Disability Access and Belonging Month
UT has a long history of celebrating disability during the month of October, which is both National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Texas Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month. We invite you to find a way to be part of celebrating Disability Access and Belonging Month as an individual, as well as within your classes, groups, teams, and networks. Every member of the UT community has a role to play in contributing to Disability Access and Belonging at UT not only in October, but every day and month of the year.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
In October 2025, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce.
NDEAM 2025 will recognize the value and talent American workers with disabilities add to our workplaces and economy and highlight their achievements both past and present. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme: “Celebrating Value and Talent.” NDEAM is supported by the Office of Disability Employment Policy
2025 Disability Access and Belonging Month Events
During October, the Disability Cultural Center hosts and promotes a variety of disability-related opportunities. For a full list of disability-related events and to view events in a calendar view, visit the DCC Events page. Follow the DCC on Instagram (dcc_ut) for event reminders and updates!
Neurodiversity Affirming Training: Supporting the Neurodivergent Community at UT Austin
Date and Time: October 3, 1-3 p.m.
Location: SSB G1.310 (Glenn Maloney)
Hosted by Longhorn TIES, this interactive training introduces participants to the concept of neurodivergence and explores the language, culture and lived experiences within neurodivergent communities. Attendees will gain practical strategies to create more neurodivergence-affirming environments and will be introduced to relevant campus and community resources.
Participants who attend this training will receive a “ND Affirming” placard recognizing their completion of the training and an ongoing commitment to supporting the neurodivergent community at UT Austin.
DCC Space “Pop Ups”
Date and Time: Varies, see details for each pop up below
Location: DCC lounge (SSB 2.106)
All are welcome to stop by the new DCC space for connection and conversation during our weekly “pop ups” in October. Food and activities vary, available while supplies last.
- Popcorn and Puzzles
- Wednesday, October 1, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Enjoy popcorn, color your own puzzle or put together an existing puzzle
- Boba and Books
- Friday, October 10, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Enjoy boba tea, browse the DCC library, decorate a bookmark and share what disability books/content you are consuming right now!
- Crafts and Conversation
- Wednesday, October 22, 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
- We provide the supplies, you provide the creativity for painting, coloring, sculpting, beading and more!
- Pumpkin (painting) and Pastries Halloween Event
- Thursday, October 30, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Continue a DCC tradition by painting a mini pumpkin and enjoying some sweet treats.
Accessible Pedagogy Conversations
Date/Time: Weekly on Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual (RSVP here)
Join us on Zoom for Accessible Pedagogy Conversations. This informal, peer-directed space is open to all instructors who hope to share questions, strategies and recommendations regarding accommodations and inclusion in learning environments. With the support of CTL, DCC and D&A staff, we will explore new topics each week to enhance accessibility for all.
10/7: Accessible Experiential Learning (Labs, Hands-On Work)
10/14: Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
10/21: Digital Accessibility and Technology in the Classroom
10/28: Canvas: Accessibility and Structure
Disabled/Neurodivergent Employee Meet-Ups
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 15, 12-1 p.m.
Location: Virtual (RSVP for Zoom link)
Monthly hybrid meet-ups for UT employees who identify as disabled/neurodivergent to come together for community-building and to discuss common experiences. These events will support peer facilitation and open discussion around monthly topics.
- October 15: Celebrating [Our] Value and Talent (theme for 2025 National Disability Employment Awareness Month)
Disability Discussions
Date/Time: Weekly on Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m.
Location: Hybrid, Zoom and DCC Meeting Room/SSB 2.106C
Join the DCC for weekly discussions on a variety of disability-related topics. Whether you want to learn from other disabled people or have experiences or resources you are willing to share, these Disability Discussions provide space to have conversations you may not have elsewhere. Let’s harness the power and expertise of the UT Disability Community!
- 10/1: Disability and Media
- 10/8: Disability and Joy
- 10/15: Disability and the Built Environment
- 10/22: Disability and Beauty/Fashion
- 10/29: Disability and Horror
Disability in the News
Date/Time: Weekly on Thursdays, 12-1 p.m.
Location: Virtual (RSVP for Zoom link)
These weekly virtual meetups invite attendees to discuss current news related to disability; whether it’s a viral video, a policy update or anything else you want to discuss related to disability and current events! Participants are welcome to bring a topic to contribute to the week’s conversation or arrive ready to listen and discuss what others share. All are welcome!
Adapted Sports Night
Date and Time: Wednesday, October 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Clark-Caven Courts, 301 Jester Circle.
The DCC and RecSports are hosting another Adapted Sports Night to introduce the UT community to adapted sports. Come meet Austin area athletes, learn about their sports, and try out various adapted sports yourself. All are welcome to drop by and experience the fun and challenge of adapted sports! Please RSVP to receive email updates and reminders. Volunteer opportunities are available.
Americans with Disabilities Act Campus Forum
Date and Time: Wednesday October 29, from 12 to 1:30 pm
Location: Zoom
The University’s President’s ADA Committee is dedicated to creating a more accessible campus for everyone. To help us achieve this goal, the committee hosts forums each year to hear directly from the campus community about their accessibility experiences, concerns, and ideas.
While we value individual stories, the committee’s primary focus is on identifying and addressing broader challenges that affect many members of our community. Your voice is essential in shaping meaningful solutions that make a difference for everyone. During the forum, members of the committee will share updates on accessibility initiatives across campus and answer questions.
Visit the ADA Forum page for more information, including the zoom link.