Disability Identity Awareness Month

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:48:09 -0400

The Division of Institutional Equity joins the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services and our many campus community members in recognizing and honoring Disability Identity Awareness Month.

Disability Identity Awareness Month, typically observed each October, is a month-long celebration of the history of the disability rights movement and the accomplishments of people with disabilities. At UMBC, our commitment to inclusive excellence means honoring the creativity, culture, and perspectives of our disability communities, focusing on inclusion, joy, and access. This month, the Division of Institutional Equity invites you to engage through our "Read, Watch, Listen, Participate" list. Join the UMBC-based programs by registering below!

To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please get in touch with each program office directly. All sessions are 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.

Events on Campus

Join us at UMBC events throughout the month to connect and learn together.

October 13 | 4:30 pm – 7 pm | University Center 310

Disability Awareness Month Film Screening: Quad Life

October 15 | Noon | Hybrid, ILSB 101

Campus Accessibility: Facilities Management & ADS Project Discussion

October 15 | 4 pm | Hybrid

Ancient Studies Week Lecture: Disability and Ideal in Archaic Greek Art

October 17 | Noon | Math & Psychology 222

Accessible Documents and Course Materials: PDFs, PPTs, and more.

Read

Dive into these books that uncover the history, culture, and lived experiences of people with disabilities.

Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau

The Pretty One by Keah Brown

Such a Pretty Girl: A Story of Struggle, Empowerment, and Disability Pride by Nadina Laspina

Rolling Warrior by Judith Heumann

Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig

Watch

Explore films and documentaries that spotlight disability activism, creativity, and everyday resilience.

Then Babara met Alan (2022)

Shameless: The Art of Disability (2006)

Unrest (2017)

Atypical (2021)

This Close (2018)

Love on the Spectrum (Netflix)

Listen

Hear directly from activists, storytellers, and community members shaping disability culture.

The Accessible Stall podcast

Disability Visibility Podcast by Alice Wong

Power Not Pity podcast

Talk Disability podcast

Disability Matters podcast with Joyce Bender