March 30 - April 3
The Disability Advocacy Week (DAW) 2026 theme is A11y in Action. We are honored to welcome Dr. Angela Young to campus as our Keynote Speaker. Dr. Angela Young (they/them) is a queer, nonbinary, multiply disabled accessibility strategist focused on neurodiversity, self-advocacy, and what real belonging looks like in systems that were not built with disabled people in mind. They lead accessibility training and organizational culture work that centers lived experience and practical change over performative inclusion. Join us at any of our events to build community and learn about disability and accessibility in higher education!
Event registration is not required unless otherwise indicated. Contact disability-svcs@jmu.edu or 540-568-6705 with questions and accommodation requests.
For information about campus accessibility & parking, visit the Campus Accessibility Map or the Accessible Parking Map. Please note that all usual parking regulations are in effect during the events listed below unless otherwise specified. For questions about parking for an event, please contact JMU Parking Services.
At a Glance
- Mon. 3/30 - ODS Open House
- Mon. 3/30 - ASL Workshop
- Tues. 3/31 - Food for Thought
- Tues. 3/31 - CFI Faculty Workshop
- Tues. 3/31 - Disabilility Trivia
- Wed. 4/1 - Student Community Time with Dr. Ang
- Wed. 4/1 - Keynote Speech with Dr. Ang
- Thur. 4/2 - Accessibility in Microsoft Workshop
- Thur. 4/2 - Crafternoon
- Fri. 4/3 - Accessible ≠ Boring Design Workshop
Events
All Month
Libraries Resource Display
Libraries Express and Virtual
The theme for 2026 Disability Advocacy Week is A11y In Action. “A11y” can be pronounced “ally” or as “A-eleven-Y." A11y is a numeronym for accessibility; there are 11 letters between the a and the y in the word “accessibility.” Basically, it’s a fun shorthand. This display focuses on practicing accessibility, being aware of disability-related issues, and fostering a community of inclusivity and allyship. Through this display, ODS also aims to highlight the lived experiences of disabled persons and stories that showcase the importance of inclusion and diversity. ODS hopes to provide students, faculty, and staff with valuable insight into accessibility and inclusion so that everyone can become an A11y In Action!
Monday, March 30
ODS Open House
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. @ ODS Suite in SSC
Visit the Office of Disability Services. We will be offering tours of our space, opportunity to meet staff, and ways for visitors to learn more about our programs. Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome!
Introduction to American Sign Language: An Interactive Workshop
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. @ SSC 1075
Help us kick-off Disability Advocacy Week with an interactive ASL workshop hosted by Professor Nguyen and Professor Haelen! This event will introduce the basics of signing, including the alphabet, finger-spelling, and a brief dive into deaf culture. Register on BeInvolved to reserve a spot, we hope to see you there!
Tuesday, March 31
Food for Thought
8 a.m. - 11 p.m. @ SSC 1075
Food for Thought is a free morning community event designed to spark reflection about accessibility, belonging, and disability inclusion at JMU.
Over bagels, fruit, coffee, and tea, students are invited into a flexible experience that meets them where they are. Whether someone has 30 seconds between classes or 20 minutes to pause, the structure intentionally accommodates different levels of engagement to encourage reflection.
"Ask us anything": Neurodiversity, Accessibility, and Advocacy
In Collaboration with The Center for Faculty Innovation
2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. @ Virtual
This event gives faculty and staff an opportunity to bring their questions and ideas to this “ask us anything” roundtable to explore neurodiversity access and advocacy.
Please register to receive the Zoom link!
Disability Themed Trivia
In Collaboration with JMU Student Leadership & Involvement
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. @ Taylor Down Under
This event is designed to raise awareness and celebrate the experiences of individuals with disabilities. Participants will test their knowledge on various topics related to disability, including general knowledge, adaptive technology, disability at JMU, musicians with disabilities, and more!
Wednesday, April 1
Community Time with Dr. Ang Young
12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. @ SSC, Room 1310
Designed as a supportive dialogue rather than a lecture, this drop-in student session creates space to talk about disability, neurodivergence, and the often invisible labor of navigating systems that were not designed for us. Through shared conversation and reflection, students will explore self-advocacy, identity, and belonging, while connecting with others who understand the experience of moving through the world differently. Snacks provided!
Disability Advocacy Week Keynote by Dr. Ang Young
4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. @ Health and Behavioral Sciences (HBS), Room 5040
This event is open to the public. Please pre-register on Eventbrite for a free ticket. ASL interpreters and live captioning will be provided at the event.
Thursday, April 2
Creating Accessible Materials in Microsoft Office (CAMMO)
Hosted by JMU Information Technology
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. @ SSC 1075
JMU students, faculty, and staff are invited to learn to use the resources built into Microsoft 365 applications to create materials that are accessible to people with disabilities. Registration is highly encouraged, but not mandatory.
Faculty and staff can register early on MyMadison. Click on the Employee tab, then Request Training Enrollment. Click Search by Course Number and type in IT160.
Students can register early on BeInvolved.
Crafternoon
In collaboration with Student Leadership and Involvement
12 p.m. - 3 p.m. @ The Union Patio
Description to come!
