As part of the Digital Accessibility Strategic Initiative, we are relaunching the ITS web Accessibility Scanning Service.
The Accessibility Scanning Service supports U-M units in evaluating and improving the accessibility of their websites, pages, and content. As part of the U-M Digital Accessibility Strategic Initiative, this service empowers all units to proactively identify and address accessibility barriers, ensuring an inclusive digital experience for all.
Unit Responsibilities and Onboarding
The service uses a federated model. Individual units manage their own accessibility scanning and remediation efforts, with central support from ITS. We provide shared tools, training, and a collaborative community so that all units can take strategic action toward accessibility compliance.
From December 2024 to February 2025, we are reaching out to units, seeking appropriate assigned resources for defined roles to make use of this service. We are collecting assigned names in this spreadsheet ahead of onboarding.
To ensure new participants are well-prepared, we've created a structured onboarding program intended to build a strong community of accessibility leaders and provide foundational training. This phased approach helps Unit Scan Coordinators and Scan Managers gain the necessary skills and knowledge to interpret findings and drive meaningful accessibility improvements.
Unit Roles in the Accessibility Scanning Service
To effectively manage web accessibility, each unit assigns two key roles:
Unit Scan Coordinator
The Unit Scan Coordinator leads the unit’s web accessibility strategy and oversees scanning efforts across multiple websites.
- Responsibilities
- Craft and assist with the implementation of unit strategy
- Prioritize unit web presence to be scanned
- Create scans for websites, assign to unit staff
- Triage roadblocks, advocate for/and allocate resources
- Monitor unit website accessibility health score
- Report to unit leadership
- Skills
- Knowledge of content management systems, web development, digital accessibility
- Relationship with unit web staff, managing people
- Ability to analyze data and prioritize remediation efforts.
Scan Managers
Scan Managers oversee accessibility for specific websites or sections within their unit.
- Responsibilities
- Formulate strategy to address barriers
- Run scans on one or more websites
- Assign issues to unit staff
- Coordinate staff work
- Report to Unit Scan Coordinator
- Skills
- Content management systems, digital accessibility
- Analyzing data and coordinating action
- Knowledge of specific web properties
ITS Support for the Accessibility Scanning Service
ITS Service Managers, Owner, and Staff
The ITS Web Accessibility Scanning Service team provides:
- Unit onboarding & role setup (assigning Scan Managers & Coordinators).
- Technical support (troubleshooting and vendor triage).
- Documentation & training materials for accessibility best practices.
- Consultations to help units develop strategies and prioritize remediation.
- Software updates and enhancements as needed.