UNT WISE

05/21/2026

Today we celebrate the 15th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! 🌐

This day is a reminder to prioritize digital access and inclusion for the more than one billion people worldwide living with disabilities.

Accessibility isn’t just a feature; it’s a commitment to creating equitable experiences so everyone can fully participate, connect, and thrive in a digital world.

Today and every day, we challenge ourselves to take action, whether that’s adding alt text, improving website accessibility, or designing with inclusion in mind from the start.

Let’s continue to listen, learn, and build more inclusive spaces online and beyond.

🔗 Learn more from the GAAD Foundation: https://accessibility.day/

05/20/2026

Stories like this are why our UNT WISE Transition Programs matter. 💚​

In our programs, participants don’t just gain skills, they build confidence, independence, and a clearer vision for their future. Each summer, we create opportunities for students to explore college, careers, and what’s possible beyond the classroom. ​

We’re gearing up for another impactful summer and can’t wait to welcome our next group of participants!​

05/12/2026

Join Imagine Enterprises for “Real Talk with Ricky,” a free, interactive Zoom series where self-advocates and families come together to connect, share, and learn from one another.

🗓️ Session 3: Responsibility
📅 Wednesday, May 13th | 🕧 12:30 PM CT
💬 Topic: Ricky elaborates on the importance of responsibility and giving back to the community.

Presented by Ricky Broussard and Norine Jaloway Gill

🔗 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/m1DFt5j-QKm7urcEGIwBpA #/registration.

30-minute Zoom meeting for self-advocates and families to learn from Ricky Broussard about self-determination. Q&A the last 10 minutes. Session will be recorded and posted to public platforms.

05/11/2026

The Texas State Independent Living Council (Texas SILC), in partnership with the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, has launched a statewide survey to better understand the needs, barriers, and priorities of Texans with disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities, families, and caregivers are encouraged to participate and help shape policies, resources, and services across Texas.

📝 The survey takes about 10 minutes, is anonymous, accessible, and open through July 15.

Your voice matters—help inform the State Plan for Independent Living and strengthen support for more inclusive, independent communities.

🔗 Take the survey and learn more:

English: https://form.jotform.com/260956103041044

Spanish: https://form.jotform.com/261036206676052

05/06/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!​

This month we recognize the power of community, fostering collaboration, and meeting people where they are. When individuals feel supported, connected, and valued, it can have a powerful positive impact on mental health and overall wellbeing.​

When we lead with compassion and create spaces of support, we make room to experience more good days, together. 💚

05/05/2026

Applications for our ENGAGE Program are still open!📢​

ENGAGE is designed to support neurodivergent students at the University of North Texas in achieving success across academic, vocational, social, and personal goals. Our team is committed to creating meaningful pathways that empower students to thrive in college and their future careers!​

📅Application Deadline: May 29, 2026​

🔗Learn more and apply: https://wise.unt.edu/engage/application-process.html​

05/01/2026

We’re proud to spotlight our incredible colleagues, Jade Marth, Kellie Roy, and Dr. Kaiqi Zhou, presenting “From Engagement to Empowerment: The Outcomes of the UNT ENGAGE Program.” 👏​

Their work highlights the powerful impact of the UNT WISE ENGAGE program—showing how intentional support, thoughtful implementation, and data-driven strategies are helping neurodivergent students succeed in meaningful ways.

From strengthening academic persistence to fostering professional growth, this program is creating pathways that truly empower neurodivergent students.​ By analyzing program data and participant feedback, their presentation underscores not only the program’s success, but also the ongoing commitment to growth, innovation, and sustainability.

This work is a powerful reminder of how impactful the right support systems can be—and the difference they make in students’ lives every day. 💙​
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04/30/2026

Friendly reminder! Our free live webinar “ASSUME a Sensory Reason” is happening tomorrow.

Presented by Jordan Smelley, this session will explore how proprioceptive and tactile sensory patterns shape workplace engagement, and how small, thoughtful adjustments can make a big impact on retention, productivity, and employee well-being.

🗓 Tomorrow, May 1st
⏰ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
🔗 Free to attend: https://unt.zoom.us/my/untwisewebinars

Interested in earning continuing education hours? Be sure to scan the QR code in the flyer to learn how.

04/29/2026

📣 You're Invited: RCT Quarterly Meeting 📣

The Rehabilitation Council of Texas is hosting a Hybrid Environment Meeting to gather feedback from VR customers about their experiences with services.

Who should attend: VR customers and anyone interested in improving vocational rehabilitation services. Field staff are encouraged to share this event with their customers.

Want to attend via Zoom? Register here:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/7417768693757/WN_TCW8wvJ_TAeENO4rhxn6iw #/registration

Need accommodations? Contact RCT Coordinator Lisa Godwin at (979) 480-2826 or lisa.godwin@twc.texas.gov at least five (5) working days prior to the meeting.

Meeting Agenda:
https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/rehabilitation-council

Questions about the agenda?
Please reach out to Lisa Godwin for more information.

Make your voice count, join the conversation.

04/27/2026

Disability inclusion and support shouldn’t just stop at graduation. When we asked a Texas Beacons of Excellence (TBE) participant’s parent what advice they have for others considering involvement in promoting disability inclusion, they shared:

💬 “I believe that there are many ways to teach individuals with disabilities to contribute to their community. To teach others that we shouldn't stop educating these young people after their graduation but to show them there is more in life.”

TBE believes that “more” includes competitive integrated employment where people with disabilities have equal opportunities to work alongside their peers without disabilities in meaningful jobs.

By providing ongoing support and advocacy, we help individuals not only achieve independence but also enrich their communities through their talents and contributions. Together, we can build a future where disability inclusion is a lifelong commitment, from education through employment and beyond.

04/24/2026

Join us next Friday for a free live webinar you won’t want to miss!

“Assume a Sensory Reason,” presented by Jordan Smelley, dives into how proprioceptive and tactile sensory patterns impact workplace engagement and what you can do about it.

Discover how small, intentional adjustments can lead to stronger retention, increased productivity, and improved employee well-being.

🗓 Next Friday, May 1st
⏰ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM