NEW: Announcing UMBC Critical Disability Studies Minor and Great Disability-Inclusive Courses to Register for Now!
We invite you to support disability inclusion and further your knowledge through taking one of these great courses offered at UMBC!

Debuting in the Fall 2024 semester, the Department of English is now home to a new Critical Disability Studies minor.

Students in this interdisciplinary minor will encounter both the lived experiences of disability, past and present, and a critical analysis of intersecting systems of ableism, heteropatriarchy, white supremacy, colonialism, and capitalist violence.

To earn a minor in Critical Disability Studies, students will complete 15 credits of coursework: one introductory course (3 credits), two core courses (6 credits), and two elective courses (6 credits).

Fall 2024 Course Offerings:

  • AGNG 200 - Aging People, Policy and Management (multiple sections)
  • ENGL 320 - Disability and Technology: Writing, Design, and Resistance (Dr. Drew Holladay)
  • ENGL 461/669 - (Dis)ability in Asian American Literacture (Dr. Sharon Tran)
  • GLBL 410 - I'm a Cyborg But That's OK: Technology, Culture, and Disablity (Dr. Tania Lizarazo)
  • PBHL/PHIL 375 - Philosophy of Medicine (Dr. Jessica Pfeifer)
  • PSYC 305 - Children with Exceptionalities (Dr. Laura Rose)
  • SOCY 351 - Sociology of Health, Illness, and Medicine (Dr. Karon Philips)
------------------------------------
*Recommended for Fall:

 FYS 106: First-Year Seminar Introduction to Disability Studies (01-LEC (6751)
This three-credit course is designed to introduce the foundations of Disability Studies and meets Culture (GEP), Social Sciences (GEP), Culture (GFR), and Social Sciences (GFR) requirements. Meets in person. 

**Recommended for Summer II, Winter or Spring: 

American Sign Language (ASL) will fulfill UMBC’s GEP language requirement. 

Courses offered:

  • ASL 101
  • ASL 102
  • ASL 201

For more information, use the link below to access course/catalog details or email Dr. Tania Lizarazo, lizarazo@umbc.edu


]]> We invite you to support disability inclusion and further your knowledge through taking one of these great courses offered at UMBC! Debuting in the Fall 2024 semester, the Department of... https://catalog.umbc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=36&poid=7258 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/142582/guest@my.umbc.edu/d8e2ed25403dfab800d3acb4670f2801/api/pixel disability english lizarazo minor studies tania Office of Student Disability Services https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/sss https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/original.jpg?1544104103 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/large.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/medium.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/small.png?1544104103 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxsmall.png?1544104103 Office of Student Disability Services 4 0 true Thu, 27 Jun 2024 12:28:58 -0400 Celebrating National LGBTQ+ Pride with Disability Awareness ~5 million disabled people under the LGBTQ+ umbrella June marks National LGBTQ+ Pride Month and offers the nation the opportunity to reflect on the incredible contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Our nation is at its best when it welcomes, represents and includes people of all backgrounds. This includes people with disabilities and the intersections shared with the LGBTQ+ community. According to a study published in 2012, fully 36 percent of women in the LGBTQ+ community and 30 percent of men in the community also self-identify as people with disabilities. Learn more about the intersection via RespectAbility here, especially with Leah Ilana's essay on the need for safe refuge.  More  Disabled LBGTQ+ Profiles, in their own voices, are profiled here.

Mid-Atlantic ADA is also offering a webinar on Elevating Inclusion through Intersectionality on June 28: Making Programs and Places Accessible for Disabled LGBTQ+ Folks, with registration linked here.

We celebrate with you! You matter! UMBC Resources include:

LGBTQ Student Union - for all students (undergrad, grad, part-time, full-time)
LGBTQ+ FSA - Faculty and Staff group
The Pride Center via i3b is centrally located on the second floor of the UC and holds Pride Week during April while the academic year is underway.
Retriever Integrated Health has an LGBTQ Group, and additional mental health supports.
LGBTQIA+ Resource Page via the Office of Equity and Civil Rights

For question about disability or accessibility at UMBC, undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities connect with Student Disability Services online (link) or via disability@umbc.edu.

Accessibility & Disability Services (link) administers employee (faculty, staff, graduate assistant and student worker) accommodations.  

UMBC's most recent Accessible Route map is linked here. 

Accessibility Concerns may be reported via this online form.


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1. Asian American and Pacific Island (AAPI) Heritage Month has a lot of intersectionality with disability beyond luminaries like Alice Wong and local Lydia X. Y. Brown -  Read more about the Asian Americans with Disabilities Initiative here.

