Celebrating 35 years of progress, protection, and possibilities for people with disabilities. ADA @ 35! Infographic titled "Fact Check: ADA Edition" with a lightbulb icon at the center. Around the center, there are six labeled sections with ADA facts: Inked for Inclusion President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA with 59 pens, which were later given to key disability rights advocates. Invisible ≠ Uncovered The ADA covers both visible and invisible disabilities, including diabetes, epilepsy, PTSD, ADHD, and more. Capitol Crawl The ADA wasn’t simply passed—it was fought for. Activists with disabilities crawled up the steps of the U.S. Capitol to demand civil rights in what became known as the "Capitol Crawl." From the U.S. to the World Countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada looked to the ADA when shaping their own disability rights laws. The ADA has had global influence. Siri Says Thanks, ADA Features like screen readers, voice recognition, and closed captions (e.g., on Netflix or Siri) are rooted in accessibility laws like the ADA. Digital? Still ADA! The ADA includes digital accessibility. In 2022, there were 3,255 web accessibility lawsuits under Title III, a 12% increase from 2021. Center Text Box: "Until 1990, it was perfectly legal to deny someone a job, apartment, or education just because they had a disability. The ADA changed that—like the Civil Rights Act did for race and gender."

July 26, 2025, marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As the ADA turns 35 this year, here are some key facts you should know.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed in 1990, was a landmark moment in U.S. civil rights history. It made it illegal to deny someone a job, education, or housing just because of a disability. But the ADA didn’t just happen. It was demanded. Activists crawled up the steps of the U.S. Capitol during the Capitol Crawl to fight for equal rights.

Today, the ADA protects people with both visible and invisible disabilities, like PTSD, ADHD, and diabetes. It also covers far more than physical spaces. Think websites, apps, voice recognition, closed captioning, and screen readers. In fact, in 2022 alone, over 3,000 web accessibility lawsuits were filed under the ADA.

From the U.S. to countries like the U.K., Canada, and Australia, the ADA’s influence is global. And yes, even Siri owes a thank you to the ADA.

Equal access isn’t extra. It’s essential.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us last Friday, the 25th, to celebrate with UMBC's Accessibility and Disability Services and Student Disability Services. Your presence and support in recognizing this important milestone meant so much to us. This celebration was a reminder that while we've made great strides since the passage of the ADA, there is still work to do—and we’re grateful to have you with us in that journey.

If you're still interested in exploring more, here are some of the powerful films we screened during the Disability Film Festival. We encourage you to check them out in your spare time:


]]> July 26, 2025, marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As the ADA turns 35 this year, here are some key facts you should know. The Americans with Disabilities Act... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/151187/guest@my.umbc.edu/6790a46d9657fc68d890821b541cf885/api/pixel about accessibility ada35 ads and assistive awareness campus celebration disability festival film inclusion inclusive matters nothing pride rights services student technology umbc us without 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 1 0 false Mon, 28 Jul 2025 10:47:58 -0400 Mon, 28 Jul 2025 10:48:10 -0400 May is Mental Health Awareness Month In Every Story, There is Strength
Illustration for Mental Health Awareness Month featuring a gold and black ribbon in the center surrounded by diverse outstretched hands. Text reads: ‘May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Get involved and make a difference!

Each year, millions of people navigate the lived experience of mental illness.  UMBC's Office of Accessibility and Disability Services, which includes Student Disability Services, joins the movement in solidarity and partnership with Human Resources 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 when we embrace and support mental health.

#In Every Story There is Strength is this year's motto from NAMI:  more information about Mental Health Awareness Month from NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), including promotional material, is linked here.

NAMI shares information about identity and cultural aspects that influence individual journeys, including people living with a disability.  They also link to this article on why having mental health professionals with disabilities is important.

