 504 celebrating its 50th Anniversary. This month includes:

and given the beauty and complexity of being human, we respectfully nod to disability-related health conditions that are highlighted at other times.  We see you.  You matter.

Accessibility and Disability Services, remains committed to building on past progress and creating inclusive change as we work in partnership with the entire UMBC community, including Facilities Management, Human Resources and Instructional Technology. Student Disability Services provides support for students with disabilities, as education is a path toward progress.   While huge strides have been made with accessibility and inclusion (which can happen via accommodation), people with disabilities still face discrimination and lack of understanding. and has many events planned - the fight for full inclusion remains (Judy Heumann Ted Talk link). 

Accessibility and Disability Services

Student Disability Services
Retriever Integrated Health includes The Counseling Center as counseling (of course) as well as workshops and group meetings - they are recruiting for their Neurodiversity group now.

Retriever Integrated Health also has a range of health services that support campus members of all abilities in the new, very-accessible Center for Wellbeing  across from Erickson Field (D7 on the map).

Student Organizations:
Faculty Group:  Disability Studies Working Group


A sampling of Disability Awareness Events:

Oct 2: Campus Accessibility Tour
October 4: Neurodiversity in Language Teaching and Learning Seminar
October 18: Campus Accessibility Walk
Oct 19-22: Superfest Virtual Film Festival
October 24: Hands On Assistive Technology Demonstration
October 25: Assistive Tech at Work MDoD Webinar
October 25: Freedom and a Friend: Cultural Histories of the Guide Dog (Dresher Center Humanities Series)
October 26: Silent Tears: Toward a Theory of Bad Crip/Queer Feelings J. Logan Smilges (Dresher Center)
October 27: Boost Accessibility with Ally Instructional Tech Event
Oct 30:  Campus Accessibility Presentation with Facilities Management

Disability identity is intersectional with the history of the LGBTQ+ community that shares October as an awareness month.  October is also Relationship Violence Awareness Month, and we are very conscious that people with disabilities are at a much higher risk of Relationship and Sexual Violence and that any violence can cause, complicate and/or exacerbate disability.

A photo of UMBC's Campus Visitor Guide Accessible Route Map  next to a disability pride pin and an illustration of diverse group of fourteen people, each with differing disabilities accompanies this post.
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Are you a faculty member who received a letter of accommodation and wants to learn more?

Are you a student curious about assistive technology?

 
This series is open to all students, staff, and faculty interested in learning more about the intersection of accommodations and technology.  We will be demonstrating low tech, and other assistive technology, demonstration captioning options and document remediation 
 

All sessions will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in Math Psychology 222
 

Session 1.   February 22nd, 12:00-1:00   This session will focus on an introduction to assistive technology available to all students, staff, and faculty
 

Session 2. March 22nd, 12:00 – 1:00   “I received a letter of accommodation…now what?” This session will take a deep dive into accommodations and their relation to functional limitations


Session 3. April 29th, 12:00 – 1:00   The subject matter for this session will be determined by survey results of what you, the community, would like to learn more about

Session 4  May 17th, 12:00 – 1:00 This session will focus on preparations for accessible course content. 

Have questions, need details, or have questions about access or accommodation for these events, email the event organizer via canale@umbc.edu
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For Disability Awareness Month - take a look at UMBC's Style Guide for tips on how to write effectively about people with disabilities with the section on Inclusive and Affirming Language. With 20-33% of the population either having a disability or having a qualifying health condition  (which includes mental health) during their lifetime, it's a tangible benefit to know the basics.

Certainly with the wide range of people with disabilities, this entry is a beginning, with several examples.  Additional resources beyond the guide include:

If there are further disability-related questions, please reach out to  UMBC Accessibility & Disability Services. 

A cropped photo of a person's hands writing in a notebook with a pen, near a laptop, books, a pair of glasses and a hot beverage accompanies this post.  Credit: Thought Catalog via Unsplash.com.
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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" to address inclusion more broadly.

Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population, which brings more celebration to this month, underneath the umbrella of the  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)  celebrating its 31st anniversary. This month includes:

and given the beauty and complexity of being human, we respectfully nod to disability-related health conditions that are highlighted at other times.  We see you.  You matter.

