JMU Office of Disability Services

12/06/2024

Happy Feel Good Friday! With just one more week left we wanted to take a moment to highlight Christopher Reeve, best known for his role as Superman. In 1995, Reeve experienced a life-changing equestrian accident that resulted in paralysis from a spinal cord injury. Following his accident, he became a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities, giving a voice to those who may not have had one. Reeve often expressed that the individuals he met in rehabilitation centers and hospitals were his heroes, as they faced significant challenges without adequate resources, yet demonstrated remarkable resilience. As a political and community advocate, he also established resources such as the Reeve-Irvine Research Center at the University of California, Irvine College of Medicine which focuses on studying trauma and diseases affecting the spinal cord, to develop interventions encouraging recovery of neurological function. Have a super weekend Dukes, and good luck on finals next week!



Image: Christopher Reeve with decorative superhero elements surrounding him
Text: “Some people are walking around with full use of their bodies and they're more paralyzed than I am.”
Christopher Reeve Actor, Activist, Director, Author, Superman

11/22/2024

In recognition of November as Native American History Month, we would like to take a moment to honor Wilma Mankiller, the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, who served for a decade as a dedicated advocate for education, healthcare, and more. Throughout her life, Wilma faced numerous health challenges, including Polycystic Kidney Disease, Myasthenia Gravis, and different forms of cancer. Despite these obstacles, she remained committed to her work, continuing to travel, speak, and educate others. Wilma sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2010, but we commemorate her legacy by acknowledging the significant contributions she made for the rights of women and Native Americans.

Happy Feel Good Friday and have a great break Dukes!



Image: Wilma Mankiller surrounded by decorative elements
Text: “One of the things my parents taught me, and I’ll always be grateful...is to not ever let anybody else define me; [but] for me to define myself...” -Wilma Mankiller The First Female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation

11/20/2024

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, giving us the opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes and its impact on individuals. In the United States, approximately 38.4 million people are affected by diabetes, with around 8.7 million of those individuals remaining undiagnosed. Navigating daily life with diabetes can be challenging, especially for those who have recently received a diagnosis, as it may feel life-altering. However, this diagnosis marks the beginning of a journey toward resilience and connection with a global community dedicated to redefining possibilities.



Image: A hand holding a ribbon representing diabetes awareness surrounded by decorative elements
Text: Diabetes Awareness Month

11/15/2024

Happy Friday! Today’s Feel Good Friday quote is from legendary singer and songwriter Prince, as we recognize epilepsy awareness month. Prince was born with epilepsy and frequently had seizures as a young boy. He recounts that his unique personality and iconic style which captivated the world, were influenced by his journey with epilepsy. It was clear that music was and would be an integral part of his life at a young age, as he wrote his first song at just seven years old! Since then, he has made 39 albums, won 7 Grammy’s, and was beloved for his energetic stage presence and undeniable talent. We hope you have a wonderful weekend Dukes, and don’t forget to jam out to some Prince!🎸



Image: Prince playing the guitar
Text: “Despite everything, no one can dictate who you are to other people.” -Prince

11/14/2024

Happy World Usability Day Dukes!📱💻 Today is a time to spread awareness and celebrate the advancements made towards ensuring equal access to technology for everyone! Digital accessibility is seldom discussed and implemented, yet it is crucial in all areas of life, from equal opportunities in education and work to something as simple as shopping online! Today and everyday, let’s keep striving for a digital world that prioritizes user-friendly designs that everyone can easily navigate and understand!



Image: Hands holding the earth shaped like a heart with the International Symbol of Access in the middle, the background is made up of pieces of technology
Text: World Usability Day

11/08/2024

Did you know that Selena Gomez designed Rare Beauty products with accessibility in mind? How awesome is that? This initiative serves as a reminder that products can be accessible for all and look beautiful while doing so! Check out the Linktree in our bio to see Rare Beauty’s Accessibility Statement as well as view their products!💄💅

10/31/2024

As we approach the end of October, we would like to take a moment to recognize ADHD Awareness Month. It is estimated that between 139.84 million and 366.33 million individuals worldwide are affected by ADHD. The impact of ADHD can vary significantly based on each individual person and by the type. We also wanted to emphasize the importance of raising awareness about ADHD, as many people may have heard of it but might not understand how it affects those who live with it. It’s not just about attention; it’s about understanding the unique ways our brains work. ADHD can bring challenges, but it also brings incredible strengths and creativity. Let’s break the stigma and spread understanding about ADHD.



Image: A border of purple butterflies surrounding the text and the ADHD awareness butterfly symbol
Text: ADHD Awareness Month

10/28/2024

10/26/2024

The third full week of October is Invisible Disabilities Week, a time to recognize that disabilities extend beyond what can be seen. Over 1 billion people in the world have a non-visible disability, which emphasizes the importance of accessibility and the need to display kindness towards everyone you encounter. It is essential to recognize the barriers an individual might have to break to engage in their daily routines or the mental resilience needed for someone to simply make it through their day. Although many disabilities are invisible to the eye, they are equally significant, and deserve to be seen as such.



