October 8, 2020

Dear UM Employees and Students,

The University of Montana is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, admissions, academic programs, activities and services to all individuals, including those with differing abilities. This means these opportunities are offered, to the extent possible, in the same manner and in the same setting as they are offered to individuals without disabilities. In order to forward UM's policy of accessibility and inclusion, and as the recipient of federal and state funds, the University complies with federal and state laws associated with disability nondiscrimination.

Our obligations include:

• Scheduling University-related meetings, lectures, seminars, performances, conferences and events in accessible locations.
• Ensuring that electronic and technology 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, multimedia, etc. are accessible.
• Providing reasonable accommodations.

In making progress toward UM's commitment and obligations, following are available resources:

• Accessibility website - provides information about 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; directs support of digital needs of students registered with Disability Services for Students; offers campuswide support for assistive technology; and produces accessible digital products.
• Americans with Disabilities Act Team - a University committee that monitors University facilities, programs, policies, plans and activities to assure 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.
• Disability Services for Students - coordinates reasonable program modifications for otherwise qualified students with disabilities and acts as an accessibility resource for faculty and staff.
• 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, scanning, direct support of research related needs of students registered with Disability Services for Students, and instructional 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, school, work, or in the community. Individuals can schedule a 1:1 consultation with an AT specialist to learn about services for computer access, remote learning, note-taking, 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 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 Affirmative Action - administers UM's Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation policy, which prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of disability. The EOAA responds to concerns raised under UM's Discrimination Policy and identifies resources and options designed to stop and address the concerning behavior. The EOAA office assists with and assesses reasonable accommodations granted to persons with disabilities. The office also receives and responds to barrier reports.

Creating an accessible and inclusive campus community requires a collective effort by all of us. Thank you for your support in furthering UM's commitment to accessibility and creating a diverse and inclusive environment.

Seth