Accessibility and Disability Services, remains committed to building on past progress and creating inclusive change as we work in partnership with the entire UMBC community, including Facilities Management, Human Resources and Instructional Technology. Student Disability Services provides support for students with disabilities, as education is a path toward progress.   While huge strides have been made with accessibility and inclusion (which can happen via accommodation), people with disabilities still face discrimination and lack of understanding. and has many events planned - the fight for full inclusion remains (Judy Heumann Ted Talk link). 

Accessibility and Disability Services

Student Disability Services
Retriever Integrated Health includes The Counseling Center as counseling (of course) as well as events and group meetings

Retriever Integrated Health also has a range of health services that support campus members of all abilities in the new, very-accessible Center for Wellbeing  across from Erickson Field (D7 on the map).

Student Organizations:
Faculty Group:  Disability Studies Working Group


A sampling of Disability Awareness Events:

Oct 7: Campus Accessibility Project Update and Discussion
Accessible Tech Wednesdays: October 12, October 19, October 26
Oct 14: Demystifying Disability: Student Recruitment, Hiring and UMBC's Workforce Recruitment Program (students and recent grads)
Oct 20-23: Superfest Virtual Film Festival
Oct 28:  Accessible Route Trick-or-Treat Walk


Disability identity is intersectional with the history of the LGBTQ+ community that shares October as an awareness month.  October is also Relationship Violence Awareness Month, and we are very conscious that people with disabilities are at a much higher risk of Relationship and Sexual Violence and that any violence can cause, complicate and/or exacerbate disability. ]]> National Disability Awareness Month is  held in October to raise awareness about issues that arise within the lived experience of people with disabilities, and celebrates the many and varied... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/128084/guest@my.umbc.edu/c4300838208d6779f119568c93e0a7a9/api/pixel awareness disability equity etiquette hiring inclusion recruitment retention 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://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/xxlarge.jpg?1664575396 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/xlarge.jpg?1664575396 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/large.jpg?1664575396 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/medium.jpg?1664575396 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/small.jpg?1664575396 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/xsmall.jpg?1664575396 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/128/084/ea24c04750f7f43961891c2900061778/xxsmall.jpg?1664575396 6 0 false Fri, 30 Sep 2022 18:48:04 -0400 Mon, 17 Oct 2022 14:33:22 -0400 Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Disability Disability Inclusion and Intersectional Support Matters
Accessibility and Disability Services joins the Office of Equity and Inclusion as well as the Women's Center to raise awareness about sexual assault prevention, response and survivor support for all campus members, given its strong intersection with people with disabilities. 

The Women's Center's Virtual Sexual Assault Awareness  Month online (link) is transitioning from Deconstructing Rape Myths and Narratives into week three which is Honoring & Believing Survivors Stories. Connect here to see the latest events and activities.

Inclusive excellence is at the heart of these events.  Last August, UMBC staff, along with representatives from regional campuses, attended specialized training for Supporting Student Survivors with Disabilities and Deaf Students to reinforce our community's shared commitment to both refresh awareness and reinforce support for student survivors with disabilities. This training was funded by the BRAVE (Bringing Respect and Advocacy for Violence-Free Environments) Consortium Office of Violence Against Women Grant  of which UMBC is a member university. As a first step, campus teams help survivors connect with health care professionals to receive support. Please take a moment to review on-campus and off-campus resources below.  

Farther downstream, after initial Title IX-related supports, Accessibility and Disability Services, along with Student Disability Services, develop accommodation plans for people with diagnosed health conditions, which include mental health disabilities. 

We remind all readers that UMBC staff are still here and available for support during this COVID-19 moment. Do not hesitate to reach out for questions, concerns, or care.


On-Campus Resources Available for Virtual Support include: 

To report a complaint of sexual misconduct or discrimination, please submit this online form.

Off-Campus Resources:

If you would like to participate by creating a shirt for the Women's Center Clothesline Project, this post has details (link).

We share this to honor survivors, as well as in appreciation of the people we serve, as departmental partners and allies, as we continue the work to end sexual violence as a community.

Photo of Woman standing in a dark cave facing a light by Joshua Sortino on Unsplash
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