FY2025 Accomplishments
Digital Accessibility Tools
This year, ITS launched Grackle and Panorama to enhance digital accessibility at U-M. Grackle empowers users to ensure content accessibility in Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets. Meanwhile, Panorama provides a toolset in Canvas, offering data dashboards and resources for instructors and students to create and access accessible content. These tools facilitate the university's compliance with accessibility standards.
Procurement Updates
ITS collaborated with ECRT, Central Procurement Services, and the OGC to update procurement processes so that digital products and services meet accessibility requirements. These updates revise contract language, enhance user resources, and embed accessibility priorities into U-M's procurement strategy. ITS aligns its internal procedures to support long-term success and ensure compliance in acquiring accessible technologies.
Communication and Awareness
U-M revamped its main Digital Accessibility website to improve user experience and serve as a hub for accessibility knowledge. We reached key audiences and raised awareness about the Digital Accessibility Strategic Initiative through targeted emails, social media, and presentations. We launched a Communications Toolkit to enable unit communicators to effectively spread accessibility messaging across the university.
Community and Culture Building
We strengthened the Digital Accessibility Liaison network to provide consistent central updates and gather feedback from units. By fostering communities like Unit Scan Coordinators and instructional support staff, we enhanced support for web accessibility and Canvas integrations. These efforts set the stage for cultural change and long-term success in making U-M more accessible.
Research and Development
ITS focused its research and development efforts on emerging solutions for digital documents and media formats. This proactive approach prepares us to adopt state-of-the-art technologies to enhance accessibility further. By staying current with these advancements, we remain well-positioned to continuously improve accessibility solutions at U-M.
Strategic Initiatives and Compliance
With the launch of the Digital Accessibility Strategic Initiative, U-M aims to meet updated accessibility regulations by April 2026. We have engaged the entire university community through comprehensive efforts, including a Provost’s message and new accessibility tools. Additionally, we initiated an RFP for a web accessibility scanning solution to support compliance and track ongoing progress.