UA Little Rock Joins National Effort for Disability Awareness Month with Inclusive Events and Tech Demos

In an effort to foster a more inclusive campus, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is celebrating Disability Awareness Month this October. The initiative, spearheaded by Reed Claiborne, director of the Disability Resource Center (DRC), is a pivotal step toward raising awareness and offering critical resources to students and employees alike.

“This month gives us a chance to really reflect on disability as an aspect of diversity,” Claiborne said. “It’s not often part of the mainstream conversation, and we’re looking to change that.”

The DRC plans a series of events throughout the month, including workshops, social media campaigns, and demonstrations of assistive technologies (AT) that aim to break down barriers to learning. Key events include:

• New Faculty Mentoring | Dickinson Hall, 3rd Floor | Oct. 10 | 3-3:30 p.m.
• Presentation to Multicultural Center on Reframing Disability as an Aspect of Diversity, and Text Help Demonstration | Multicultural Center | Oct. 15 | 12-1 p.m.
• DRC and Library Tech Tutors Workshop on Accessible Features Available on Computers | Ottenheimer Library | Oct. 16 | 12-1 p.m.
• Discussions with Advisors and Faculty on Aspects of Disability | CHASSE | Oct. 21 | 9-10 a.m.

“Our focus this year is to keep things simple but impactful,” Claiborne noted, outlining plans for a workshop designed for Learning Commons tutors. The workshop will introduce tools that assist students with learning disabilities and difficulties in accessing course materials.

Among the technologies being showcased are Read&Write and Orbitnote, platforms that enable students to both listen to and highlight web content, streamlining the research process.

“Assistive technology like this can really make a difference for students who experience learning barriers, and it’s also useful for anyone looking to engage more deeply with their work,” Claiborne added.

Another demo will feature OneNote, a digital note-taking app. Though this is the inaugural event, Claiborne emphasized that it’s only the beginning of a larger movement.

“We’re using this year as a learning opportunity,” he said, expressing hopes to broaden the initiative in the future. Partnerships with departments like the Multicultural Center and TRIO will help integrate disability awareness into the broader campus culture. Faculty are also encouraged to adopt Universal Design principles in their teaching, ensuring that course materials are accessible to all students, regardless of their learning challenges.

This effort is personal for Claiborne, who himself has dyslexia. He shared how his own struggles as a student sparked his passion for disability advocacy.

“There wasn’t much understanding or support for students like me when I was in school,” he reflected. “I had to find out the hard way how useful these tools could be. I don’t want others to have to go through that.”

Claiborne’s hope is that students will walk away from these events with not just knowledge, but tangible tools to help them succeed.

“It’s about giving them the resources they need to reduce anxiety and build confidence,” he explained. “We’re here to help.”

Looking beyond October, the DRC intends to keep the momentum going, ensuring that disability awareness becomes an integral part of the university’s mission.

For more information, students and employees are encouraged to reach out to the Disability Resource Center directly or check for updates on the DRC’s social media platforms.