December 3rd 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 2022 is transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world. The theme reflects recent consideration of the impacts of COVID-19, climate change, and the invasion Ukraine. More information about the UN Virtual New York Commemoration event, including registration is linked here.
ADS will work closely with Facilities Management, Human Resources, Student Affairs, Human Relations, the Division of Information Technology, and the Library to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Current SDS Director, Tawny McManus, will lead the ADS office. We are also excited to announce that Stephanie Lazarus, UMBC's current ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, formerly with the Office of Human Relations, has transitioned to join ADS. Ms. Lazarus will continue to serve as the campus ADA/Section 504 Coordinator and assume the new role of accessibility manager. We are confident this new centralized structure will offer improved service to the campus community through an organized, multi-disciplinary, comprehensive, and systematic approach to accessibility. Provost Philip Rous and Antonio Moreira, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs |