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.

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!

Disability Access and Belonging Month Events

One  Time Events

Neurodiversity Affirming Training: Supporting the Neurodivergent Community at UT Austin

Friday, October 4 | 2 – 3:30 p.m. | Student Services Building G1.310

Longhorn TIES Neurodiversity Support is excited to offer our campus-wide Neurodiversity Affirming Training. This interactive training introduces attendees to neurodiversity, provides action tips to be neurodiversity affirming in practice, and reviews campus and community resources related to neurodiversity. Participants who attend this training will be added to a Neurodiversity Affirming Continuing Education Canvas page and receive a “Neurodiversity Affirming” placard recognizing their completion of the training and an ongoing commitment to supporting the neurodivergent community at UT Austin. Register via UTLearn

National Disability Employment Awareness Month Event Series

The DCC is collaborating with several campus partners to host a series of events designed to support and celebrate disabled faculty and staff at UT. Please RSVP for the events you plan to attend.

• Monday October 7, 12pm-1pm via Zoom
  • Information Session with Employee Assistance Program and ADA Coordinators/Employee Accommodations
• Monday October 14, 12pm-1pm via Zoom
  • Facilitated conversation around using accommodations, disclosing disability, and being disabled/neurodivergent as a UT faculty/staff member
• Monday October 21, 11am-1pm in Student Services Building 3.200
  • Disabled Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon

Disability Culture Conversations

Date and Time: Thursday October 10, 12pm-1pm: Disability History at UT

Location: Zoom (RSVP for link)

These monthly virtual meetups are designed to provide a space for students, faculty and staff to come together to learn about topics related to disabled identity and the disability community. Each month will be dedicated to a specific topic and will include a short overview of the topic and then allow time for conversation and discussion. All are welcome. RSVP here to receive Zoom link.

Provide Your Input at the Americans with Disabilities Act Campus Forum

• Tuesday October 29, 2024 from 12 to 1:30 pm via Zoom (https://utexas.zoom.us/j/91692791652)

The university created a standing committee, the President’s ADA Committee, to address institution-wide, systemic issues that fall under the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The committee hosts forums every year to solicit campus input on ADA issues the campus community believes need to be addressed. While we are interested in individual situations and experiences, the committee is charged with developing solutions for the broad-based concerns affecting many in our community. Forums are hosted in the fall and in the spring.

We hope you will attend bring your thoughts and suggestions. Questions can also be sent in advance of the forum to ada@austin.utexas.edu. Should you have a need for reasonable accommodations to participate, please email  ada@austin.utexas.edu and we will make every effort to assist you.

Adapted Sports Night

Date and Time: Tuesday October 29, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Location: Clark-Caven Courts, 301 Jester Circle.

The DCC and RecSports are once again hosting 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.

Recurring Events

Adapted/Wheelchair Tennis & Pickleball

Date and Time: Mondays 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: Whitaker Courts

The DCC has partnered with Austin Adapted Sports and RecSports to host weekly Wheelchair/Adapted Tennis & Pickleball nights. All disability and experience levels are welcome; equipment is provided. To attend RSVP here by Mondays at noon.

Disability in the News

Date and Time: Tuesdays 12-1 p.m

Location: Zoom (RSVP for link)

Accessible Pedagogy Conversations

Date and Time: Wednesdays 12-1 p.m.

Location: Zoom

Join The DCC, Disability and Access, and the Center for Teaching and Learning for our new 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. We will explore new topics each week to enhance accessibility for all. More information and RSVP here.

• October 9 – Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• October 16 – Technology in the Classroom
• October 23 – Canvas: Structure and Accessibility
• October 30 – General Q&A and Crowdsourced Strategy Sharing

Disability Discussions

Date and Time: Wednesdays from 3-4pm

Location: SSB 3.200K/Zoom

Join the DCC in discussion around a variety of disability-related topics each week. Whether you want to learn more about the topic or have experiences or resources you are willing to share, these Disability Discussions provide space to have conversations you may not be able to have anywhere else. Let’s harness the power and expertise of the UT disability community! All members of the UT community, including alumni, are welcome. RSVP here to receive email reminders and the Zoom link.

• October 2 – Disability Pride & Identity
• October 9 – Employment & Disability
• October 16 – Age & Disability
• October 23 – Exercise, Recreation, & Disability
• October 30 – Crip Time