Events
DCC Events
DCC events are designed to provide various opportunities for students, staff and faculty to learn about and promote disability culture, identity, resources and community. The DCC is also proud to promote and support events hosted by our campus and community partners.
The Google calendar displays all disability-related events on campus. Recurring events are listed in text below.
DCC Events
Fall 2023 Recurring Events
Check the Google Calendar above or DCC Social Media for one time events happening throughout the semester.
Full Fall Calendar Coming Soon!
Disability Culture Conversations
Date and Time: 2nd Thursday of the month from 12-1pm
Location: Zoom: (RSVP for link)
These monthly virtual meetups are designed to provide a space for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to come together to learn about topics related to disabled identity and the disability community. Each month will be dedicated to a specific topic and will include a short overview of the topic and then allow time for conversation and discussion. RSVP required to receive the Zoom link.
- August 10th: Disclosing Disability
- September 14th: Accessibility at UT
- October 12th: Digital Accessibility
- November 9th: TBD
Disability Discussions
Date and Time: Every Wednesday from 3-4pm
Location: SSB 3.200K/Zoom
Join the DCC in discussion around a variety of disability-related topics each week. Whether you want to learn from other disabled people or have experiences or resources you are willing to share, these Disability Discussions provide space to have conversations you may not be able to have anywhere else. Let’s harness the power and expertise of the UT Disability Community! Sign up for any/all session!
- September 6th: Navigating the UT Campus with a Disability
- September 13th: Using Accommodations at UT
- September 20th: Disclosing Your Disability: How, When, If
- September 27th: Disability Documentation
- October 4th Invisible Disabilities
- October 11th: Disability Pride, Identity and Culture
- October 18th: Assistive Technology,
- October 25th: Mobility Aids
- November 1st: Traveling with a Disability
- November 8th: Disability Self-Care Strategies
- November 14th: Food and Disability
Disabled Advocates: Finding Community and Sustaining Self-Care
Date and Time: 3rd Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm
- September 20th
- October 18th
- November 15th
Location: SSB 3.200k/Zoom
Disabled members of the UT community are invited to gather together to share experiences, problem solve, and engage in mutual support around advocacy with other disabled advocates. Whether you feel like you are constantly the “go to” person for accessibility because of your disability identity or you aren’t sure how to advocate for yourself in a certain situation, come find support and community within this group. RSVP to participate in this group conversation!
DCC Hangouts
Date and Time:
- Tuesday September 19th, 6:30-8pm
- Tuesday October 17th, 6:30-8pm
Location: SSB 3.200
Join the DCC and DASC for a relaxed evening of building disability community, hanging out with friends and meeting new ones. Themes for each hangout vary from game nights, volunteer activities, arts and crafts and more; check social media for topics for specific nights. RSVP to receive updates and reminders.
Disabled and Neurodivergent Student Study Space / Body Doubling Space
Dates/Times:
- Tuesday September 12th, 2-4pm
- Wednesday September 27th, 5-7pm
- Wednesday October 11th 1-3pm
- Thursday October 26th , 5-7pm
- Tuesday November 14th , 2-4pm
- Wednesday Nov 29th , 5-7pm
Location: Student Services Building 3.200, DDCE Commons
Hosted by the Disability Cultural Center and Longhorn TIES Neurodiversity Support, these come-and-go study and “body doubling” spaces provide an opportunity for disabled students, neurodivergent students, and friends to be productive with community in the DDCE Commons (SSB 3.200). Stop by for snacks, company, and a protected opportunity to work on assignments, emailing, or other tasks on your to-do list. Not familiar with the term body doubling? According to CNN, body doubling is “a productivity and self-help strategy that involves working with another person around to help improve motivation and focus.”
Students on the Spectrum
Dates and Time:
- Wednesday, September 6th, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 4th, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 8th, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Student Services Building, 3.200 (DDCE Commons)
The Disability Cultural Center and Longhorn TIES will be hosting monthly Students on the Spectrum social activities and discussion nights. This group provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students who identify as autistic to connect, play games, and share experiences and resources with one another. No proof of diagnosis is required. Pizza will be provided; please RSVP to help with planning.
Adapted Sports and Recreation
The DCC is partnering with Austin Adapted Sports to host and participate in adapted sports opportunities in Austin. The DCC will coordinating specific UT Nights on the dates designated below.
- Wheelchair/Adapted Tennis at UT Whitaker Fields: Mondays from 6:30-8:30pm starting September 11th! All disability and experience levels welcome; equipment is provided. RSVP by Monday at noon if you plan to attend: dcc@austin.utexas.edu .
- Kayaking with Austin Adapted Sports at the Texas Rowing Center: Fridays from 6-8pm. Join the DCC for a UT Night on September 22nd: RSVP to dcc@austin.utexas.edu by Thursday at 5pm before the event if you plan to attend.
- For more events and information about Austin Adapted Sports, visit their full calendar of events
Campus Partner Events
Check the Google Calendar above or DCC Social Media for one one time events happening throughout the semester.
Check back soon for fall dates/time/details!
