The University of Michigan has announced the public phase of its Digital Accessibility Strategic Initiative, an effort designed to ensure digital accessibility and compliance with federal requirements across all university campuses and Michigan Medicine.
Led by U-M’s Information and Technology Services in partnership with the Disability Equity Office and the Office of the Provost, the effort supports the university’s mission to serve the public and uphold the highest standards in research, teaching and medical care.
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It also aligns with recent updates to Title II regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act that require public universities to comply with digital accessibility standards by April 2026. The university’s Digital Accessibility website will serve as a hub for information, training modules and resources, and will be updated over the next 15 months.
“Digital accessibility is central to the goals outlined in U-M’s Vision 2034 and Campus Plan 2050, reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive and innovative environment for all, particularly in the digital landscape,” said Ravi Pendse, vice president for information technology and chief information officer.
“We are dedicated to making technology accessible to everyone in our community, and this initiative embodies our pledge of compliance, innovation and inclusivity.”
The Disability Accessibility Initiative was announced in an email to U-M’s Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses and Michigan Medicine from Pendse, Provost Laurie McCauley and Tami Strickman, executive director of the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office. The effort aligns with the university’s existing Standard Practice Guide 601.20, Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility.
It aims to ensure that digital content — including web pages, online courses and software — is usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. The concept of digital accessibility includes:
- Equitable access for everyone, including individuals with disabilities.
- Inclusive design for a broad range of users with diverse needs and devices.
- Usability for individuals relying on assistive technologies.
- Compliance with standards, including U-M’s current internal standard, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, version 2.1, level AA.
- Easy-to-use feedback mechanisms.
- Ongoing accommodations when barriers are encountered.
A cross-divisional team, in collaboration with partners throughout the university, is helping to develop resources and support. The Disability Equity Office, as part of ECRT, is tasked with overseeing compliance and continues to expand resources, including:
- Department and unit training.
- Workshops on Title II compliance, including accessible digital content, document creation and digital accessibility.
- Drop-in hours for assistance.
