April, 2023
Content Overview:
– Reserving Space in the Campus Testing Center
– Priority Registration
– Disability Graduation
– Accessibility Champion Nominations
– Disability Cultural Center Events
– Students Group and Campus Partner Updates
– Important Dates
Reserving Space in the Campus Testing Center
Be sure to talk about how your testing accommodations will be provided before submitting a test reservation for the Campus Testing Center (CTC). If you’ve decided with your instructor that you will be testing in the CTC, both students and instructors will use RegisterBlast, a reservation system integrated within Canvas, to book accommodated tests in the CTC.
Instructors will first need to schedule tests through RegisterBlast at least 5-business days prior to the test date. Students will then need to reserve their seats in the CTC at least 3 days (72 hours) prior to their scheduled test. For more information, visit the CTC Website or contact the Access Coordinator listed on the student’s Accommodation Letter.
Important Spring semester deadlines:
April 17, 2023: Final date for instructors to submit spring semester final exam schedules in RegisterBlast
April 20, 2023: Final date for students to book spring semester appointments in RegisterBlast
Priority Registration is April 3rd
Priority Registration for undergraduate students will be Monday April 3rd from 2pm-midnight. Registration Information Sheets will be uploaded with the correct Priority Registration time slot on March 1st and should be updated on March 2nd for you to review. Undergraduate students who are approved for this accommodation and are eligible to use this to register for summer and fall 2023 classes will receive an email on Friday (March 3rd) with more information. Students should check their email and follow the instructions in order to use this accommodation.
Disability Graduation is Thursday, May 4th
Join Disability and Access, Disability Cultural Center, and campus partners for UT’s Disability Graduation! Disability Graduation is a time to celebrate our disabled graduates and those graduating with the Critical Disability Studies portfolio/minor! Disability Graduation will take place on Thursday, May 4th from 9:30-11:30am in the Glenn Maloney Assembly Room on the ground floor of the Student Service Building.
We are excited to offer our graduates celebration packages to recognize their tremendous accomplishments. Please fill out the RSVP form to request a package. Students can pick up their celebration package during Disability Graduation or from the D&A office during regular office hours, starting April 24th, M-F 8am-5pm.
Learn more on the D&A website, and be sure to RSVP before Monday, April 10th.
Accessibility Champion Awards
Every semester, Disability and Access asks students to nominate faculty or staff at UT for the Accessibility Champion Awards (formerly D&A Appreciation Awards). Nominees should have demonstrated excellence in ensuring all aspects of the university experience are accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to students with disabilities. This is a wonderful opportunity to show your appreciation to faculty or staff who have positively impacted your semester! If you have had a great experience with a faculty or staff member, please submit a nomination.
Nominations will be accepted through Monday, April 17th, 2023.
Nominate a faculty or staff member here: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ekSN8gO1vNaedE2
Disability Cultural Center Events
The Disability Cultural Center (DCC) is a new unit within DDCE that will be focusing on developing programming and building community around disabled community and identity. Check out the DCC website for upcoming events and opportunities.
April DCC Events:
DCC Hangout
Tuesday, April 4, 6:30-8pm, DDCE 3rd floor space
Students (and faculty and staff) are invited to drop by monthly evening “hangout” sessions to build community with other disabled member of the UT Community. Snacks, activities and conversation prompts will be provided. RSVP Requested.
Overview of the Critical Disability Studies Program with the Texas Center for Disability Studies
Wednesday, April 12, 2-3pm, VIRTUAL
Did you know that UT Austin offers both Master’s and Doctoral level portfolio programs in Critical Disability Studies and an undergraduate minor in Critical Disability Studies.The Disability Cultural Center invites students, faculty, and staff to an informational conversation with Dr. Nick Winges-Yanez, assistant professor of instruction at the Texas Center for Disability Studies (TCDS) through the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and the coordinator for the Critical Disability Studies program. RSVP to receive the Zoom link.
Disability Culture Conversation: Disabled Identity and Culture
Thursday, April 20, 12-1pm, VIRTUAL
Come hear from a variety of speakers about disability culture and identity. RSVP to receive the Zoom link.
Donuts, Coffee, and Conversation with the DCC
Wednesday, April 26, 9-10:30am, DDCE 3rd floor space
Join us for a come-and-go event to start your day, featuring donuts, coffee and conversation with the founding director of the DCC! RSVP Requested.
Disabled Student Study Sessions
Thursdays April 13th, 20th and 27th from 3-5pm in SSB 3.200
The DDCE Commons (SSB 3.200) is open to students to use as a study space and provides a variety of seating and technology options. While students can use this space at any time (8am-5pm, Monday-Friday), the DCC and Disability and Access will be hosting study sessions to provide company and snacks while you study. Come and go as your schedule allows.
Raise Your Voice Advocacy Sessions with the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (Virtual, with In Person Option)
Every Monday at 2pm through May 22nd
CTD’s interactive Raise Your Voice! (RYV) events are designed to provide a functional understanding of our state’s legislative process while connecting emerging and seasoned advocates with each other. On each call, the CTD advocacy team will give a brief update on the major pieces of legislation we’ve been working on, then we’ll hold breakout discussions to gather your input and concerns or prepare to take an action. RYV Zoom calls happen every Monday at 2pm through May 22nd: Sign up to Raise Your Voice! Join as an individual via Zoom, or, starting April 3rd, you also have the option to come to SSB 3.406 for a “watch party” with other members of the UT community.
Student Group and Campus Partner Updates
Students on the Spectrum (SOS) is a space for students who have been diagnosed with autism or who identify as autistic to share experiences, ideas and resources with each other. This spring, Disability and Access and Longhorn TIES will be hosting SOS social activities and discussion nights. Food and beverages provided.
The last Students on the Spectrum event of the semester will take place on Wednesday, April 5th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM at 2609 University Avenue (UA9 2.106). Please RSVP.
The Disability Advocacy Student Coalition (DASC) is the student organization associated with Disability and Access which aims to promote awareness, advocacy, and education about disability and accessibility on campus and in the community. Students with and without disabilities are welcome!
During Spring 2023, virtual and hybrid meetings will be held on Monday from 6-7pm. Email dascatut@gmail.com or fill out an interest form to get connected and learn more.
Neurodiversity Celebration Mixer
Friday, April 14 from 3 – 5 pm, Gregory Gym Games Room (GRE 3.120)
Join Longhorn TIES for the capstone celebration to Autism and Neurodiversity Celebration Week! This come-and-go social event will feature bamboo-planting station, fidgets and Loop earplug giveaways, free neurodiversity t-shirts, make-your-own cupcake stations, and more! Neurodivergent students, faculty, staff, and allies are welcome. This event is brought to you in collaboration with University Housing and Dining. RSVP requested.
Check out the Longhorn TIES website for a list of events that will take place between April 10-14 for Autism and Neurodiversity Celebration week!
Crip Conversations: What 10 Years of Activism Taught Me as a Black Disabled Macro Social Worker
Wednesday, April 5 from 12 – 1 pm, via Zoom
Register Here
2023 marks 10 years since Vilissa Thompson, LMSW, began her journey as a disabled macro social worker. During this time, she created Ramp Your Voice!, her organization and blog, and has engaged social workers; key stakeholders in politics and movement spaces; and fellow disabled comrades alike about the complexities of race, gender, and disability. Vilissa shares her insight with students and colleagues on what should be on their radars, and why she proudly makes good trouble in the name of social work.
Important Dates
April 3: Priority Registration
April 24: Last Class Day