Image: The International Symbol of Access made up of different people and surrounded by decorative elements
Text: Invisible Disabilities Week

10/24/2024

Thank you so much to everyone who came to our All Mind’s Rock event! We had such a blast meeting you all and seeing your amazing creations! Until next time, Go Dukes!🖌💜

10/18/2024

The Office of Disability Services invites you to "All Minds Rock" a free event where your canvas is a rock and paint pens are your brush! Come paint a rock that is reflective of your mental well-being, to spread a positive message around campus, or to make an artistic creation to keep! We at ODS would love your help in spreading messages of involvement, care, and the importance of mental health! The event will take place on October 22nd from 10:30-1:30 in the Student Success Center Room 1075. All JMU students, staff, and faculty are invited to attend, and light snacks will be provided.



Image: Several rocks colored with paint pens. They have mandalas, flowers, and other small designs a paint strokes background.
Text: All minds rock! Join the Office of Disability Services on October 22 in the Student Success Center, Room 1075 from 10:30-1:30 p.m. for rock painting!

10/17/2024

Every mind and body is unique, and we all have our own ways of moving. It is so important to stay active and express gratitude for the body and mind we have every day. Join the Office of Disability Services for a free hour-long yoga event focused on mindful movement, gentle flow, and grounding! The event will take place on Thursday, October 24th from 10:00-11:00 am in the Student Success Center Room 1075. All skill levels are welcome, mats will be provided on a first come first serve basis, and one of the therapy dogs will be stopping in for a visit at the end! This event is also a Wellness Passport so if you have yet to complete your spiritual and emotional dimensions, we hope to see you there!



Image: Individuals performing various yoga positions surrounded by plants
Text: All Bodies Flow Yoga with the Office of Disability Services
October 24 from 10:00-11:00am
Student Success Center Room 1075

10/15/2024

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness month and as LatinX and Hispanic Heritage Month come to an end, there is no better time than now to recognize this power couple from Puerto Rico: Sofía Jirau and Chris González! They both truly define what it means to live and love without limits!🤎

10/14/2024

Matthew Urango, fondly known as the Indie artist “Cola Boyy” was popular for his unique 70’s inspired music. Urango was born with spina bifida and wore a prosthetic leg that he often referenced in his albums to raise awareness for those who have disabilities like himself. He used his music platform to spread messages of love, unity, and advocacy. Those that knew him described him as an incredibly humble man whose creativity and activism for the disability community were inspiring. Urango sadly passed earlier this year in March of 2024 but his legacy lives on in his fearless activism through music.🪩🎹



Image: A record cover with Matthew Urango on it and his “Prosthetic Boombox” record coming out of it
Text: “Maybe people would be like, I have no idea what it’s like to be disabled or have a prosthesis, but that’s not the point. The point is that the system that we live under created these conditions for me, and they created the conditions that others are experiencing, so raising that understanding through my music or platform or even in interviews like this is really what my goal is.”
Matthew Urango (a.k.a Cola Boyy)

10/10/2024

Today we’re celebrating World Mental Health Day, a great time to remember to always be kind to your mind!🧠Life can get really busy, but today is all about taking a moment for yourself and checking in on the people you care about. You never know what another person is going through, so check in on your loved ones, listen, and offer them support. Also, don’t forget to take care of yourself! Whether it’s diving into a good book, spending time with friends, enjoying some self-care, getting a workout in, or soaking up the fresh air outside—make sure you take a little time today and everyday for what makes you happy!



Image: a watering can with self-care tips streaming out, watering a brain made up of flowers
Text: World Mental Health Day
Be Kind to Your Mind
Find support in your community
Take care of yourself
Practice gratitude
Love yourself

10/03/2024

Today, we celebrate World Dyslexia Day, an occasion to recognize and honor the incredible individuals living with dyslexia. It’s also a great opportunity to raise awareness about the unique challenges these individuals encounter every day. Dyslexia affects approximately 780 million people worldwide, representing about 10% of the global population, and while many share this journey, it’s important to remember that dyslexia isn’t a universal one-size-fits-all experience. Each person has a distinct story and unique challenges that shape their experiences and their identity!



Image: A girl is reading a book surrounded by letters and decorative elements
Text: October 3rd is World Dyslexia Day

09/30/2024

September is Pain Awareness Month, and although the month is at its end, we wanted to recognize pain in all its forms and the impacts it has on those around us, sometimes without us even realizing it. Today’s quote comes from someone who lives with daily chronic pain, illustrating the variability of each day both in body and mind. Society allows us to believe that the source of our value is how much we can produce, however, this quote highlights an important truth: Your value comes not from what you do, but from who you are. Have a great week Dukes!🤎



Image: decorative elements surrounding text
Text: “My worth is not based on my productivity- I’m important and I matter not because of what I can accomplish but because of who I am”
A loved one living with chronic pain