Invisible Disabilities Week: Celebrating Strength You Can’t Always See (Oct 19-25)
Show your support — wear the Sunflower, share understanding.
Did You Know Not All Disabilities Are Visible?
This week (October 19–25) is Invisible Disabilities Week — a time to raise awareness and support for those living with non-visible conditions.
An invisible disability is a physical, mental, or neurological condition that may not be apparent from the outside but can significantly affect a person's daily life, movements, senses, or activities.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple yet powerful symbol that lets people discreetly share that they have an invisible disability and may need extra time, understanding, or support. The movement began in the United Kingdom and is now recognized across Great Britain, Ireland, and Scotland — and it's spreading worldwide.
If you notice someone wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, please show kindness, patience, and understanding. Displaying a sunflower symbol on your office door, reception area, or workspace helps communicate that people with hidden disabilities are welcome and supported.
Living with a hidden disability can make everyday life more challenging — and these challenges are not always easy to recognize or understand. Wearing the Sunflower is a way to promote empathy and inclusion.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program officially launched at UMBC in Spring 2025!
Learn how you can get a sunflower sticker or button to show your support for hidden disabilities here: https://sds.umbc.edu/umbc-sunflower-program/. You can also follow the UMBC Sunflower group here. Spotlight on Maryland: "Eric's ID Law"
Maryland has also made great strides in recognizing invisible disabilities thanks to Eric's ID Law.
On October 1, 2025, several people gathered at the MVA's White Oak location to celebrate the launch of new Maryland ID cards featuring a butterfly logo above the words "Hidden Disability." The first card was issued to Eric Carpenter-Grantham, a Montgomery College student with high-functioning autism who inspired the law.
Eric's advocacy reminds us that awareness, empathy, and education can transform lives — one symbol at a time. Read the full story here.
Image Credit:
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower movement began in the United Kingdom just a few years ago and has quickly become a symbol of support and understanding in public spaces across Great Britain, Ireland, and Scotland.
If you see someone wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, please offer patience and understanding—they may need more time or support. By displaying a sunflower on your office door, reception desk, or waiting area, you signal to those with hidden disabilities that they are welcome, understood, and supported.
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
Living with a hidden disability can make daily life more challenging, and it’s not always easy for others to recognize or comprehend those struggles. Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a discreet way for individuals to communicate that they have a hidden disability and may need additional support or understanding.
This movement has already made a significant impact in the UK, and with your help, we can bring the same level of awareness and inclusivity to the UMBC community.
How to Participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Training
Join our training module on Blackboard to learn more about supporting individuals with hidden disabilities.
- Follow the group: UMBC Sunflower Program
- Access the training on the group's page: Once enrolled, you’ll find the training module under the "Organization" section of Blackboard.
- Complete the requirements: Watch the two short training videos and fill out the exit form.
Upon successful completion of the training, you will receive a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (sticker or button) to proudly display as a sign of support and inclusivity!
Let’s work together to make UMBC a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone!
]]>
Join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower movement began in the United Kingdom just a few years ago and has quickly become a symbol of support and...
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Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:06:07 -0500
Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:24:46 -0400
October is Disability Awareness Month
Celebrate the diversity of 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 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" 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.
Join CSJ by viewing and discussing
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution and take a moment to review UMBC resources, organizations, groups and events that support awareness and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Student Organizations:
A sampling of Disability Awareness Events (Online):
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.
]]>
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Fri, 01 Oct 2021 07:17:32 -0400
Fri, 01 Oct 2021 20:25:43 -0400
October is Disability Awareness Month
Celebrate the diversity of disability online
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 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" 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 30th 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. 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).
Kick off the month with
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution and take a moment to review UMBC resources, organizations, groups and events that support awareness and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Student Organizations:
A sampling of Disability Awareness Events (Online):
Disability intersects with the history of the LGBTQ+ community that shares this month for awareness. 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.
]]>
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Thu, 15 Oct 2020 00:15:49 -0400
October is Disability Awareness Month
Celebrate the diversity of disability
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.
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:
We hope to see you there!
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:
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/
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!
]]>
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...
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Wed, 18 Sep 2019 11:08:25 -0400
Wed, 18 Sep 2019 11:29:54 -0400
World Autism Awareness Day is TODAY!
Celebrate with Darryl Hannah, Dan Akyroyd, Temple Grandin...
The United Nations has declared April 2nd World Autism Awareness Day, and with its prevalence - which was recently updated by the CDC to occurring in 1 in 59 live births in the United States - UMBC has plenty to celebrate among 14,000 students and ~3,000 employees.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability; signs typically appear in early childhood and affect a person's ability to communicate and interact with others to varying degrees. ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum condition". There is no known single cause of autism, and early intervention leads to significantly improved outcomes. Some of the associated behaviors include delayed learning of language; difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation; difficulty with executive functioning, which relates to reasoning and planning; narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills and sensory sensitivities. It bears repeating that a person on the spectrum might follow many of these behaviors, or just a few, or be subject to additional diagnostic criteria. The diagnosis is based on the totality of behaviors and their severity*.
What can you do if someone discloses that they have autism?
- Don't jump to conclusions or make assumptions about what the individual's particular challenges related to autism may or may not be. Every individual on the autism spectrum is different
- Listen for why they might be disclosing to you. They may only want to be better understood. If they have academic concerns related to their autism, they can work with Student Disability Services for specialized support, beyond existing resources for all students like the Learning Resource Center. For campus work concerns beyond what Human Resources routinely covers, the Employee Accommodation Request process begins online.
- Consider your role when information is shared with you. As a peer, friend or colleague, ask them before disclosing to others. As a supervisor, you might have a more nuanced discussion about if and how they might want the information shared with others if they are not requesting an accommodation.
- If you are unfamiliar with autism, learn more about it**.
Individuals with autism are a reservoir of talent, and UMBC's community is enhanced by the inclusion of people who are known to be highly analytical, very focused and very task-oriented. Dan Ackyroyd turned his youthful focus on law enforcement and the supernatural into the screenplay for Ghostbusters. What will the rising tide of Autism Awareness bring with the next generation?
Feel free to extend the celebration by exploring the following links:
**Some reading
**Some Viewing
More locally, we have a student forming a self-advocacy group. If you are interested in connecting, stop by Student Disability Services in Math/Psych 212 for a flyer or email
slazar@umbc.edu for contact information.
]]>
The United Nations has declared April 2nd World Autism Awareness Day, and with its prevalence - which was recently updated by the CDC to occurring in 1 in 59 live births in the United States -...
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