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.
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.
Student Organizations:
A sampling of Disability Awareness Events:
Oct 3:
Fix Your Content Day (Session 1 at 10am and
Session 2 at 2p)
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.