Crip Conversations: Disability Culture & Disability Studies series
Crip Conversations is an annual discussion series focused on disability, critical disability studies, and current events. In these conversations, attendees will learn about disability culture and its nuances from self-advocates, activists, and allies. Learn more about upcoming and past events on Crip Conversations web page.
Date and Time: 1st Tuesday of the month
- September 5, 2023 • 12:45 – 1:45PM, PAR/Zoom
A Discussion on the Film Sins Invalid. Watch Sins Invalid: An Unashamed Claim to Beauty on Kanopy (available for free streaming from UT library: https://www.kanopy.com/en/utexas/video/158896,) We will discuss the film and the art of Sins Invalid. Register: https://tinyurl.com/cconvoip95 - October 3, 2023 • 12:45 – 1:45PM, PAR 304/Zoom
- Author Shayda Kafai will be joining us for the October session to share their perspective on Crip Kinship. Read Crip Kinship on your own and come discuss your questions and reflections in community. Register: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_511ziHc5X16eFr8
- November 7, 2023 • 5:00 – 6:30PM
Performance as Activism with Author, Director, and Disability Rights Activist, Patty Berne
Fidget Fridays
- September 22 11-12:30 (or until supplies run out) Kinsolving South Lounge
- October 27 12-1:30 (or until supplies run out) FAC Patio
- November 10 2-3:30 (or until supplies run out) PCL Plaza
Join Living the Longhorn Life and Longhorn TIES Neurodiversity Support for a come-and-go event to learn about neurodiversity resources on campus and grab fidgets!
Longhorn SHARE Community: Invisible Disabilities
Starts September 21st: Thursdays from 5-6pm in MAI 13
SHARE Communities are weekly student-led groups where peers with similar struggles, interests, or goals connect on an authentic level, build interpersonal communication skills, and help each other work toward greater mental wellness using their combined knowledge, resources, and wisdom.
Connecting Around Chronicity: Support Group for Students with Chronic Medical Conditions
Date and Time: Fridays, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. CST (meets every other week)
Location: Student Services Building, 5th floor
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
This group is for students living with chronic illnesses or medical conditions that have a significant impact on their lives. The conditions may not be visible, and individuals can be in any stage of the illness or condition (recently diagnosed, struggling with figuring out a diagnosis, in remission). This is an opportunity for connection and community with other students who are managing a chronic medical condition as part of their college experience. Group members will give and receive support as well as learn about coping strategies and resources in a friendly, welcoming environment. The group meets every other week.
This group is being offered in partnership with the UT Disability Cultural Center.
To register or for more information – Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call (512) 471-3515.
Everything All at Once: A Support Group for Neurodivergent Students
Date and Time: Wednesdays, 3 to 4 p.m. CST
Location: CMHC – SSB 5th floor
All CMHC groups are free and confidential.
This support group offered by the Counseling and Mental Health Center welcomes individuals who identify as Neurodivergent (ND), including those with a formal diagnosis and those who are undiagnosed. Our goal is to create a space for connection and discussion focused on sharing resources, tips, and advice on managing life as an ND person. Additionally, we encourage speaking about experiences related to navigating college life and relationships.
All discussions, psychoeducation, and coping skills will revolve around ND culture, perspectives and strengths. This group is open to people of all identities.
To register or for more information – Interested students are asked to meet with a group facilitator to determine whether a particular group is a good fit for them. To set up a pre-group interview or to get more information, please call CMHC at (512) 471-3515.
Bevo Sessions: Disability Studies Research Consultations
Date and Time: Scheduled individually as needed
Location: In person, virtual and hybrid options
Students doing projects or research related to disability or disability studies are invited to set up a consultation to receive support, feedback and guidance from Disability Studies faculty. Consultations are flexible and can be scheduled at any point in your project/research. Contact Dr. Nick Winges-Yanez at nwingesyanez@utexas.edu for more information or to request a consultation.
Community Events with the DCC
Disabled community, education and advocacy extends beyond the 40 Acres and the DCC wants to provide opportunities to build bridges between campus and community. Join the DCC in supporting these off campus events and enjoy participating with members of the UT Community. All are welcome!
Cinema Touching Disability: October 20 & 21
In 2023, Cinema Touching Disability is celebrating its 20th year! Join us for two nights of live entertainment, featured guests, community, and great disability cinema! The 2023 Festival takes place Friday and Saturday, October 20 – 21, 2023, at the Rollins Theater at the Long Center in Austin, Texas.
Many more details are in the works! Follow us for more frequent news:
DCC Director
Emily Shryock
emily.s@austin.utexas.edu
Report a Campus Accessibility Barrier
Disability-Related Opportunities
Looking for scholarships, internships, research opportunities specifically for students with disabilities?
Request a Presentation
Please visit the D&A outreach presentation page and click the link at the bottom to fill out the form.
Be Heard
Share your concerning or helpful campus experience through Inclusive Campus Support.
Support the Disability Cultural Center
Interested in learning more about supporting the Disability Cultural Center?
Make a donation or contact:
Jerica Swiger, Director of Development for Principal Gifts