Disability Community Connections

Registering with Disability Services and receiving accommodations is one way for students to engage with their disability on campus, but it need not be the only way. Regardless of disability status, students may engage with one or more of the community groups and spaces focused on disability and accessibility on campus.

The Alliance Against Ableism is a community of people who have come together to promote an accessible world for everyone.

Email @email for more information.

The Assistive Technology Center (ATC) is located on the Lower Level of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library, in the Learning Commons, and is open whenever the library is open. The ATC provides a workspace and access to specialized software, equipment, and tools to improve the campus experience for the entire campus community. 

By request, ATC staff can offer instruction, training, and support for assistive technology tools to any member of the University community.

College Living on the Spectrum* is a weekly drop-in space of peers talking about their experiences, supported by co-facilitators from Disability Services and the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH). 

*Spectrum refers to people who experience any elements of autism spectrum disorders, including (dis)abilities related to perception, sensory processing, language, executive function, and motor skills. Group members do not need a medical diagnosis to attend the group. The group will work with the philosophy of ‘support needs’ rather than ability. Attendees are welcome to honor their needs and come after the start time and/or leave early.

The Disability Community Space is located in 331 Goodell Hall and is a space for UMass community members to engage in a variety of activities, connect with others, and learn about disability. Members of the UMass community can reserve the space using the form on the website, 

The Disability Culture Club promotes awareness of what "disability" means as a lived experience, as a social identity, and as a vibrant group with a shared heritage. They support members and the disability community as a whole, through fun activities and social events. 

EDUC 398GS: Access to Success, is an activity- and discussion-based course designed for undergraduate neurodiverse students to learn college skills while building a sense of community with other students. The course, taught by Rachel Adams, covers neuro affirming approaches to reading and writing; study strategies; self-knowledge; self-care, stress management; time management, organization, communication and advocacy.

This one-credit course is pass/fail and offered each Fall and Spring semester. For more information and to sign up: email Rachel Adams. 

The Disability & Accessibility Caucus is a space for graduate students within the Graduate Employee Organization (GEO). They gather to provide community and advocate for themselves and others with any kind of disability (mental, physical, short-term, chronic, etc.). Their volunteer work focuses on drafting better protections in the GEO contract and supporting accessibility efforts around the campus.

The UMass Allies for Illness and Disability Access (UMAIDA) is an employee resource group open to UMass staff (including graduate student staff) and faculty.