DS provides many opportunities for the Campus community to participate in reducing disability stigma and educating oneself about a variety of disability related issues. See below for a sample of the various resources available.
View the October 2024 DS Newsletter.
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Jodi Rachins (Director), Lauren Tornatore (Senior Assistant Director) and Janelle Diaz (past Assistant Director) have one major initiative for Disability Services — to use their collective skills to reach the community beyond accommodations by openly and actively discussing ways in which we can support our fellow disability community members whether it is within the university, our outside networks and in our everyday lives. It is important and impactful to make a major effort to reduce stigma and shame around disability. The plan is to work towards flipping the script to highlight the uncountable strengths that can show through various disabilities. Among the various initiatives we plan to put out over the next few years, we are rolling out monthly podcasts to provide representation and discussion around various interesting topics on disability.
At the start of every semester, Disability Services helps students who are registered with our office to navigate the accommodation process and assist them with guidance on any of the topics below during a 30 minute virtual Semester Refresher drop-in session:
Students needing accommodations for any of these sessions, please contact Disability Services via email: disability@uml.edu at least a week before the session date.
To Learn more and to register for upcoming training sessions, please visit the Employee Learning, Engagement & Development Diversity and Inclusion webpage.
December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Watch the Social Media - UML Disability Services - International Day of Persons with Disabilities video on YouTube (Dec. 2022).
DAC provides a collective space where students, faculty and staff push the needle on UMass Lowell disability matters by removing barriers, providing equal access, promoting culture/diversity/awareness and reducing stigma. Our group focuses on access/procedures/policies while serving as allies to help peers/colleagues to be more aware, open-minded, and flexible with inclusion at our school. DAC supports in collaborative efforts to provide education, destigmatize/demystify and celebrate disability as an aspect of diversity. By utilizing a variety of representatives (both with lived experience and interest in bettering our school), we are able to make positive changes. If you are interested in joining, please contact Disability Services by email at jodi_rachins@uml.edu.
DAPi Honor Society presents an opportunity to reduce disability stigma by recognizing students with disabilities for their academic accomplishments. In addition, this honor society facilitates development skills in leadership, advocacy and education for participating students meeting the criteria. (Undergraduates: 24 credits and 3.10 GPA| Graduate: 12 credits and 3.30 GPA)
Our events are aimed to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide space for students, faculty and staff to celebrate disability. In collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Ashleigh Hillier, Campus Recreation Center Staff, Student Life and Wellbeing Office and the Disability Advisory Committee.