In addition to UMBC's NAMI student organization's outreach, to  end the stigma toward mental health, behavioral health, and 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:


Student Resources for undergraduate and graduate students include:

UMBC Retriever Integrated Heath has counseling and related services (Link) which includes

Faculty and staff mental health supports available through Human 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, which includes Student Disability Services, joins the... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/149976/guest@my.umbc.edu/5acae467c48dbb9e9efe174bfa0330a1/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 2 0 false Fri, 09 May 2025 15:58:19 -0400 Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:05:01 -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 May is Mental Health Awareness Month Join the More Than Enough 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.

#More Than Enough is this year's motto from NAMI:  more information about Mental Health Awareness Month from NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), including promotional material, is linked here.

NAMI shares information about identity and cultural aspects that influence individual journeys, including people living with a disability.  They also link to this article on why having mental health professionals with disabilities is important.

One challenging area is ending 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 support mental health by working 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:

UMBC Retriever Integrated Heath has counseling and related services (Link) which includes

Faculty and staff mental health supports available through Human 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 worker 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/133504/guest@my.umbc.edu/0fd91671c329c333b1f0ec64638089fb/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 5 0 true Mon, 15 May 2023 09:28:30 -0400 PLEASE READ - Reminder and Update: April Disability Film Discussion April 28th at Noon
As we come to the end of a month that focuses on celebrating both our Autism community and our Deaf community, we'd like to remind you to continue to engage in opportunities to learn more and engage in discussion. 

The ADS & SDS offices have selected two films this month that we encourage watching and spending time in reflection on in honor of our peers who represent these communities. As a reminder, we are hosting a Noontime, free-hour discussion session in the Math/Psychology Bldg, Room 222 conference room on Friday, 4/28 for anyone interested in joining us in discussion and reflection.

We hope to see you there, RSVPs are appreciated for space planning.

Films:  

1. "In a Different Key"- Autism documentary that centers on the experience of Autism within neurotypical communities: From Patient Zero in rural Mississippi, initial discernment with Johns Hopkins healthcare providers, history of healthcare and structural inequality, as well as hope. This film centers on people on the autism spectrum within their families and community, and is available for free through PBS. For more information and to view it, please visit the website at https://www.pbs.org/show/different-key/

Synopsis: A mother of a young adult with autism tracks down the first person ever diagnosed with autism, now an elderly man living in rural Mississippi, to learn if his life story holds promise for her own autistic son. Her journey exposes a startling record of cruelty and kindness alike, framed by forces like race, money, and privilege – but leads to hope that more communities are learning to have the backs of people on the spectrum. The documentary shows the lived experience of a diverse mix of people with autism within family, community, and transitioning toward independence.

2. "Feeling Through"- Academy Award-nominated film produced by Marlee Matlin, an American actress, and activist who is recognized as being the first Deaf performer to win an Academy Award (Best Actress, 1986). The film "Feeling Through" stars the only award-winning DeafBlind actor and the only DeafBlind member of the Screen Actors Guild.   For more information, please visit the "Feeling Through" website at https://www.feelingthrough.com/. (Please note this film is not available for free online at this time and the film organizers are accepting donations to further their activism work for accessibility and disability representation in Hollywood). 

Both films are captioned, have a downloadable transcript, as well as a version with audio description. 

April is also a powerful awareness month to recognize and honor for...

National Stress Awareness
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness
Oral Cancer Awareness 
Alcohol Awareness
Sexual Assault Awareness 
Sexually Transmitted Infections Awareness
National Minority Health Awareness
National Parkinson's Awareness
Arab American Heritage Month
Child Abuse Prevention 
]]> As we come to the end of a month that focuses on celebrating both our Autism community and our Deaf community, we'd like to remind you to continue to engage in opportunities to learn more and... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/117411 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/133024/guest@my.umbc.edu/7a3ac19235e10db8b9717a3313991b80/api/pixel accessibility actor ads autism blind casting deaf deafblind disability discussion documentary feeling film ibs parkinsons sds sti stress student theatre through 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 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:08:06 -0400