September 13, 2021

Dear UM Faculty, Staff and Students,

The University of Montana is committed to providing equal opportunities to all individuals -- including those with disabilities -- in employment, admissions, academic programs, activities and services. Equal opportunity means these services are offered to those with disabilities, to the extent possible, in the same manner and in the same setting as they are offered to individuals without disabilities. As an institution committed to accessibility and inclusion, and as a recipient of federal and state funds, UM complies with federal and state laws associated with disability nondiscrimination.

Our obligations include the following:

• Scheduling University-related meetings, lectures, seminars, performances, conferences and events in accessible locations. 
• Ensuring electronic and technological information is fully and equally accessible to, and independently usable by, individuals with disabilities. This means that websites, software, classroom technology, content in the learning management system, multi-media, etc. are accessible.
• Providing reasonable accommodations.  

To support the University’s commitment to fulfilling these obligations, please take advantage of the following resources:

• Accessibility website – Includes electronic and information technology accessibility, physical accessibility and disability resources at the University of Montana campus.
• Accessible Technology Services – Provides training and consulting for accessibility in electronic documents, media, software and websites for administrative and educational processes; direct support for digital needs of students registered with the Office for Disability Equity; campus-wide support for assistive technology; and production of accessible digital products. 
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Team –  The University committee which monitors University facilities, programs, policies, plans and activities to ensure the identification, prevention and elimination of physical and/or programmatic barriers that interfere with faculty, staff and student access to and benefit from University programs, facilities and resources.
• Digital Accessibility Committee – Aligns campus activities and practices with national digital accessibility laws, regulations and recommended practices.
• Office for Disability Equity – Serves as the campus resource for disability-related information. ODE provides consultation, training, and academic services, including accommodations when needed, to advance accessibility and inclusion by taking an intersectional approach to disability. This semester ODE will have an accessible van for campus use and are in the process of contracting with accessible vehicle rental companies. 
• Human Resource Services – Assists employees in requesting reasonable accommodations in the workplace. 
• Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library Accessibility Services – Provides research assistance and access to materials, a place to study, a variety of equipment, hardware and software; printing, copying and scanning; direct support of research and course related needs of students registered with the ODE; instructional and research support for faculty and staff. 
• MonTECH – Montana’s Assistive Technology (AT) Program provides free loans of devices and equipment that can help any Montanan with a disability be more independent at home, at school, at work or in the community. 1:1 consultations with an AT specialist are available to learn about AT for computer access, remote learning, notetaking, low vision, self-care, communication, combatting social isolation and more. MonTECH also offers AT trainings and provides information on how to finance devices. 
• UMOnline – Provides training to faculty and staff who develop content in the learning management system (Moodle) and supports instructors during the course design and delivery processes. UMOnline can review online course content for accessibility and works with Accessible Technology Services to evaluate external systems that are hosted in the learning management system. UMOnline also provides technical support and works with Open LMS, UM’s Moodle hosting service, to maintain the accessibility of the learning management system.  
• The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX  - Administers UM’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation policy, which prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of disability. EO/TIX responds to concerns raised under UM’s Discrimination Policy, and identifies resources and options designed to stop and address the concerning behavior. EO/TIX assists with and assesses reasonable accommodations granted to persons with disabilities. EO/TIX also receives and responds to Barrier Reports. 

UM’s Digital Accessibility Hub allows individuals to self-enroll to ensure their digital content meets accessibility standards and provides equal access for all users. The Hub is an online resource for faculty and staff that provides simple and practical steps for ensuring electronic documents, media, content, software, and assessments meet accessibility requirements. The Hub course covers how to create accessible materials and content and where to go for more information on digital accessibility. This information applies to learning and work environments to create a positive user experience for everyone studying and working at the University of Montana. 

Creating an accessible and inclusive campus community requires that we each become educated about and use the tools available. Thank you for your support in furthering UM's commitment to accessibility by creating a diverse and inclusive environment. 

Sincerely,

Seth