Timeline

The timeline below represents best estimates for activities in the near future. It is provided as a helpful guide and may change as we learn more.

High Level Timeline

  • Phase 1 (FY24): Build Foundations
    • Understand current landscape, mature existing services, tools, and knowledge
  • Phase 2 (current FY25): Enable Change & Take Action
    • Communicate, develop and implement tools and support solutions, raise awareness
    • Leverage tools, support, and training to achieve more complete compliance across U-M
  • Phase 3 (FY26): Lead & Refine
    • Embed tools, support, and training into everyday work to maintain compliance
    • Be a model institution in providing equitable access, and lead in digital accessibility

Phase Two Action Items

General

  • ITS/Strategic Initiative Team: 
    • Begin the relaunch of the ITS Accessibility Scanning Service with axe Monitor and provide initial support materials. 
    • Onboard appropriate roles for units to the ITS Accessibility Scanning Service.
    • Provide ongoing support for accessibility scanning tools and monitor effectiveness.
  • Units: 
    • Assign Unit Scan Coordinator and Scan Manager roles.
    • Onboard staff in Unit Scan Coordinator and Scan Manager roles. Assign staff where needed and make use of resources for regular operation.
    • Continue integrating scanning tools and supporting web accessibility efforts within units.

Course Accessibility

  • ITS/Strategic Initiative Team: 
    • Select a new Canvas accessibility tool and prepare for implementation of the tool.
    • Collaborate with instructional support staff to identify suitable courses for a phased rollout of the Canvas accessibility tool.
    • Onboard/train instructional support staff, instructors, and students in the U-M community on how to leverage the tool. 
    • Continue to develop additional training and best practices for ensuring course accessibility.
  • Units: 
    • Partner with ITS and the Strategic Initiative team, communicate regularly with instructional support staff to ensure awareness of the new Canvas accessibility tool. 
    • Communicate onboarding and training requirements and opportunities for instructional staff. 
    • Begin integrating the accessibility tool into select courses during a phased rollout. 
    • Provide feedback and partner with ITS to improve onboarding/training.

Procurement

  • ITS/Strategic Initiative Team: 
    • Collaborate with Central Procurement to update contract language and processes.
    • Launch updated resources and processes for accessibility in procurement.
    • Develop and deliver any training and best practices for managing vendor products.
    • Expand accessibility procurement training.
  • Units: 
    • Communicate updated resources and processes for contracts/procurement. 
    • Update unit-level procurement processes to align with central guidance. 
    • Perform an inventory and risk assessment of current vendor products.
    • Train staff on accessibility compliance in purchasing and work with third-party vendors as needed to ensure appropriate updates are made. 
    • Manage vendor relationships to improve accessibility compliance continually. Take strategic actions based on risk assessments.

Digital Accessibility Liaison (DAL)

  • ITS/Strategic Initiative Team & Units: 
    • Continue recruiting DAL Liaisons and Sponsors, and begin initial communication.
  • Units: 
    • Assign DAL Liaisons and Sponsors in any unit that does not currently have one assigned.
    • Continue communication and coordination efforts with DAL Liaisons and Sponsors.
    • Partner with ITS and the Strategic Initiative team to communicate progress and share highlights across departments to showcase improvements.