Institute on Disability Awareness at Niagara University

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

04/20/2026

IDA@NU eNews -

The Institute on Disability Awareness (IDA) recently hosted a webinar on effective communication with individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. The session brought together students, professionals, and community members for a discussion on access and real-world communication.

04/07/2026

When interacting with someone who is Deaf or hard of hearing, effective communication is about clarity, visibility, and respecting individual preferences.

Some people use American Sign Language. Others rely on speech reading, written communication, or captioning.

The most effective approach is simple: ask what works, then follow their lead.

04/01/2026

A Sensory Friendly Easter Mass will be held at Saint Bernadette Church in Orchard Park, NY. This shorter Mass is designed to support a range of needs, including softer music, access to a sensory room, space to move as needed, and a welcoming environment for all forms of communication. Low-gluten hosts will also be available.

This is a thoughtful option for individuals and families who may find traditional services overwhelming, but still want to fully participate in the experience of Easter.

📅 Saturday, April 11, 2026
🕒 3:00 PM
📍 Saint Bernadette Church
5930 South Abbott Road, Orchard Park, NY

Celebrant: Father Joseph Wolf
With Father Gerard Skrzynski of the Catholic Deaf Apostolate

ASL Interpretation will be provided. A reception will follow in the Parish Ministry Center.

For questions, contact Paula Potteiger (Open Door Ministry):
📞 716-649-1051
📧 cozmo3631@gmail.com

03/31/2026

Accessibility is often shaped by small, everyday design decisions.

When a form is submitted on a website with missing or incorrect information, does it clearly identify to a screen reader what needs to be fixed, or does it simply prevent submission without explanation?

When a video is shared, can the content be understood without sound through captions or visual context?

When navigating a space or system, is it usable for individuals who move, see, or interact with it differently?

Accessibility is not simply a checklist, but a reflection of how well a system functions across a range of user experiences.

Learn simple ways to create more inclusive environments! Follow along here, sign up for our newsletter, and take our online Disability Awareness 101 course.

03/25/2026

IDA@NU eNews -

When we think about accessibility, systems, policies, and compliance usually come to mind. While those elements matter, they fall short of fully capturing how access is experienced in everyday life. In reality, accessibility is often shaped by a series of small, individual decisions.

03/24/2026

Reminder: Webinar Tonight at 7 PM (ET)

We’re hosting a live webinar tonight focused on communicating with Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

This session will cover common barriers, practical strategies, and what effective communication actually looks like in real situations.

Our guest speaker, David Wantuck, is Deaf and will be sharing both personal insight and professional experience.

ASL interpretation will be provided.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/3f4mkxwp

Join the Institute on Disability Awareness for a live webinar on interacting with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, including communication strategies, working with interpreters, and accommodating communication needs. When: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Where: Zoom (Link will be emailed the day prior)...

03/20/2026

Last chance to register for our FREE webinar "Interacting with Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing"

📅 Tuesday, March 24
🕖 7:00 PM
💻 Virtual

Visit the link below to register.

This session will explore effective communication strategies, working with interpreters, legal rights and accommodations, and practical guidance for real-world interactions.

ASL interpretation will be provided, and a guest speaker will share both lived experience and professional insight.

Register here:
https://tinyurl.com/3f4mkxwp

We look forward to seeing you there!

03/17/2026

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Stella Young

As part of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting women who have helped reshape how the world understands disability.

Today’s spotlight is Stella Young.

Stella Young was an Australian journalist, comedian, and disability advocate who challenged the way society frames disability. As a wheelchair user with osteogenesis imperfecta, she often encountered the idea that disabled people are “inspirational” simply for living their everyday lives.

She pushed back on that narrative in her widely viewed TED Talk, where she explained that when disabled people are portrayed as inspirational just for existing, it can reinforce low expectations rather than promote real equality.

Her message helped shift conversations about disability away from pity and toward respect, dignity, and authentic inclusion.

Watch Stella Young’s TED Talk below and learn more about the idea that continues to influence disability advocacy today.

https://www.ted.com/talks/stella_young_i_m_not_your_inspiration_thank_you_very_much?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

Stella Young is a comedian and journalist who happens to go about her day in a wheelchair — a fact that doesn't, she'd like to make clear, automatically turn her into a noble inspiration to all humanity. In this very funny talk, Young breaks down society's habit of turning disabled people into "in...

03/13/2026

Ever wonder what the Institute on Disability Awareness actually does?

During a recent Career Day presentation, Educational Program Developer Erica Rodman shared a look at the Institute’s work with students. From trainings to community education on accessibility and disability awareness, the Institute works across Western New York to help people better understand disability and create more inclusive environments.

In this short clip, Erica explains how education and real-world experience come together in the Institute’s programs.

If your school, organization, or workplace is interested in learning more about disability awareness training, we would love to connect.


[VD: A brunette woman stands at the front of a high school classroom speaking to students. She is wearing dark sunglasses and a scarf, and a bright yellow “Guide Dog” leash tag. Behind her, a large classroom display screen shows a slide describing the Institute on Disability Awareness as a university-based center focused on disability access and inclusion. The slide also references years of leadership in training and outreach. Classroom posters and college pennants line the wall above the board. Erica faces the students while explaining the work of the Institute and the role of disability education in the community.}

03/11/2026

IDA@NU eNews -

The Institute on Disability Awareness recently participated in Career Day at The Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, where alumna and Educational Program Developer Erica Rodman spoke with students about careers in disability advocacy and the real-world impact of accessibility and disability awarene...