Accessibility Tour: Wayfinding, Skywalks and Resources Raising Awareness, Connecting with Campus Partners Flyer for the "Accessibility Walk & Roll Tours" hosted by the Office of Accessibility & Disability Services at UMBC. The flyer features an illustration of three people, one using a wheelchair, joyfully participating in a campus tour. A QR code is included to scan for more information. Event details: Date: May 14 Time: 12 PM Meeting location: Math/Psychology 222 Contact for information or assistance: slazar@umbc.edu Text reads: “Discover accessible pathways to classes and locations at UMBC! Everyone is invited to join us!”

Navigating UMBC's campus-on-a-hill as a person with a disability brings out overt and sometimes more subtle features of its accessible design.  Join us to learn more (which can extend to being an effective Accessibility Ally!) and discuss: 

What are the features? We have many, including a Skywalk and several upgrades (lecture halls and elevators) and more on the way.

What are the bugs?  Learn more about how work with situations, whether it's contacting Work Control for a repair (410-455-2550), reporting an accessibility concern, or working with campus partners, such as Facilities Management  and DoIT to support inclusion.  Accessibility is everyone's responsibility.

We will gather in the ADS Conference Room - learn the skywalk and tunnel connections within the Academic Core, review Adaptive Computing within the Library, and visit the reception area of Retriever Integrated Health - which supports both physical and mental health.  The tour is limited to a small group, and please know that mask use is VERY WELCOME.

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all.  To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please contact us via slazar@umbc.edu May 14 Accessibility Tour in the subject line.


Can't make the day or time? More tours are planned.  Have a (small) group? Email us to set up a day and time that works for the occasion.  
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Join us for a variety of events focused on accessibility, inclusion, and building a supportive campus community!

  • March 25 – Spring Disability Film Screening
    Time: 4 PM
    Location: MYER 030 (Lecture Hall)
    Please join us for a powerful screening of The Ride Ahead: Love, Tattoos, & Other Disabled Things. Samuel Habib is a typical 21-year-old, itching to move out, start a career, and find love. But no one tells you how to be an adult, let alone an adult with a disability. Can a community of disability activists help him follow his dreams?. Feel free to watch the trailer here, and free popcorn will be provided for the screening!  .

  • March 26 – Tea Time with Tori (Held Monthly)
    Time: 12-2 PM
    Location: Mathematics/Psychology 222
    Join us for a relaxed and welcoming space where students, faculty, and staff can connect over tea and light snacks to discuss disability, accessibility, and campus experiences. Curious about how Assistive Technology can enhance learning and the classroom experience? Let’s chat!

  • April 8 – Inclusive Excellence in Action
    Location: Virtual Event (Invitation Link Provided)
    A conversation on fostering inclusivity and accessibility across UMBC.

  • April 9 - Facilities Accessibility on Campus: ADS & Facilities Management Partnership (Spring Update) Starts at Noon - RSVP at the link for virtual or in-person attendance in ILSB 116A) 

  • Accessibility Walk and Roll Tours – 3/10, 3/27, 4/7, 4/28
    Time: 12-1 PM
    Start Location: Mathematics/Psychology 222
    Join us for a guided tour of UMBC’s accessibility features, including the Skywalk and recent upgrades, while discussing ways to advocate for inclusion. Learn how to navigate campus, report accessibility concerns, and connect with key resources supporting physical and mental health.

Earlier this semester:

  • February 5 – AT Open House (Held Monthly)
    Time: 12-1 PM
    Location: Mathematics/Psychology 222
    Explore assistive technology tools and resources available to support students.

  • February 19 – SDS New Student Open House: Explore, Connect, and Learn
    Time: 12–2 PM
    Location: Mathematics/Psychology 222
    An opportunity for new and returning students to learn about SDS services, meet staff, and connect with peers. Visitors are invited to join us at noon for an Accessibility Walk & Roll tour of campus before the Open House. Those interested can meet in Math/Psychology 222.

ADS and SDS events are open to all members of the UMBC community. We especially encourage participation and connection of new students registered with SDS and allies and friends of our students and employees with disabilities. Stay connected for more updates, events, and ways to get involved!  

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all.  To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please contact us via disability@umbc.edu with the event name in the subject line and we will connect you with the event organizer.

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We hope your year is off to a great start! If you haven't submitted your accommodation requests for this semester yet, now is the time to do so. Please log in to Accommodate to submit your requests as soon as possible. Submitting early ensures your accommodation letters are sent to your faculty in advance of classes, providing timely support.

While you're there, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to complete our "Student Survey: Fall 2024" in Accommodate. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve our services and better meet your needs.

Thank you for your time and for being a part of our SDS community. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
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National Deaf History Month 2023


National Deaf History Month is now celebrated from April 1-April 30th  to celebrate all aspects of Deaf Culture, and still honors its academic beginning in 1996 when two Deaf employees at Martin Luther King Library in DC began teaching their colleagues American Sign Language.  (UMBC has American Sign Language courses throughout the year, and Sign of  Life is the student organization for people who are learning/know ASL) April 8, 1864 was when Gallaudet University-the world's first institution of higher education for the Deaf and hard of hearing,  April 15th, 1817 is when the American School for the Deaf - the first public school of its kind - opened. 

Recent history includes the 2021 movie CODA winning Best Picture and Deaf actor Troy Kotsur, winning Best Actor at the Oscars, among other Oscars that night and SAG awards for best cast. Troy Kotsur was a presenter at the 2023 Oscars.  Marlee Matlin, who made history when she won her first Oscar in 1987, played a pivotal role in advocating for CODA's predominantly Deaf cast.  Perhaps some of UMBC's students and alumni will be influenced by this history-making, if-you-can-see-it-you-can-be-it moment? 

While UMBC has a solid cadre and network of ASL interpreters, there is an ASL interpreter shortage (more information linked here), which underscores the need for event planners to know what accommodations their attendees may need.  This can be as simple as including:  "If you have access needs, please email (event contact email).  UMBC event planners would then immediately fill out the form in the link below based on planned use, 

UMBC Students, faculty and staff can learn more about UMBC's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services here.  If you would like to explore American Sign Language at your convenience, ASLU via Lifeprint is a robust resource.

P.S.  April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month - The Women's Center is hosting a number of events to raise awareness, and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable.  For intersectionality, we're including an article on Navigating Sex and Consent as a Hard of Hearing Person.
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