At the University of Michigan, we all have a role in making digital information accessible to everyone. Whether you’re teaching, developing content, managing programs, or supporting campus operations, your actions help create a more inclusive university.
Digital accessibility is ongoing work, and it’s important to get started now. This page has a curated selection of essential resources, guides, and tools to help foster digital accessibility at U-M.
Faculty Essentials for Teaching
As an instructor or faculty member, you help ensure that all students can fully participate in your courses. Digital accessibility practices benefit all students, and are essential for compliance with university policy and federal law. This section has essential resources for teaching.
- Get Started with Panorama - Accessibility tool in Canvas to help make course materials more accessible
- Panorama Training - Get familiar with the tools and take the next action towards course accessibility
- Best Practices for Canvas Courses - Overview of practices that apply to Canvas course prep and teaching
- Math Accessibility - Make math accessible for assistive technology users
- Faculty & Instructor Resources - Relevant resources, practical guides, and tools for faculty and instructors
Staff Resources for Digital Accessibility
As a staff member, you help to ensure that all your colleagues can access digital information. Digital accessibility practices are important when updating websites, creating presentations, selecting technology tools, and more. This section offers guidance and resources to help you integrate best practices into your workflows.
- Meetings and Events Best Practices - Ensure participation from all attendees both in-person and online
- Document Best Practices - Make every document accessible so it reaches all your intended audiences
- Slides Best Practices - Make slide decks that meet accessibility standards and are more usable
- Spreadsheet Best Practices - Create sheets that can be used by everyone
- Staff Resources - Relevant resources, practical guides, and tools for staff members
Accessibility Tools & Support Services
U-M offers a range of tools, support services, and assistive technologies to help the community both create and use accessible digital content. This section highlights available software, hardware, and support. Explore resources to find the right tools for your needs and for your work.
- Web Accessibility Scanning Service - Assess, improve, and monitor the accessibility of web properties you manage at U-M
- Accessibility Reviews & Consultations - Expert reviews of digital products, plus general consultations
- Assistive Technology Support - Support for assistive tech tools available to the U-M community
- Panorama for Canvas Accessibility - Accessibility tool in Canvas to help make course materials more accessible
- Grackle for Google Docs - Make your Google Docs accessible using the Grackle checker
- Software Titles Tagged "Accessibility" - All software products related to accessibility in the U-M Software Directory
Trainings & Events
Learn what you need to take the next action towards digital accessibility. U-M provides a variety of training opportunities, workshops, and community events to help you build skills and stay informed about best practices. Explore upcoming sessions, self-paced courses, and opportunities to engage with experts.
- Virtual Office Hours - Monthly drop-in session to chat directly with U-M accessibility experts
- Panorama Training & Drop-In Sessions - Get familiar with course accessibility tools and learn how to take action
- Digital Accessibility Training - Self-paced Canvas course on foundations of digital accessibility at U-M
- Foundational Trainings - On-demand training modules on essential accessibility concepts for all audiences
- Digital Accessibility for the Modern Workplace - LinkedIn Learning on disability at work with tips for everyone
- Disability Readiness for Leaders and Managers - LinkedIn Learning on accessibility in hiring, recruiting, and HR
- Simplifying Web Development with Accessibility Best Practices - LinkedIn Learning for designers and developers
- All Training & Events - All upcoming trainings and community events happening at U-M
Digital Accessibility Resource Library
Find resources to understand popular topics and take action to improve digital accessibility. This section covers areas of common questions at U-M.
- Assistive Technology - Assistive technology options available to you at U-M
- Courses & Instruction - Guidance for designing and teaching digitally inclusive courses
- Design & Development - Accessibility practices for web and app design
- Documents - Best practices for creating accessible documents across file types
- Email - Make emails accessible through simple formatting choices
- Forms - Create surveys and forms for everyone, regardless of device or disability
- Manage Accessibility - Evaluate, track, and improve accessibility in your digital spaces
- Math Accessibility - Make equations, symbols, and formulas accessible using the right tools
- Meetings & Events - Make events accessible to all, from registration to follow-up
- Mobile Apps - Guidelines for designing and testing accessible mobile applications
- Procurement & Vendors - Info for selecting or buying technology, and managing vendors over time
- Social Media - Make social posts accessible with alt text, captions, and plain language
- Technology at U-M - Guidance and accessibility info about on U-M technologies
- Test Accessibility - Methods for testing websites and applications against WCAG standards
- Video & Audio - Guidance on captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions for multimedia
- Web Sites, Content, Applications - Create and maintain accessible websites and applications
Key Concepts & Principles
Understand the core principles of digital accessibility in order to create inclusive digital spaces. This section covers foundational concepts, relevant policies, and the established standards. Learn about the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), U-M policies, and the legal landscape shaping accessibility in higher education.
- Accessibility Standards - Established standards that define digital accessibility
- Alt Text - Write effective text to describes images for people using screen readers
- Captions for Video - Add accurate captions and transcripts to ensure video accessibility
- Color - Use color thoughtfully to ensure clarity and accessibility for all users
- Color Contrast - Check and improve contrast between text and background for readability
- Headings - Structure content with headings to improve readability and navigation
- Lists - Format lists properly to make them easy to understand for all users
- Links - Write clear and descriptive link text so users know exactly where links will take them
- Page Regions - Organize web pages using regions and landmarks to improve navigation
- Tables - Create accessible tables with clear headers and structure
- Valid Markup - Ensure HTML follows accessibility standards for compatibility across devices