Accessibility Challenges

Join our accessibility challenges and help advance digital accessibility at U-M!

Boost your digital accessibility knowledge and skills by participating in an upcoming challenge to help make U-M more accessible! Sign up to receive a weekly newsletter featuring quick, practical tips for building accessibility into your digital workflow. It only takes about 15 minutes per week to create a positive impact.

As a participant, you will:

  • Learn about digital accessibility core concepts
  • Get access to guidance, best practice, and resources
  • Practice new skills each week with short, interactive activities
  • Connect with peers and experts during optional Live sessions
  • Earn recognition as an Accessibility Ally

10-Week Accessibility Challenge

This challenge expands campuswide efforts to advance disability inclusion.

The next 10-week challenge starts May 26, 2026.

What’s included:

  • 10 weekly newsletter emails (topics include alt text, color, formatting, documents, presentations, videos, websites, and PDFs)
  • 10 optional synchronous Live sessions on Zoom
  • Recognition as an Accessibility Ally, with a digital badge for your email signature
10-Week Sign-Up

Course Accessibility Challenge

Designed for faculty and instructional staff looking to strengthen accessibility in their courses.

This challenge has closed.

What’s included:

  • 3 weekly newsletter emails
  • 1 optional synchronous Live session on Zoom
  • Targeted tips for enhancing course materials (Canvas, files, lecture videos and more)

If you completed the 10-Week Challenge, this is a great next step to apply those fundamentals to your teaching materials.

FAQs

What topics are covered?

Both accessibility challenges cover accessibility topics such as assistive technology, alternative text, color contrast, and more. It serves as a solid introduction to accessibility best practices, with links to more advanced information.

Who can sign up for the challenges?

Everyone in the University of Michigan community is welcome to participate.

Is previous knowledge or experience with digital accessibility required?

No prior knowledge is required to participate. This program is designed to be approachable for everyone, regardless of skill level.

I signed up after the challenge started. Can I still participate?

If you missed a week, check the archive at the bottom of this page. If we’re already more than a few weeks into the challenge, we suggest signing up for the next semester’s run to get the full experience.

What is the difference between the 10-Week Accessibility Challenge and the Course Accessibility Challenge?

The Course Accessibility Challenge follows the same base model, but is a shorter challenge (3 weeks and 1 live session) intended primarily for faculty and instructional staff. The content is tailored to topics on accessibility of course materials, including Canvas, files, and video.

Do I have to attend the live sessions?

No! The live sessions are an optional addition. If you cannot attend a live session but are interested in the information shared during these sessions, the presentations are available on request. Please email [email protected] for any accommodation requests related to the live sessions.

Archive of Past Content

Check out the archive for the challenges that are currently running.

10-Week Challenge

Week 1: Keyboard Accessibility

Week 2: Alt Text

Week 3: Color Contrast