2. May 16th is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) - click on the link to learn more about how to celebrate and enhance accessibility, especially digital accessibility. 

3. Do you know a UMBC faculty member or a department that champions accessibility?  NOMINATE THEM for the ADS Accessibility Trailblazer Award via this link.  
Last year's awardees: Dr. Laura Rose, Psychology (Faculty) & the Chemistry Department (2023)

4. Want to learn more about course accessibility? Attend this session:
May 21st: Improve Course Accessibility with a 30-minute Quick Start with Instructional Technology; faculty can sign up for this online session here.

5. Congratulations! On May 10, UMBC's Gamma Kappa chapter of Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society for students with disabilities had its Induction ceremony, welcoming seven (7) new members and celebrating three graduating SDS seniors.

6. Check out this UMBC article: SDS collaboration with UMBC's Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence research on neurodiversity in language teaching and learning (TESOL)
Our AD, Michael Canale, is featured!

7. And don't forget to take care of yourself (Take the Moment) throughout May in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! Don't hesitate to reach out if you are having accommodation challenges. 

GOOD LUCK on finals!!! 

The Accessibility & Disability Services staff
sds.umbc.edu
disability@umbc.edu
(410) 455-2459
]]> 1. Asian American and Pacific Island (AAPI) Heritage Month has a lot of intersectionality with disability beyond luminaries like Alice Wong and local Lydia X. Y. Brown -  Read more about the Asian... http://sds.umbc.edu https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/141988/guest@my.umbc.edu/ddcaaa4bfe5a1e7b930817e330619906/api/pixel aapi accessibility ally alpha american asian autism awareness blackboard brown buendens champion day delta department disability faculty fulbright gaad gamma globla health heritage islander kappa kostgen language learning lydia may mental month neurodiversity nominate pacific pi tesolwon Office of Student Disability Services https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/sss https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/original.jpg?1544104103 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/large.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/medium.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/small.png?1544104103 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxsmall.png?1544104103 Office of Student Disability Services 4 0 true Tue, 14 May 2024 18:37:00 -0400 Tue, 14 May 2024 18:51:21 -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.



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:

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, in solidarity with Student Disability Services, joins the... http://sds.umbc.edu https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/141596/guest@my.umbc.edu/20d06fe9fd60e6af4534f5cd22f77778/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 Student Disability Services https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/sss https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/original.jpg?1544104103 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/large.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/medium.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/small.png?1544104103 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxsmall.png?1544104103 Office of Student Disability Services 3 0 true Wed, 01 May 2024 15:25:01 -0400 Fulbright Scholars with Disabilities Share Their Experiences UMBC Alum Mariam Yaldram featured on May 6!
Please join us for Fulbright's online events that review and unpack the Fulbright experience for Fulbright Scholars with disabilities from around the world:


May 2nd, 2024 3-4 pm- Navigating a Fulbright Study Grant as a Neurodivergent Scholar in the UK with Geglie Davis-Tillie  (Online)

May 6th, 2024 3-4 pm Navigating a Fulbright ETA Grant as a Disabled Scholar in Taiwan with Speaker Mariam Yaldram, UMBC ALUMNI  (Online) 


Sessions are 45 minutes-1 hour


Feel free to register for any of these Fulbright events by scanning the QR code on the linked flyer or click on the website button below. Enjoy the webinars and best wishes with the Fulbright process. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

At UMBC the Office of Accessibility & Disability Services can be a resource for co-creating a disability-friendly community on campus (which may include assistive technology), including these processes:


Download Flyer
]]> Please join us for Fulbright's online events that review and unpack the Fulbright experience for Fulbright Scholars with disabilities from around the world: May 2nd, 2024 3-4 pm-... https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceYOKBsFNZs-iVoRK4J7CwH2gP1ofH3tSb8FmB3T-WiTbbmQ/viewform Photo https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/fa386f851ae7fc5c946db04d8855f215/69ec2ec2/news/000/141/425/49d0a82eeff713b74763ec2aefde176b/Fulbrighters with Disabilities Flyer.jpg?1714317843 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/141425/guest@my.umbc.edu/8c7896e76400e09f95184371d71b3a40/api/pixel disability fulbright international kingdom mariam neurodiversity scholar taiwan uk united yaldram Office of Student Disability Services https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/sss https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/original.jpg?1544104103 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/large.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/medium.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/small.png?1544104103 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxsmall.png?1544104103 Office of Student Disability Services 3 0 true Sun, 28 Apr 2024 11:26:05 -0400 We are excited for you join us! Disabilities Around the World Please join us for an event celebrating and discussing disabled stories  with Program Scholars from around the world.

