December 3 is the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, honoring the United Nation's commitment for promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities - more than 1 billion people worldwide are in this demographic, the world's largest minority. The day raises awareness of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of disability that affects people around the world.

The theme for 2025 is: Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress, reaffirming the commitment to building a just, inclusive and equitable world.  The theme the important role that persons with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and accessible world for all. It also emphasizes the importance of the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes that affect their lives. More information about the UN In-Person New York Commemoration event is from 10-11a.  The event will be streamed online from 10:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. You can watch it live at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/91600322753.

Since 1940, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has been a relentless force for change and fighting for those affected by diabetes through research, advocacy, education, and community. This American Diabetes Month, we reflect on the journey that has transformed lives and continues to inspire progress.

A Legacy of Breakthroughs and Compassion

• 1940: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is born—finally giving Americans with diabetes an organization devoted to their health.
• 1949:  American Diabetes Association (ADA) creates the first camps where kids with diabetes can safely enjoy summer like everyone else.
• 1952: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Research Program is founded, accelerating innovation and saving lives.
• 1963: Scientists invent the first wearable insulin pump, transforming diabetes care forever.

The Good Fight: It All Matters

Eighty-five years later, the ADA remains at the forefront of the fight to end diabetes. From improving access to care and advocating for equitable treatment, to funding cutting-edge research and building supportive communities—the mission endures.

This American Diabetes Month, we celebrate the courage, resilience, and unity of everyone impacted by diabetes—those who live with it, those who support loved ones, and the healthcare heroes who dedicate their lives to care and research.

Supporting Our Community During Diabetes Awareness Month

For UMBC students and employees who are managing diabetes, whether newly diagnosed or navigating ongoing treatment, please know that Student Disability Services (SDS) is here to support you. Diabetes has a broad global impact and meets the definition of a disability. At times, concerns about managing its flares—especially for individuals with Type 1 diabetes—arise, so we encourage students and staff to seek on-campus resources such as:

Get involved and make a difference!

• Download the ADA's American Diabetes Toolkit to help raise awareness.

• Share your story and show support using #AmericanDiabetesMonth and #WeFight

Important reminders: Please read!

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!

Join us for an exclusive screening of Quad Life — the powerful story of a young Black father whose world is turned upside down after a life-changing accident. Follow his journey of resilience and reinvention as he pursues his passion as an artist and quadriplegic sound designer, redefining what "normal" means along the way.

Popcorn will be provided. For a special surprise, the main actor will be joining us after the screening for a live Q&A session.

Go to this link and click "Going In-Person" to reserve your spot.

Please note: This event is not sponsored, and Quad Life is not currently available on Netflix. All graphics and introductory materials are created solely to enhance the promotional experience and generate excitement for this screening.

Attention UMBC Students and Recent Graduates,

Are you interested in a paid federal internship or employment after graduation? The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) connects students and recent graduates with disabilities to federal agencies and select private-sector employers.

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. citizen or U.S. national

• Schedule A–eligible

• Enrolled full-time or graduated on/after April 1, 2023

Note: Individuals with an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability, or a psychiatric disability may apply for federal jobs under Schedule A hiring authority.

Important Deadline:

• Registration closes Friday, October 10, 2025. Early registration is strongly encouraged.

How to Register:
Visit WRP.gov and select “Students Register Now!”

Need assistance with your résumé or Schedule A letter?
Contact UMBC’s WRP Coordinator:
Stephanie Taylor Okoukoni, UMBC Career Center
Email: staylor18@umbc.edu

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:

• All Riders
• Le Frere
• Unseen, 
• The Body is a House of Familiar Rooms 
• The Beautiful Colors of Jeremy Sicile-Kira