November 15, 2024

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

ODR Opportunities for the Fall Semester

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Happy Start of the Fall 2022 Semester!

ODR has a variety of events to share with our community that are in store for the upcoming months. We hope that you take a moment to review this information, RSVP to the opportunities of interest (if required), and to see you throughout the semester!

Disability Etiquette Training

This presentation is offered to the UMW community and open to faculty, staff, and students as an opportunity to learn more about current and best practices related to language about disability, general tips on interacting with people with disabilities, and tips on supporting individuals with specific disabilities. RSVP for Disability Etiquette Training

  • Tuesday, September 13th
  • 3pm-4pm
  • Colonnade Room (315), Rucker University Center

Digital Accessibility: Top Things to Know

This training will focus on quick tips and tricks for anyone in the UMW community interested in learning more about digital accessibility. This is a great opportunity for students, faculty, and staff involved in sharing any information with a wide range of individuals. General information for Word and Powerpoint accessibility, tips for social media, and closed captioning will be shared! This presentation will be limited to 15 participants to allow time for interactive discussion and questions. Come, learn, and ask questions in a judgment free environment with training provided by ODR’s Assistive Technology Coordinator, Danielle Smith. RSVP for Digital Accessibility Training

  • Tuesday, October 12th
  • 3:00pm-4:00pm
  • Capital Room (314), Rucker University Center

Assistive Technology Demo Day

Assistive Technology (AT) changes lives, and many of us use it every day! See how high-tech and low-tech devices can support learning and every day activities. Come check out Assistive Tech Demo Day to play with and see AT in action at UMW. This event does not require an RSVP and will be held as part of Disability Awareness Month programming during October.

  • Thursday, October 13th
  • 1pm-3pm
  • Office of Disability Resources, Suite 005 Seacobeck Hall

Disability Awareness Month Major Speaker – Rachel Loria

Rachel Loria is a Disability Rights Advocate at the disAbility Law Center of Virginia, where she has been working for over 8 years. She works particularly on cases involving vocational services, Pre-Employment Transition Services, and assistive technology. She was born and raised in Richmond where she also began her journey as a self-advocate. She had the privilege of working with both Virginia Board for People with Disabilities and the Partnership for People with Disabilities in her 15 year career as a self-advocate working to help individuals who have disabilities.

  • Thursday, October 13th
  • 7pm
  • Chandler A/B Ballroom, Rucker University Center

Disability Awareness Month Table Fair

A table fair will be held to share information about both on- and off-campus disability organizations. There will also be a tye-dye table set up for students who would like to tye-dye a t-shirt with the month’s theme: “Amplifying Voices, Empowering Access.” There are a limited number of t-shirts available so come early to join the fun! In the event of inclement weather, the table fair will be moved inside and the tye-dye activity will be rescheduled for another date. No RSVP required.

  • Friday, October 14th
  • 11am-1pm
  • Campus Walk

Accessibility 101

Accessibility 101 is a campus-wide workshop designed as an opportunity to build awareness and understanding of how our practices, policies, attitudes, language, and interactions impact individuals with disabilities. As a group, we will review and discuss what it means to be accessible.

Individuals will be recognized for completing the Accessibility 101 Workshop as “UMW Accessibility Partners.” We hope to create our own transformative movement- one to promote accountability, accessibility, and inclusivity at UMW that aligns with our ASPIRE Values and Principles on Diversity and Inclusion.

Please be sure to RSVP for Accessibility 101 so that we can share the presentation and plan for your attendance.

  • Wednesday, November 9th
  • 3:00pm-4:30pm
  • Capital Room (314), Rucker University Center

Additional information is available on the ODR News/Events page.

Let us know if you have any questions or require disability accommodations by emailing odr@umw.edu.

Have a great start to the semester!

UMW Celebrates Disability Awareness Month in October!

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On behalf of many members of our community, ODR would like to announce a series of programming for Disability Awareness Month, celebrated in October at UMW.

We encourage all to participate in these opportunities to raise awareness and continue to reach towards our ASPIRE Principles and Values.

Please feel free to contact Office of Disability Resources (ODR) with any questions!

 

UMW Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Americans With Disabilities Act

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When UMW junior Lueden Sheikhnureldin arrived at Simpson Library that early fall morning, something felt off. The old-style wooden chairs in the study area where she’d crammed for so many exams had been replaced by sleek gray-and-green seats.

UMW’s Office of Disability Resources offers access to students in need, with 12 percent of students registered to receive its services. This month, the University is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.

UMW’s Office of Disability Resources offers access to students in need, with 12 percent of students registered to receive its services. This month, the University is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.

“I couldn’t concentrate,” said Sheikhnureldin, whose ADHD can cause sensitivity to details like a chair’s texture and feel. “I thought, ‘This is confusing. Everything is changing. I can’t do this.’” She retreated to her Madison Hall room, instead, to study for a biology test.

An English major pursuing a degree in education, Sheikhnureldin is one of hundreds of UMW students with disabilities ranging from ADHD and autism to issues with vision, hearing and movement. “There really isn’t a category that isn’t represented here,” said Jessica Machado, director of the Office of Disability Resources (ODR), which provides services, accommodations and access.

It’s one of the most utilized offices of its type in Virginia, Machado said, with 12 percent of Mary Washington’s more than 4,000 students registered. That’s particularly poignant this month, while the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrates its 30th anniversary. UMW officials like Machado are using the milestone to recognize three decades of strides toward equality for the disabled and also the work left to do.

“We must directly challenge the assumptions and effects of ableism and work to ensure that every member of the UMW community can realize their goals and aspirations here, and that all of us together thrive and flourish,” Provost Nina Mikhalevsky wrote in an email to campus. Read more.