April 19th, 2024 11am-12 pm -Speaker Istou Diallo (Online)

May 2nd, 2024 3-4 pm- Speaker Geglie Davis Tillie (Online)

May 6th, 2024 3-4 pm Speaker Mariam Yaldram (Online)


Feel free to register for this event by scanning the QR code on the flyer.  We look forward to seeing you soon.  
]]> Please join us for an event celebrating and discussing disabled stories  with Program Scholars from around the world. April 19th, 2024 11am-12 pm -Speaker Istou Diallo (Online) May 2nd,... http://fwd@fulbright.org Flyer https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/4666aead8d355206c01df76eaed323e6/69ec2ec2/news/000/141/082/ee60638ffadacb7b8fb640af71996974/Fulbrighters with Disabilities Flyer.jpg?1713452274 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/141082/guest@my.umbc.edu/6ba30acb80311c910a55d2c3b6297b01/api/pixel Office of Student Disability Services https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/sss https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/original.jpg?1544104103 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/large.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/medium.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/small.png?1544104103 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxsmall.png?1544104103 Office of Student Disability Services 4 0 true Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:01:22 -0400 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:37:38 -0400 National Assistive Technology Day is April 17

Join the U.S. Congress, Maryland Department of Disabilities  and the disability community within UMBC and beyond to celebrate National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day.

National AT Awareness Day honors people with disabilities who require AT to access their education, workplace, community, and recreational activities. The day also recognizes the innovation of researchers, educators, and the dedication of AT specialists and program providers who operate AT programs so that millions of individuals can acquire and use low-cost and often no-cost AT.  

Every state has an Assistive Technology Program that is a resource for its residents - information on Maryland's Assistive Technology program MDTAP is linked here.  MDTAP AT loan libraries are located throughout the state with nine community locations so people can try out devices for suitability before committing to a purchase.  Assistive Technology is in regular use on campus.

Learn more about Maryland's AT High Tech Reuse Program on June 12th via the MDoD webinar, register via this Zoom link - potentially a no-cost option for some Maryland residents.

More information about National Assistive Technology Day is available at the link below.

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland is in nearby Halethorpe and works with Marylanders and vision loss, including connecting with resources for incorporating assistive technology into daily living.  Celebrate with group of AT users this Saturday at their upcoming Brew Reveal.

#ATAwarenessDay #disability #disabilityinclusion

At UMBC the Office of Accessibility & Disability Services can be a resource for co-creating a disability-friendly community on campus (which may include assistive technology), including these processes:
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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!

*See UMBC's Style Guide about variations within inclusive language
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Thursday, March 14, 2024 · 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Public Policy : 105/Lecture Hall 9
Join ADS, SDS and Social Work for the UMBC (free) screening of unseen, an award-winning documentary described as:

Most people dream of a better future. Pedro, an aspiring social worker, is no different. But as a blind, undocumented immigrant, Pedro faces political restrictions to obtain his college degree, secure a job in his field, and support his family. As he finally graduates, uncertainty looms over Pedro. What starts as a journey to provide mental health care for his community ultimately transforms into Pedro’s path towards his own healing. 

Through experimental cinematography and sound, UNSEEN reimagines the accessibility of cinema, while exploring the intersections of immigration, disability, and mental health.

When:  Thursday March 14, 2024 at 4:30p
Where: Public Policy 105

Prepare for an experience that will leave you talking long after the credits roll - and may influence matters of inclusion, immigration, health care, public policy, film design, and raise your awareness of how people engage with the world.  

Audience dialogue with Social Work faculty and ADS staff to follow the film.

The Public Policy Lecture Hall is on the first floor, has accessible seating, and a range of features that enhance accessibility for audiences.  The film is captioned, and an audio-described version is available upon request. Mask use is very welcome.  Please email any accommodation requests and event inquiries to slazar@umbc.edu with "Documentary" in the subject line

Co-Sponsored by The School of Social Work and Human Context of Computing

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Accessibility and Disability Services and Student Disability Services celebrates Women's History Month, calling to mind all women who have contributed to pivotal moments and events in history and contemporary society. Today is also International Women's Day with the theme of Inspiring Inclusion, and even with disabilities have always been an essential part of history.  Here are some women who have made history recently:


These two articles showcase some of these women trailblazers, with links for more in-depth information:

Disabled Women from History You Should Know About
  • Sarah Bernhardt
  • Adelaide Knight
  • Raganhild Kata
  • Rosa May Billinghurst
  • Annette Kellerman
  • Dorothea Lange
Disabled Women of Color from History You Should Know About
Take a moment, connect with the linked material, and learn more about these trail-blazers.  


Disability-related resources at UMBC include:

Happy Women's History Month!
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