Disability Awareness Day at UND is an annual, all-day campus event that brings together students, faculty, staff, community partners, and disability advocates to raise awareness about disability, accessibility, and related research, policy, and practice. The day begins with student poster presentations from 9–11:30 a.m., showcasing interdisciplinary work related to disability from perspectives of lived experience, research, policy, advocacy, and practice.

From 12–1:15 p.m., the event features a keynote presentation by Chris Ruden, an amputee, Type 1 diabetic, record-holding powerlifter, keynote speaker, and disabled model featured on The Rock’s hit television show "Titan Games." After experiencing stigma, mental health challenges, and barriers associated with disability, Chris transformed these obstacles into opportunities. Through his bionic arm, diabetes technology, and the message of “creating your world without limits,” he shares powerful insights on resilience, identity, and redefining possibility.

The afternoon continues from 1:30–3:30 p.m. with community partners and campus organizations, providing opportunities to learn about resources, services, and initiatives that support access, equity, and participation across the UND community and beyond.

Disability Awareness Day is designed to educate the UND community, foster meaningful dialogue, and build connections among students, faculty, staff, and community partners around disability and accessibility.