Accessible Inclusion

UNM values its commitment to inclusion, access, and equity, and everyone at UNM has a part to play in ensuring accessibility. Below are some guides for Lobos to use as they plan events, share emails, and prepare presentations so they can be sure they include individuals with disabilities.

Accessible Event Planning

Departments and units should strive to ensure they are taking into account the principles of Universal Design, and planning their events with accessibility built in at the front end. Below are some helpful steps to take in planning an accessible UNM event:

  1. Ask Attendees. Promotional and registration materials should prompt individuals to notify the organizer of accommodations they need to participate in the event. On a registration form, this would include a question like, “Do you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event? If so, please describe what accommodation you may need.”
  2. Inspect the Venue in Advance. Consider the following as you plan your event:
    1. Visibility and clear sight lines
    2. Acoustics and microphone use, or arrangement for ASL interpreters
    3. Mobility, seating, and pathways
    4. Service animal space
  3. Designate. For larger events or events at which you know there will be attendees with accommodations, designate a specific person to assist and ensure accommodations are provided.
  4. Ask Presenters to Help Ensure Accessibility. Ask that presenters provide materials in advance so they can be converted or provided to individuals with accommodation needs, as applicable.

For more considerations for different types of events, please consider the following resources:

 If you need accessible technology assistance for your UNM event, please consider contacting University Communications and Marketing. If you need an American Sign Language interpreter for your event, that request can be made through Accessibility Resource Center.

If there is an accommodation needed that is outside the budget of your department, please submit a Reasonable Accommodation and Accessibility Funding Request form.

Accessible and Alternate Materials

When communicating ideas and information, departments should consider their audience and plan to build accessibility into their printed materials, electronic documents, email correspondence, and websites. Different disabilities will present different needs for alternate materials and modalities, which could include:

  • Braille
  • Enlarged print
  • Live captioning
  • ASL interpretation
  • Assistive listening devices, such as loop
  • TTY, CART, and other real-time communication devices

When creating documents and materials – such as slide decks, Word documents, .pdf documents, etc. – use the program’s built-in accessibility checker to ensure as much accessibility as possible. See the below resources to get started: