Institute on Disability Awareness at Niagara University

03/17/2026

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Stella Young

As part of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting women who have helped reshape how the world understands disability.

Today’s spotlight is Stella Young.

Stella Young was an Australian journalist, comedian, and disability advocate who challenged the way society frames disability. As a wheelchair user with osteogenesis imperfecta, she often encountered the idea that disabled people are “inspirational” simply for living their everyday lives.

She pushed back on that narrative in her widely viewed TED Talk, where she explained that when disabled people are portrayed as inspirational just for existing, it can reinforce low expectations rather than promote real equality.

Her message helped shift conversations about disability away from pity and toward respect, dignity, and authentic inclusion.

Watch Stella Young’s TED Talk below and learn more about the idea that continues to influence disability advocacy today.

https://www.ted.com/talks/stella_young_i_m_not_your_inspiration_thank_you_very_much?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

Stella Young is a comedian and journalist who happens to go about her day in a wheelchair — a fact that doesn't, she'd like to make clear, automatically turn her into a noble inspiration to all humanity. In this very funny talk, Young breaks down society's habit of turning disabled people into "in...

03/13/2026

Ever wonder what the Institute on Disability Awareness actually does?

During a recent Career Day presentation, Educational Program Developer Erica Rodman shared a look at the Institute’s work with students. From trainings to community education on accessibility and disability awareness, the Institute works across Western New York to help people better understand disability and create more inclusive environments.

In this short clip, Erica explains how education and real-world experience come together in the Institute’s programs.

If your school, organization, or workplace is interested in learning more about disability awareness training, we would love to connect.


[VD: A brunette woman stands at the front of a high school classroom speaking to students. She is wearing dark sunglasses and a scarf, and a bright yellow “Guide Dog” leash tag. Behind her, a large classroom display screen shows a slide describing the Institute on Disability Awareness as a university-based center focused on disability access and inclusion. The slide also references years of leadership in training and outreach. Classroom posters and college pennants line the wall above the board. Erica faces the students while explaining the work of the Institute and the role of disability education in the community.}

03/11/2026

IDA@NU eNews -

The Institute on Disability Awareness recently participated in Career Day at The Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, where alumna and Educational Program Developer Erica Rodman spoke with students about careers in disability advocacy and the real-world impact of accessibility and disability awarene...

03/06/2026

Earlier this week, the Institute on Disability Awareness was proud to participate in Career Day at Sacred Heart Academy. Erica Rodman spoke with students about careers in advocacy and how disability, equity, and inclusion shape the real world.

Students explored how everyday decisions, systems, and assumptions can either create barriers or open doors for people with disabilities.

Thank you to Sacred Heart Academy for the warm welcome and for encouraging students to think critically about inclusion and leadership.

03/03/2026

March is Women's History Month!

Throughout March, the Institute on Disability Awareness will highlight women with disabilities whose leadership has shaped civil rights, public policy, accessibility standards, and inclusive practice.

We begin with Judith Heumann

Judith (Judy) Heumann was a central figure in the modern U.S. disability rights movement. In 1977, she helped lead the Section 504 Sit-in in San Francisco, one of the longest nonviolent occupations of a federal building in U.S. history. The protest compelled the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to sign and issue long-delayed regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These regulations established enforceable protections prohibiting disability discrimination in federally funded programs.

Her leadership helped establish disability discrimination as a civil rights issue and laid important groundwork for future legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. You can read more about Judy's life and work on her website: https://judithheumann.com/

Throughout the month, we will continue recognizing women whose work advances accessibility, compliance, and equitable systems across sectors.

Judith Heumann is an internationally recognized leader in the disability community & lifelong civil rights advocate for disadvantaged people

02/27/2026

Celebrating Black Athletes and the Presence of Disability in Sport

February is Black History Month, a time to acknowledge the profound leadership, influence, and contributions of Black individuals who have shaped every part of our society. This year, as Team USA competes at the Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we see that recognition reflected on the ice and snow as well.

Black athletes are competing in winter sports in spaces where representation has historically been limited. In Paralympic sled hockey, athletes like Malik Jones are part of a sport that has grown tremendously in visibility and competitiveness. Sled hockey is fast, strategic, and demanding. Its presence on the international stage reflects how far adaptive sport has come.

At the same time, disability is not confined to the Paralympics. It exists across the Olympic stage as well. U.S. bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor is now the most decorated Black Olympian in history. She has spoken openly about raising two Deaf sons, one of whom also has Down syndrome. Her reflections during this year’s Games are a reminder that disability is part of families, communities, and everyday life, including at the highest levels of competition.

Black History Month centers the leadership and legacy of Black people. In the world of sport, that leadership includes athletes whose lives intersect with disability, whether through their own competition or their families. When Black Olympic athletes speak openly about disability, it expands society's understanding of who belongs in sport, and this expansion matters. It shapes culture, opportunity, and it helps the next generation see themselves reflected on the world stage.

02/25/2026

IDA@NU eNews -

February is Black History Month, a time to acknowledge the profound leadership, influence, and contributions of Black individuals who have shaped every part of our society. This year, as Team USA competes at the Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we see that recognition reflected on...

02/24/2026

We’re excited to announce our upcoming webinar:

Interacting with Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
📅 March 24
🕖 7:00 PM
💻 Virtual
Visit the link below to register.

This session will focus on effective communication strategies, working with interpreters, legal rights and accommodations, and practical guidance for real-world interactions.

We are pleased to share that ASL interpretation will be provided, and we will also be joined by a special guest speaker bringing lived experience and professional insight to the conversation.

This webinar is ideal for first responders, educators, healthcare professionals, hospitality workers, and anyone who wants to strengthen their understanding of accessibility and communication.

Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYi5gsRW5e4lCerHlr8VuL-XqtYBdBJjZj6cuWLrVEqyf5Bg/viewform

We look forward to seeing you there!

Join the Institute on Disability Awareness for a live webinar on interacting with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, including communication strategies, working with interpreters, and accommodating communication needs. When: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Where: Zoom (Link will be emailed the day prior)...

02/04/2026

IDA@NU eNews -

Winter weather has been unpredictable and severe this season. While snow and extreme cold affect everyone, they often expose gaps in planning that disproportionately impact people with disabilities. These gaps are rarely intentional, but they become visible when systems are stressed.

01/16/2026

IDA@NU eNews -

Stories about animals in public spaces continue to dominate news and social media, often framed as feel good moments or public controversies. A recent report from WTOC described a service dog being denied entry to a Hilton Head post office, a situation that quickly drew attention and sparked public....

12/19/2025

IDA@NU eNews -

This program offers practical training that delivers value from day one. Participants walk away with skills they can apply immediately, including: