U-M Guidance

U-M’s digital accessibility obligations are shaped by many laws and regulations. This section is regularly updated with the latest information for our U-M community.

Compliance Dates

Updates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations require public universities to deliver digital content and applications—including websites and apps, course materials, videos, documents, and social media posts—in formats that meet recognized accessibility standards. These updates are now scheduled to take effect on April 26, 2027.

Updates to regulations for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act require that websites and mobile applications in health care settings meet recognized accessibility standards. These updates are scheduled to take effect on May 11, 2027. 

Top 5 Things to Know

What is ADA Title II?

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination by state and local governments in their services, programs, and activities, including public education, transportation, health care, and more. It helps ensure digital information and experiences can be used, understood, and participated in by all.

Who is responsible?

Enhancing digital accessibility is a shared responsibility at the University of Michigan. Whether you’re teaching, developing content, managing programs, or supporting campus operations, your actions help create a more inclusive university.

What is required?

The university is required to provide digital content and applications—including websites, documents, PDFs, course materials, videos, social media posts—in formats that meet recognized standards by incorporating core accessibility concepts. This includes use of heading structures, lists for ordering points, alt text for images, captions on videos, and proper color contrast. In addition, U-M Standard Practice Guide 601.20 also requires units, faculty and staff to create and maintain electronic and information technology that is accessible to all.

What are some examples of the types of content that have to be accessible?

  • Web content, websites, web applications provided by U-M
    Examples: umich.edu, College of LSA Website, department websites
  • Vendor-created or vendor-licensed web content, websites, web applications that U-M makes available
    Examples: MiVideo, Google Workspace, WolverineAccess, Mendeley
  • Course materials provided by U-M
    Examples: Canvas pages, required reading materials, course syllabi
  • Electronic documents (PDFs, word-processor docs, presentations or slide decks, spreadsheets) provided by U-M
    Examples: Presidential reports, staff meeting notes, lecture slides
  • Video or multimedia content
    Examples: live-streamed conference, lecture recordings, online video about U-M sports team
  • Social media posts
    Examples: posts by any U-M affiliated accounts
  • Mobile apps provided or made available by U-M
    Examples: Go Blue App, Slack mobile, MyUofMHealth app

How can I get started?

Get started by learning about digital accessibility concepts and applying them to your materials today. It is recommended to follow the framework of Create it, Fix it, Remove it to determine your next steps:

  1. Create it using tips and best practices to make it accessible
  2. Fix existing inaccessible content using available tools and services
  3. Remove outdated content that no longer needs to be shared online

Guidance for Compliance

We provide internal guidance to help you take the right actions to support accessibility.