Access U-M Mobile Application

Access U-M Privacy Policy

Last updated on: April 23, 2026

This privacy policy governs use of the Access U-M software application (“Application”) on a mobile device by Application “Users”. The Application was created by The University of Michigan. The Application includes the capability for Users to report accessibility barriers they encounter in the physical and digital University of Michigan’s environment. The Application allows Users to attach photographs or use geolocation features to identify the location of physical accessibility barriers.

User Provided Information

User information is only collected by Application when a User submits a report in the Application. Data submitted through the Application is used to respond to Users regarding their submissions when contact information is voluntarily provided by Users at the time of submission of a barrier report through the Application. Users may also submit information anonymously. Submitted reports by Users who do not include contact information will not receive updates regarding the outcome of the reported barrier. Users may provide, (a) information entered when using the Application, such as barrier location, uploaded image files, and text descriptions. (b) Optionally: their name, email address, and U-M uniqname (if applicable); or Users may submit Information anonymously.

Automatically Collected Information

In addition, the Application may collect certain information automatically, such as the type of mobile device you use. The Application makes an effort to remove metadata commonly associated with User Provided image files, but in some instances some User Provided image metadata may still be retained.

Location Information

The Application can collect precise information about the location of a User’s device, if a User elects to use this feature of the Application.

The Application may optionally collect, upon the User’s initiation, precise location information when a physical barrier is submitted to pinpoint the location of a barrier. Access U-M uses this information to ensure the correct physical barrier location is forwarded to internal university partners to address the reported physical barriers.

Users may opt-out of allowing the Application from collecting location data by disabling the location access within the User’s mobile device settings. Users may allow the Application to have access to their location data always, only while using the Application, or never. The Application may still be used without enabling location access. Users may also provide the street address and general directional information (e.g., The southwest door of  building A”). For more information, please see the section below entitled “opt-out rights.”

With Whom We Share Personal Information

Information collected via Access U-M will be shared with third parties only in the ways that are described in this privacy statement.

Additionally, we may disclose User Provided Information and Automatically Collected Information as required by law, such as to comply with a subpoena, or similar legal process; when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, protect User safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud, or respond to a government request; with our trusted services providers who work on our behalf, do not have an independent use of the information we disclose to them, and have agreed to adhere to the rules set forth in this privacy statement.

Opt-Out of Information Collection

Users can stop all collection of information by the Application easily by uninstalling the Application. Users may use the standard uninstall processes as may be available on a User’s mobile device or via the mobile application marketplace or network.

Data Retention Policy, Managing Your Information

We will retain User Provided Information for as long as you use the Application and for a reasonable time thereafter. Information provided by the User may be migrated to a U-M database management system for barrier report processing.  If the User would like us to delete User Provided Information that you have provided via the Application, please email [email protected]. Please note User-provided information may be retained, in whole or in part, to ensure Application functionality or to meet requirements under applicable state or federal law.  

Children

Access UM is intended for adult users (18 and over). Access U-M does not use the Application to knowingly solicit data from or market to children under the age of 13. If a parent or guardian becomes aware that their child has provided information without parental or guardian consent, they may email [email protected] and request deletion of the provided information.

Security

We are concerned about safeguarding the confidentiality of User information. Electronic and procedural safeguards are in place to protect information processed and maintained by the Application. For example, the Application creator limits access to information submitted to authorized employees and contractors on a need to know basis to operate, develop or improve the Application. Please be aware that, although we endeavor to provide reasonable security of information processed and maintained by the Application, no security system can prevent all potential security breaches.

Changes

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time for any reason. We will notify Users of any changes to our Privacy Policy by posting the new Privacy Policy on disability.umich.edu/resources/access-app. The User is advised to consult this Privacy Policy regularly for any changes. We will post the date our notice was last updated at the top of this privacy notice.

Your Consent

By using the Services, you are consenting to our processing of User Provided Information and Automatically Collected Information as set forth in this Privacy Policy now and as amended by us. “Processing,” means using cookies on a computer/hand held device or using or touching information in any way, including, but not limited to, collecting, storing, deleting, using, combining and disclosing information, all of which activities will take place in the United States. If you reside outside the U.S. your information will be transferred to the U.S., and processed and stored there under U.S. privacy standards. By using the Application and providing information to us, you consent to such transfer to, and processing in, the U.S.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding privacy while using the Application, or have questions about our practices, please email [email protected].