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.

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