LSA Event Accessibility

All Events

• Accessible and Inclusive Events Resource Guide from the U-M Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• LSA Technology Services Event Support: Offers assistance with live streaming, incorporation of accessibility services (live captions, ASL interpretation, assistive listening devices, etc.), movie screenings, and design of promotional materials. Service is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis so reach out as early as possible to request assistance.  
• An LSA-specific accessible event planning guide is coming in Winter 2025, along with the Plan Accessible Events workshop.

In-Person Events

General information about aspects of campus accessibility (restrooms, parking, etc.) can be found on the Accessibility at U-M webpage.

• LSA-Managed Event Spaces: Contact the Building Facility Manager assigned to the building where the event space is located for accessibility information.
• U-M Conference and Event Services (734-764-2000 or conferences@umich.edu) can provide accessibility information for U-M venues including the League, Michigan Union, and Pierpont Commons

Virtual Events

• Zoom Session Accessibility Checklist from the Center for Academic Innovation
• Abbreviated Zoom Accessibility Checklist from ITS
• Hosting Zoom Meetings & Webinars Guide from ITS

The resources listed here are maintained by other units in LSA or at U-M. If you notice a broken link or are aware of additional resources that should be added, please email LSA.Disability.Navigators@umich.edu.

As best practice, LSA departments planning events should identify a point person to receive accommodation requests and include the following statement in all event materials (promotional flyers and emails, registration forms, etc.): 

“The University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) greatly values inclusion and access for all. We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to enable your full participation in this event. Please contact [Point Person for Accommodations] at [U-M Email Address or Phone Number] if you would like to request disability accommodations or have any questions or concerns. We ask that you provide advance notice to ensure sufficient time to meet requested accommodations.”

If the point person requires assistance with implementing accommodations at events, they may contact the Disability Navigators for help.

Each month, the Disability Navigators offer a limited number of consultations on planning accessible events. During our consultations, we explore various aspects of the attendee experience, including:

• venue facilities (parking, restrooms, entryways, etc.)
• venue layout, seating, and sightlines
• wayfinding
• event materials and presentations
• sound and lighting
• accessibility services (CART, ASL interpretation, etc.)

Request a Consultation

To request a consultation, complete the Disability Navigators' Meeting Request Form.

The U-M Disability Equity Office (DEO) has American Sign Language interpreters on their team who can be requested to assist with interpretation at events, pending availability, in addition to limited CART funding for events that meet their eligibility criteria. Learn more about the Disability Equity Office’s ASL & CART Services. 

Please submit event ASL interpretation and CART funding requests to DEO first. Requests can be submitted up to 6 months prior to an event and should be submitted as early as possible within this timeframe to allow adequate time for review. If your request is determined not to meet the DEO criteria or interpreter coverage isn't available, then review LSA’s event eligibility criteria (below) to determine if you can apply to the LSA Event Accessibility Services Fund.

All other accessibility services support requests can be sent directly to the LSA Disability Navigators. These may include requests for other types of sign language interpretation, captioning display rentals, ramp rentals, provision of materials in Braille, etc.

• Consultations on appropriate services and how to identify service providers can be booked following the instructions above. 
• Funding to cover the cost of event accessibility services should be submitted to the LSA Event Accessibility Services Fund application if your event meets the eligibility criteria below. (Note: The LSA Event Accessibility Services Fund is not intended to cover general event hosting expenses, even for events focused on disability and accessibility topics.)

Eligibility Criteria

LSA departments* may be eligible to receive funding from the college for accessibility services at events if the event is meets one or more of the following criteria:

• The event is large in scale (inviting or anticipating at least 50 participants) and does not have a fee to attend.

• The event is open to members of the public and does not have a fee to attend.

• Event organizers have received a disability accommodation request from an attendee or presenter.

• The event will share critical information applicable to the broad college community and will be open to any member of LSA (e.g., college-wide policy updates or responses to incidents that impact a sizable portion of the college community).

*At this time, we are not able to provide accessibility services funding for student organization events, even if an LSA employee is their advisor. 

Note: If you are hosting an event with a registration fee—such as a conference—the cost of proactive accessibility services like captioning should be factored into your budget and registration fees. You can still request funding support if you receive accommodation requests from disabled conference registrants that will not be fulfilled by the services for which you budgeted. Please request an event accessibility consultation if you need assistance determining which services to budget for and typical costs.

How to Request Funding

LSA units who are hosting events should have an event organizer complete the LSA Event Accessibility Services Funding Application. The Disability Navigators will review submissions and follow up within 10 business days.

Note: Event accessibility services and accommodations are distinct from academic accommodations for students or workplace accommodations for employees. Employee requests for accommodations at recurring work-related events (such as department, team, or supervisory meetings) should be submitted through the individualized accommodations process. Student requests for academic accommodations should be addressed to Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).