Celebrating Disability Awareness & Call to Action
Written by Sharon Marts, CCE Blogger/volunteer, 2025-26
In April 2026, SSU celebrated its 16th year of formal activities for Disability Awareness Month on campus with various engaging events promoting awareness, inclusion and accessibility that highlighted DSS students. In this year’s events, Disability Services for Students (DSS) had panelists including one led by Neurodiverse students, where the theme was aptly titled "Nothing About Us Without Us" which has been a common rallying term amid of the disability rights movement for decades – and still remains a powerful call to action of the work yet to be done in advocating for disability rights.
Also, Michael Eynon, DSS Testing Center Coordinator, hosted his sixth annual Fireside Chat on zoom to discuss current student (experiences while) navigating SSU life through their lens. This dialogue provided powerful exchanges with DSS staff sharing stories of using one’s strengths amidst challenges in the pursuit of a degree.
Autism Acceptance Month, celebrated nationally each April, recognizes and honors the experiences, identities, and contributions of Autistic individuals. In recognition of this month, Sonoma State University’s Center for Teaching and Educational Technology (CTET) hosted a “Lunch and Learn” presentation titled Neurodiversity and Inclusion: Understanding the Learner Experience, led by Senior Disability Management Advisor Christy Giambastiani. The presentation highlighted neuro-inclusive and universal design strategies faculty can implement in classroom settings to better support neurodivergent learners.
In addition, two other events were held in April showcasing innovative tools available at SSU, including NotebookLM AI and ChatGPT. These technologies provide valuable support not only for individuals with disabilities, but for all users who can benefit from cutting-edge educational tools and resources.
The annual DSS events demonstrated how student stories and lived experiences can deepen understanding of inclusion, accessibility, accommodations, and inclusive practices across campus. These events also reinforced that each of us plays an important role in promoting greater awareness, empathy, flexibility, and support for disability inclusion—both on campus and within the broader community.
Written by Sharon Marts, CCE Blogger/volunteer, 2025-26