March 31 - April 4
The Disability Advocacy Week (DAW) 2025 theme, ”Unlearning Ableism Together," focuses on recognizing and understanding the barriers that exist for and towards people with disabilities, and the perspective of people within the disability community. We are honored to welcome Imani Barbarin to campus as our Keynote Speaker. 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.
Event List
All Month
Libraries Resource Display
Libraries Express and Virtual
This display is in honor of JMU’s annual Disability Advocacy Week, presented by the Office of Disability Services (ODS). It features resources selected by ODS and related to this year’s theme, “Unlearning Ableism Together,” which focuses on recognizing and understanding the barriers that exist for and towards people with disabilities, and the perspective of people within the disability community. Learn and unlearn with this display that has a focus on ableism, belonging, stories of disability, and history of disability.
Monday, March 31
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!
Special Olympic Speaker Wellness Passport Event
Hosted by JMU UREC
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. @ UREC Clubroom
This presentation is in partnership with the Office of Disability Services to highlight a collaboration with Special Olympics and JMU in offering Unified Sports on campus. The Special Olympics College Club at JMU will be presenting on what Unified Sports are and how they impact the JMU and Harrisonburg/Rockingham community.
Tuesday, April 1
Reframe: A Journey of Unlearning Ableism
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ SSC 1075
This event captures the idea of shifting perspectives and actively engaging in a process of unlearning ableism. Participants will participate in various stations with activities that are designed to teach them about disability.
Creating Accessible Materials in Microsoft Office (C.A.M.M.O.) Training
Hosted by JMU Information Technology
1 p.m. - 2 p.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.
Wednesday, April 2
DREAM and Neurodiversity Celebration Collaborative (NCC) Interest Meeting
Hosted by DREAM and the Neurodiversity Celebration Collaborative
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. @ Taylor 307
These two disability based student organizations will be hosting a shared interest meeting for any disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent students or their allies to come hang out and learn more about what we do. I DREAM is a local chapter of a broader network for disabled students, and NCC focuses on celebrating neurodiversity. We look forward to meeting anyone interested, and offer support in gaining accommodations if needed!
You can reach out to them on instagram @idream_jmu and @ncc_jmu or contact DREAM by email at idream.jmu@gmail.com.
Paralympic Sport Wellness Passport Event
Hosted by JMU UREC
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. @ UREC Sport Forum 2
2 p.m. - 3 p.m. @ UREC Sport Forum 2
This event is in partnership with the Office of Disability Services to highlight two paralympic sports: Wheelchair Basketball and Goalball during Disability Advocacy Week.
Disability Themed Trivia
In Collaboration with JMU Student Leadership & Involvement
8 p.m. - 10 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!
Thursday, April 3
4th Biennial Disability Studies and Music Education Symposium
Organized by University Partners
April 3 - April 5
Different sessions offered throughout the day. Please see the full schedule for more details. Registration is required through Eventbrite.
Community Time with Imani Barbarin
12:45 p.m. - 2 p.m. @ Lavender Lounge, SSC
Join us for this drop in event where students and staff can spend meaningful community time with disability advocate, Imani Barbarin. This gathering will provide a unique opportunity to engage in open conversations and learn from personal experiences. Snacks provided.
Disability Advocacy Week Keynote by Imani Barbarin
4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. @ Holland Yates First Floor Presentation Room
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.
In this talk, Imani recounts her personal experiences and how these interactions informed her of how she was seen as a disabled person moving through society. Connect the dots from everyday interactions to public policy and how one may better understand how to create a welcoming environment for people with disabilities.
Free parking will be available in the Mason Street Parking Deck. Please see the online parking map for more information.
Friday, April 4
4th Biennial Disability Studies and Music Education Symposium
Organized by University Partners
April 3 - April 5
Different sessions offered throughout the day. Please see the full schedule for more details. Registration is required through Eventbrite.
Adaptive Climbing Wellness Passport Event
Hosted by JMU UREC
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. @ UREC Adventure Center
2 p.m. - 3 p.m. @ UREC Adventure Center
During this onsite clinic, participants will learn about the equipment and techniques for adaptive climbing available at the Adventure Center. This clinic is designed for beginner climbers. No previous experience is required.
This program is a collaboration with the Office of Disability Services during Disability Advocacy Week to highlight progress in adaptive climbing technology.
Cooking in Pairs Wellness Passport Event
Hosted by JMU UREC
2 p.m. - 3 p.m. @ UREC Demonstration Kitchen
This cooking class focuses on creating an inclusive environment where we learn how to adapt cooking techniques, tools, and kitchen spaces to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Participants will explore challenges that persons with disabilities may face in the kitchen, and discover practical solutions to enhance their cooking experience. From adaptive tools to sensory considerations, this class aims to empower everyone to enjoy cooking, regardless of ability.
