USM Accessibility in Action - June 2026 Issue

June 2026 Issue

Brought to you by the USM Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation and the

USM Digital Accessibility Work Group

 

Building Momentum: Faculty Leadership and Summer Accessibility Action

The Title II compliance timeline has changed, but the work remains urgent. This month, we’re focusing on how to use the additional time well: building faculty leadership, strengthening discipline-specific support, and taking small, practical steps toward more accessible digital materials.

 

More Time, Same Commitment

The U.S. Department of Justice has extended the Title II web and mobile app accessibility compliance deadline to April 26, 2027. This extension gives us additional time to thoughtfully integrate accessibility more intentionally into our courses, programs, services, and digital content. It does not change the importance of the work. Across USM, faculty and staff have already made meaningful progress, and this additional time gives us an opportunity to strengthen sustainable practices that benefit all learners. Let’s use this window strategically to build accessibility into the way we work.

 

We’re Looking for Faculty Leaders in STEM and Music & Arts

We’re excited to announce a Call for Faculty Co-Leads for our new USM Communities of Practice (CoP) focused on Digital Accessibility in STEM and Music & Arts disciplines.

Why these disciplines?

STEM and Music & Arts present unique accessibility challenges that require specialized knowledge and creative solutions:

• STEM: Mathematical equations, scientific notation, data visualizations, lab simulations, and interactive models all require thoughtful approaches to ensure students using assistive technology can fully engage with content.

• Music & Arts: Musical notation, audio recordings, performance-based assessments, visual art analysis, and studio/performance spaces demand innovative accessibility strategies that honor the integrity of artistic expression.

What Co-Leads will do:

• Facilitate monthly discussions with faculty facing similar challenges

• Share discipline-specific resources and solutions

• Collaborate with the Kirwan Center and the USM Digital Accessibility Work Group to develop practical guidance and meaningful solutions

• Help shape training and support that actually works for your field

Who we’re looking for:

Faculty leaders who are passionate about accessibility, curious about solutions, and willing to learn alongside colleagues. You don’t need to be an expert—just committed to making your discipline more inclusive.

Interested? Applications are due this Friday, June 5, 2026.

 

June Challenge: The 5-Minute Accessibility Check

This month, choose one item you created (a document, webpage, email, slide deck, or course module) and spend five minutes navigating it using only your keyboard. Can you reach every link, button, menu, and form field? Is the focus order logical? Can you tell where you are on the page?

It’s easier to improve our materials when we better understand what doesn’t work well.

 

Get Involved

Whether you’re ready to lead, want to share an accessibility success story, or are looking for practical guidance, we want to hear from you.

Apply to be a Faculty Co-Lead.

Share or Nominate an Accessibility Win.

Visit the USM Digital Accessibility Hub.