In keeping with Wayne State University’s commitment to inclusivity and access, the university will commemorate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on Thursday, May 21. GAAD was developed to get people talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion for people with different disabilities.

“The goal is to provide an accessible, usable and welcoming environment for everyone,” said Krystal Tosch, web accessibility coordinator. “One of Wayne State’s greatest strengths is its diversity, and we strive to provide services, facilities and curricula that promote equality and inclusion. Every user deserves the best experience.”

Accessibility touches every aspect of the university community and includes electronic and information technology accessibility, instructional materials, collaborative experiences and interactions, and the physical environment. Wayne State’s accessibility efforts are led through collaboration between the Web department in the Office of Marketing and Communications, the Office for Teaching and Learning, the Office of Equal Opportunity, Student Disability Services, and Facilities Planning and Management, among others.

“These activities are designed to help foster a culture of accessibility on campus and to make these important considerations and adjustments a natural part of our processes,” said Tosch.  

Panel Discussion

Faculty are invited to participate in a panel discussion cohosted by Student Disability Services, which will provide guidelines and tips for making teaching and learning accessible for all students. The panel will be hosted virtually at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 21. RSVP here.

Canvas Training

Accessibility training will also be available on Canvas for all faculty and staff. The self-paced sessions — complete with hands-on components — will include information related to web accessibility. Faculty and staff can self-enroll in this training course.

To learn more about accessibility at Wayne State University, visit wayne.edu/accessibility.