Global Accessibility Awareness Day highlights the importance of inclusive technology

May 16, 2025, marks Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), a worldwide event focused on promoting digital accessibility and recognition for people with disabilities/impairments. Celebrated every year on the third Thursday of May, GAAD encourages designers, developers, educators and students to consider how digital tools and content can be made more comprehensive.

NEOMED’s Institute for Teaching Excellence is joining the global movement by encouraging the school community to explore accessibility best practices and adopt holistic teaching methods. From using alt text on images to designing course materials with diverse learners in mind, the Institute highlights how small changes can have a big impact. NEOMED’s own Coordinator for Universal Design for Learning and Accessibility, Maclane Stebbins, is dedicated to bringing digital accessibility best practices to our campus. From designing a new Canvas course template, to providing instructional resources to faculty and curriculum teams, he is passionate about bringing recognition to this day of awareness.

Accessible design helps staff, faculty and students. GAAD is a reminder that accessibility is not an add-on, but essential for learning. For more information, feel free to reach out to the Institute for Teaching Excellence at teachingexcellence@neomed.edu.

To learn more and explore resources, visit the official GAAD website at https://accessibility.day.

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