Institute on Disability Awareness at Niagara University

06/02/2026

In June 1962, Eunice Kennedy Shriver opened "Camp Shriver" in her own backyard. The camp was created for children with intellectual disabilities who were excluded from traditional summer camps, and it started with just 34 campers.

Shriver believed that through sports, people could see what these children could do, rather than what they couldn't.

That small camp sparked a revolution and laid the groundwork for the very first Special Olympics Games.



Photo credit: https://www.specialolympics.org/about/history/camp-shriver

05/29/2026

This week, Dr. Carolyn Shivers and Erica Rodman represented the Institute on Disability Awareness at the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day Conference in Niagara Falls, NY.

Their presentation explored the concept of hidden labor and the often unseen work many people with disabilities perform to navigate everyday life. The session was well attended and sparked thoughtful discussion among family members, community service professionals, and individuals with disabilities.

We are grateful for the engaged and welcoming audience who shared their experiences, perspectives, and insights throughout the workshop. Conversations like these help build understanding and move us closer to communities that are more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all people.

Thank you to the conference organizers and everyone who joined us for an impactful afternoon of learning and discussion.

05/15/2026

Earlier this week, the Institute on Disability Awareness was happy to visit the 7th grade health classes at Grand Island Middle School. We were warmly welcomed by both the staff and students in Ms. Antonelli’s and Ms. Moretta’s classrooms.

During the presentation, students learned about different types of disabilities, what inclusion can look like in everyday life, how accessibility impacts the community, and the important role service animals can play in supporting independence.

The presentation was led by Erica Rodman, Educational Program Developer at the Institute on Disability Awareness. Students especially enjoyed a live demonstration with Erica’s guide dog, Fozzy, who showed some of the ways guide dogs assist their handlers in daily life.

Thank you to Grand Island Middle School for having us and for creating such an engaged and welcoming environment for these conversations.

05/12/2026

Did you know that accessibility and inclusion are not the same thing?

Accessibility helps people get through the door. Inclusion is what happens after they arrive.

A building can have a ramp and still make someone feel unwelcome. A classroom can technically allow participation while still leaving students isolated, overlooked, or constantly trying to keep up. A workplace can meet legal requirements and still create an environment where people do not feel respected or comfortable contributing.

Real inclusion goes beyond compliance. It looks at culture, communication, attitudes, and whether people genuinely feel like they belong.

05/07/2026

IDA@NU eNews -

1) Meet their communication style: Not everyone processes spoken language at the same speed. Improve participation by pairing verbal instructions with a quick written summary, using visual aids, or simply pausing to give the person extra time to process and respond. 2) Provide predictability: Vagu...

05/05/2026

May 5th is European Day of Independent Living

Today, we recognize and celebrate alongside the disability community in Europe.

Independent living doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means having the access, support, and control to make decisions about how you live your life.

That includes things like accessible housing, transportation, and personal assistance. Without those, independence isn’t really a choice.

Today is a reminder that access goes beyond physical spaces. It’s about whether people can actually participate in their communities.

Learn more: https://enil.eu/event/the-european-independent-living-day-may-5th/

The European Independent Living Day, celebrated annually on May 5th, champions the right to independent living for disabled individuals. Initiated by the ENIL Board ...

05/01/2026

We recently spent time with a college class at Niagara University talking about accessibility for Deaf and hard of hearing students.

This clip shows some of the barriers that come up in real classrooms:

– Instructors talking while facing away from students
– Videos without captions
– Group discussions where multiple people speak at once
– Background noise in classrooms

Access is about how information is delivered moment to moment, and when that’s done right, students can fully participate.


[VD: A brunette woman in a colorful striped sweater and dark glasses speaks in a college classroom. She stands in front of a large black monitor mounted on the wall. To the right, a smaller wall-mounted monitor displays information she speaks about. She turns her back to the students at one point illustrating a barrer to students with hearing disabilities in the classroom.]

04/28/2026

What does Autism Acceptance look like in everyday life?

It looks like:
- Giving someone time to process instead of repeating yourself louder
- Not forcing eye contact
- Recognizing that “rude” or “disengaged” might actually be overwhelmed
- Respecting sensory needs, like noise, lighting, or the need to step away

A lot of what gets labeled as "behavior" is really a mismatch between the person and the environment, and when we adjust the environment, more people can actually participate.

04/24/2026

Did you know that April is Autism Acceptance Month?

Here are 5 practical ways to support autistic individuals in real settings:

1. Be clear and direct
Say what you mean. Avoid vague or implied instructions.

2. Allow processing time
Give people time to think and respond without jumping in.

3. Don’t rely on eye contact
Engagement does not always look the same.

4. Offer communication options
Writing, typing, or other methods can be just as effective as speaking.

5. Reduce unnecessary sensory overload
Noise, lighting, and crowded spaces can impact focus and comfort.

These small changes can make a real difference in whether someone can fully participate in conversation, in the classroom, and in the community.

04/21/2026

The Institute on Disability Awareness had the opportunity to visit Dr. Colley’s Characteristics of Students with Exceptionalities class to discuss hearing disabilities and access in the classroom.

Students explored how hearing disabilities may present, common barriers to access, and strategies to support communication and learning. The conversation also focused on accommodations and best practices educators can use to create more inclusive classrooms.

Thank you to Dr. Colley for welcoming us into the classroom and creating space for these important conversations.

If you’re part of a program or school in the Western New York area and are interested in bringing IDA into your classroom, we’d love to connect.
Niagara University