What is digital accessibility?
Digital accessibility means making sure our websites, tools, and course materials work for everyone. This means having captions on videos, documents that screen readers can read and platforms that are easy to navigate. Digital accessibility is essential for people with disabilities, and it makes our digital assets clearer and more flexible for everyone who interacts with WMU.
Why does accessibility matter?
Accessibility ensures everyone can fully engage with our digital and online content and resources. It’s not just a legal requirement—it’s part of our mission to provide an impactful and inclusive education. When we design with accessibility in mind, we make our digital spaces easier to use, reduce risk, and show our commitment to equity.
Who is responsible?
We all are. Anyone who creates, selects or maintains digital content at Western Michigan University plays a role. Employees, student workers, units and vendors must ensure our web content, apps, instructional materials, documents, media, and procurement processes meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
Why is compliance important?
Compliance protects civil rights, meets legal obligations, reduces risk and improves user experience. With new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) digital accessibility standards coming in 2026, this is more than a technical issue—it’s an institution-wide priority that requires planning and accountability across the University.
Meet the Digital Accessibility Committee
- Chair: Gwen Bostic, Accessibility Compliance Specialist Sr, Information Technology
- Cabinet Liaison: Keith Hahn, General Counsel, Legal Affairs, Risk and Compliance
- Megan Anderson, Associate Director, Recruitment Marketing and Communication, Admissions
- Sarah Beuker, Assistant General Counsel, Office of Legal Affairs, Risk and Compliance
- Angela Brcka, Web Developer Content Strategist, University Libraries
- Christopher Briggs, Director, Unified Clinics and Center for Disability Services & Adult Wellness Programs
- Brian Carnell, Technology Compliance Review, Information Technology
- Kimberly Carroll, Associate Director, ADA Coordinator, Institutional Equity
- William Chheu, Web Developer Senior, Marketing and Strategic Communications
- LuMarie Guth, Business Librarian, University Libraries
- Wanda Hadley, Professor of Educational Leadership in Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology
- Janet Hahn, President, Faculty Senate
- Tony Hendrix, Senior Director of Student Affairs Information Systems, Student Affairs
- Robyn Hill, Director, Disability Services for Students
- Andrew Holmes, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology
- Kristin Hrynczuk, Assistant Director, Educational Technology Solutions, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Development
- Lisa Knutson, Marketing and Creative Development, Auxiliary Enterprises
- Ramona Lewis, Director, Office of Faculty Development, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology
- Julia Mays, Director Research Compliance, Research and Innovation
- Alyssa Moon, Senior Director, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Development
- Michael Sisk, Web Applications Analyst Senior, Business and Finance Information Technology
- Kellie Skiba, Testing Accommodations Coordinator, Disability Services for Students
- Gabrielle Tarrow, Teaching and Learning Accessibility Specialist, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Development
- Adam Wall, Executive Director, Institutional Equity
- Hunter Winger, Equity Compliance Specialist, Institutional Equity
- Hans Zoeller, Associate Athletic Director, Information Technology, Athletics