IT Accessibility

The University System of Maryland is committed to advancing technology and information accessibility to all individuals.

This commitment will help ensure that as many individuals as possible can access, derive benefit from, and contribute to the USM's programs and services. While designing technology and information with accessibility in mind benefits individuals with disabilities, individuals without disabilities benefit as well. Individuals who need to enlarge font, enhance contrast or use video captions may not regard themselves as disabled, but they benefit significantly from accessibility features such as these. As another example, programs such as speech recognition have accessibility applications that can be used to help struggling writers or foreign language learners improve their writing, while at the same time serving as an alternate means of access to the computer for individuals with physical disabilities.

Importantly, making the USM electronically accessible must be an on-going diversity and inclusion initiative for all institutions in the system. It cannot consist of a one-time effort, but rather must be included into technology and information activities on a continuing basis. USM efforts to ensure accessibility will become increasingly important as more information, programs and services move online. Institutions must plan to regularly review their accessibility efforts and prioritize their needs as they work towards achieving a more accessible electronic environment for all.

This webpage contains guidelines, best practices and resources to promote equal access to electronic information. This site addresses several areas on which to focus efforts, including: web accessibility, accessibility of course materials and online courses, captioning, procurement, and information resources accessibility. The USM will continue to post materials and resources on this site as we work together to achieve electronic accessibility system-wide.