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CONNECT  |  Wednesday,  July 1 |  Message from the VP

Message from Laura Franklin, Director, Accessibility Resource Center

Greetings from the Accessibility Resource Center!

July is Disability Pride Month, and we are excited to celebrate the diverse identities, cultures, accomplishments, and contributions of the UNM disability community. July also marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation signed into law on July 26, 1990, that continues to advance accessibility and equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

At UNM, we proudly support and recognize that disability is often created through systems and barriers that limit access and participation. We view access and accommodations as fundamental civil and human rights and embrace disability as a valuable and diverse expression of the human experience. We also acknowledge and honor the important role that intersectionality plays in shaping the lives and experiences of our students.

This Disability Pride Month, we also recognize the numerous challenges and systemic threats facing the disability community. As we reflect on the work that remains, we are reminded that dismantling ableism is a shared responsibility. We greatly appreciate the continued partnership and support of our colleagues as we strive to create a more accessible and inclusive campus community.

Throughout July, the Accessibility Resource Center will host a variety of community events that celebrate disability pride, joy, culture, and inclusion. We look forward to sharing these opportunities with you and hope you will join us in recognizing and celebrating Disability Pride Month.