{"id":51,"date":"2026-07-23T15:40:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T19:40:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.web.umflint.edu\/disabilitysupportservices\/event-accessibility\/"},"modified":"2026-07-24T00:06:49","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T04:06:49","slug":"event-accessibility","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/disabilitysupportservices\/event-accessibility\/","title":{"rendered":"Event Accessibility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover fb-cover-text-box wp-duotone-black-and-white\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;min-height:100%;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-162 size-large\" alt=\"A circular green metal plaque embedded in a brick pavement, featuring the text &quot;M FLINT&quot; and &quot;THE JAYCEES OF GREATER FLINT 1980.&quot;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/shared-media\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/06\/FLINT_First-Day-of-Class_0027-1024x683.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\"\/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-90 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient has-blue-gradient-gradient-background\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-15d3db16 wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-xx-large-font-size wp-elements-18f97a9e1b46a07ee6945eaeb13a3cbd\">Event Accessibility<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><nav class=\"is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-bd946717 wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Sidebar Navigation\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Open menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-open\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.openMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 7.5h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><path d=\"M4 15h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container\"  id=\"modal-2\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--has-modal-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--is-menu-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\"\n\t\t\t\ttabindex=\"-1\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-close\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-dialog\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"state.ariaModal\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.ariaLabel\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--role=\"state.roleAttribute\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button aria-label=\"Close menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-close\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.closeMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"m13.06 12 6.47-6.47-1.06-1.06L12 10.94 5.53 4.47 4.47 5.53 10.94 12l-6.47 6.47 1.06 1.06L12 13.06l6.47 6.47 1.06-1.06L13.06 12Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-content\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.focusFirstElement\"\n\t\t\t id=\"modal-2-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Home<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/mission-and-vision\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Mission and Vision<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/confidentiality\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Confidentiality<\/span><\/a><\/li><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null, &quot;previousFocus&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/resources\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Resources<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"Resources submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/accommodate\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Accommodate<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/animals-on-campus\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Animals on Campus<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/emotional-support-animals\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Emotional Support Animals<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/service-animals\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Service Animals<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/assistive-technology\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Assistive Technology<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/documentation-guidelines\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Documentation Guidelines<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/grievance\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Grievance Policy and Procedures<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/scholarships\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Scholarship Opportunities<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/statement-on-language\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Statement on Language<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/support-coaching\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Support Coaching<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/transitioning-to-college\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Transitioning to College<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null, &quot;previousFocus&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/accommodations\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Requesting Accommodations<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"Requesting Accommodations submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/testing-accommodations\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Testing Accommodations<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/disability-reasonable-accommodations\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Disability &amp; Reasonable Accommodations<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/event-accessibility\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Event Accessibility<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"\/disabilitysupportservices\/contact-us\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Contact Us<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The University of Michigan-Flint hosts a robust schedule of student and community events. Ensuring individuals with disabilities are included is a priority of the institution. This page guides event organizers in ensuring your event is as inclusive as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Marketing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When sending an email, avoid only sending images. Although it may look nice, individuals who are blind, or have a reading disability, access their emails using text-to-speech software. Often, this software cannot access text within images. Always include the same information in text form, or provide a link to a web page with all the event information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a sans-serif font of at least 14 point.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure you have good color contrast. Dark lettering on a dark background will not be visible to many.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some individuals have allergies or sensitivity to scents and certain chemicals. Consider making your event scent-free and ask attendees in marketing materials to refrain from wearing heavy colognes, perfumes, or other scents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include an access statement to let individuals needing accommodations know who to contact. A sample access statement is below:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For further information on sending accessible marketing messages, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1aCmbQNxpGQ7u4tbJI4Uvwkm6BOfoc2W5kD-FBm0UyLs\/edit?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Happenings &amp; Events Guidelines and Best Practices<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Sample Access Statement:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf you are an individual with a disability and need accommodations, please contact (name, phone number, email)\u201d. This should be the event coordinator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Presentation Materials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you have a speaker who has a PowerPoint presentation, ask them to provide a copy beforehand. Individuals with low vision can follow the presentation on their own device.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any electronic materials used should be accessible to text-to-speech software. Many times, image files and PDF\u2019s can be problematic. For more information on making accessible electronic files, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/accessibility.umich.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Michigan Accessibility Website<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure captions and audio descriptions are available if you are showing a video.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Event Location<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When planning seating, remember that you may have attendees who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Accessible seating locations should be placed throughout so they have the same choice of seating as attendees who do not use mobility devices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep in mind you may have attendees who have service animals. The service animal will need water and a location to relieve themselves. Make sure you know where those locations will be. (Providing a water bowl for all events is a great way to promote inclusion!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure any pathways are wide enough to allow for easy traffic flow and avoid bottlenecks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure printing on displays is large and easily visible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">During Presentations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Always use a microphone! You may have a loud voice, but individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may still be unable to hear you. If you have a Q &amp; A session, have a separate microphone available for questions. If that is not possible, the speaker should repeat the question before answering.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Speakers should face the audience and introduce themselves. A brief description of their appearance is also helpful for individuals with visual impairments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you have an American Sign Language Interpreter or CART Transcription, make sure it is visible to the audience. Depending on the size of your event, please consider providing this service whether or not it is requested beforehand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Interpreters and Captioning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Both ASL interpreting and CART (Communication Access Real-Time) services should be available for all events. Cost for these should be added to the event budget.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automated captioning tools are available, but still have concerns about accuracy. They may be sufficient in some situations, such as small or one-on-one meetings, but should be avoided for large events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The U-M National Center for Institutional Diversity (NCID) has created a <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1mYekltM59rGSso979b3PBShXkV2m134GckTR0zuFaO0\/edit#gid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shared ASL\/CART Services<\/a> spreadsheet which can help select a provider<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Parking and Transportation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Know where the closest disabled parking is and ensure the path to and from it is clear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If it has recently snowed, make sure paths are clear of snow and ice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are transporting people from one place to another (including field trips), make sure the transportation you use is wheelchair accessible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Food and Drink<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For people with food allergies and dietary restrictions, ensure a list of ingredients used to prepare the food is available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are using a registration form, include an option for attendees to report dietary needs and have options available for them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Emergency Planning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure exits are clearly marked and emergency signals have audio and visual signaling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Know where the areas of refuge are. If an individual is unable to get out in an emergency situation, know where they should go and contact DPS.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The University of Michigan-Flint hosts a robust schedule of student and community events. Ensuring individuals with disabilities are included is a priority of the institution. This page guides event organizers in ensuring your event is as inclusive as possible. Marketing For further information on sending accessible marketing messages, see the Happenings &amp; Events Guidelines and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-51","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/disabilitysupportservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/51","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/disabilitysupportservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/disabilitysupportservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/disabilitysupportservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/disabilitysupportservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/disabilitysupportservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/51\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":377,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/disabilitysupportservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/51\/revisions\/377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/disabilitysupportservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}