Disability Awareness Month

Disability Awareness Month (DAM) is annually celebrated in March at Vanderbilt and in the nation as an opportunity to raise awareness about the support and rights of people with disabilities and to appreciate their contributions to our communities and society. DAM at Vanderbilt University is a collaboration among many student organizations, campus partners and external organizations. For more resources, please visit InclusAbility Identity Initiative.

Proclamation 5613 — National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, 1987

The American with Disabilities Act | ADA.gov

Calendar of Events 2023

Disability Awareness Month Rand Display – Come meet us in the Sarratt Promenade and write about your experience with disability on campus.

March 6 – March 31 @ Sarratt Promenade
Sponsor: Vanderbilt Alliance on Disability and Condition (VADC)

Screening of Crip Camp & Next Steps Panel Discussion – Join Next Steps Ambassa’Dores for a screening of Crip Camp, which will be followed by a panel discussion from students in Next Steps. The panel will both discuss their thoughts on the movie and perspectives on Disability Awareness Month.

February 27, 6:00 PM @ Mayborn Building 227
Sponsor: Next Steps Ambassa’ Dores, Self-Advocates in Leadership (SAIL), Student Care Network

Panel: Disability, Race, Gender, & Sexuality – The Office of LGBTQI Life is collaborating with Student Access Services to host a (virtual) panel discussion on accessibility, intersecting identities (i.e., race, sexuality, gender, ability, etc.), and how these identities interact to create unique experiences for them as individuals with disabilities.

March 2, 10: 00 AM -12: 00 PM @ ZOOM
Sponsors: Office of LGBTQI Life, Student Access and Student Care Network

VSG x The Music Room Disability Awareness Concert – Concert at the VSG House with catering dinner and listen to a great show by local Vanderbilt talent. This is an awareness concert and will be promoting different disability-related organizations throughout the event.

March 7, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Leadership and Service House
Sponsor: Vanderbilt Student Government

Spread the Word – KickOff Event – Sign the pledge for inclusion and stop by to hear from speakers, orgs on campus promoting inclusion, and for some free food.

March 9, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM @ Alumni Lawn
Host by: Best Buddies

Movie Screening: CODA – A screening of last year’s Best Picture award winner about a child of deaf parents (CODA).

March 10, 6:00 PM @ Sarratt Cinema
Sponsor: Vanderbilt Alliance on Disability and Condition (VADC)

World Down Syndrome Day Radio Show (Hosted by Hannah Humes and Sophie Kaiser) – Did you know that March 21st is a global day of advocacy and awareness for people with Down syndrome? It is observed by the United Nations, and the date, 3/21, represents the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome that people with Down syndrome have! Come celebrate with us on our radio show, where DJ Hannah will play some of her favorite songs, share some facts, and talk to us about why you should get to know someone with Down syndrome!

March 21, 5:00 PM @ wrvu.org
Sponsors: Next Steps Ambassa’Dores and WRVU

Nothing About Us Without Us – Join VANA for a conversation with neurodivergent Vanderbilt faculty, researchers, and students about the importance of self-advocacy and participatory research, accompanied by tea and sweet treats!

March 27, 4:30 PM @ Kissam A117
Sponsor: Vanderbilt Autism and Neurodiversity Alliance (VANA)

Next Steps Disability Awareness Month Celebration – Next Steps students will put together some fun activities and speeches to celebrate Disability Awareness Month!

March 27, 6:00 PM @ Buttrick 102
Sponsors: Next Steps Ambassa’ Dores and Self-Advocates in Leadership (SAIL)

VADC Speaking Event: Allie Schmidt – Join us as disability advocate Allie Schmidt talks about empowering students with disabilities and shares tips on navigating the workplace with a disability. This event is open to everyone and emphasizes the need to raise awareness for the presence of disabled students on campus, in general.

March 30,5:00 PM @ Alumni Hall 202
Sponsors: Vanderbilt Alliance on Disability and Condition (VADC)

Student Care Network Wellness Fair – Enjoy free food, chair massages, mindfulness activities, and more at the The inaugural Student Care Network Wellbeing Fair! Further details will be shared on Instagram, so follow @vandycarenetwork to learn more!

March 30,12:30 PM -2:30 PM @ Library Lawn
Sponsors: Student Care Network

Questions about DAM? Contact Hope Young in EDI for more information.

EDI on Instagram