AI tools can help you format emails, syllabi, course pages, and announcements faster while making them clearer and more accessible. They don’t replace your expertise, judgment, or voice; you still know your discipline and audience best.
Before You Start: Protect Sensitive Information
Only use University Approved AI Tools. Never enter university data such as:
- Student records, grades, or disability accommodations (FERPA-protected)
- Unpublished research data or anything covered by an IRB protocol
- Employee records or personnel information
- Other confidential or protected university data
- Unsure if a tool’s approved for a given use? Fill out our GenAI Inquiry Form.
Start With Accessibility in Your Prompt
Instead of asking AI to simply “write an email,” “create an image,” or “make slides,” set explicit guidelines in your prompt. Ask the AI to use plain language, a conversational tone, short paragraphs, clear headings, descriptive link text, and high color contrast between text and backgrounds (avoiding information conveyed by color alone).
Prompts You Can Try
Task: Rewrite an Email
“Rewrite this email to make it easier to read and scan. Use plain language, short paragraphs, meaningful headings, and bulleted lists where appropriate. Make sure links have descriptive text instead of phrases like ‘click here’ or ‘learn more.’ Keep the original meaning and tone.”
Task: Simplify a Syllabus or Assignment
“Rewrite the assignment directions in plain language. Use clear headings, short paragraphs, and bulleted lists for requirements and due dates. Keep all policies and grading information accurate; do not change the meaning.”
Task: Improve Link Text
“Review the links in this content and suggest descriptive link text that makes sense when read out of context. Avoid ‘click here,’ ‘read more,’ and ‘learn more.’ Keep the link text concise.”
Task: Draft Alt Text
“Write concise alt text for this image based on its purpose in the surrounding content. Focus on the information the image communicates rather than simply describing everything visible. If the image is decorative, let me know it should use empty alt text.”
There are AI Alt Text tools supported by U-M for Google and Canvas.
Task: Review a Slide Deck
“Review this lecture slide outline for accessibility. Flag slides with too much text, low color contrast between text and background, or information conveyed only through color. Suggest a more scannable structure.”
Task: Audit Content
“Act as an accessibility editor. Review this content for potential barriers related to headings, plain language, links, lists, images, tables, color contrast, color-dependent information, and overall organization. Identify areas that could be improved and provide specific recommendations.”
Before You Publish: Make it Sound Like You
AI content can feel generic or overly polished. Check for telltale patterns like excessive em (—) dashes, emojis, overused bold text, or phrases like “let’s dive in.” Always review AI’s output. AI can make mistakes and miss accessibility barriers. Continue using tools such as Grackle, Panorama, and Microsoft’s Accessibility Checker to verify your content. Read the final draft aloud to ensure it maintains your personal tone and discipline-specific context.
AI can support the work, but accessibility still starts with us. Bring your expertise, voice, and accessibility checks to the final product.
If you have questions about accessibility or would like support reviewing your content, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can schedule a meeting with Krystal Tosch, Digital Accessibility Analyst, for personalized, one-on-one support.