I am Michael Salen, an Accessibility Program Manager who helps organizations respond to accessibility risk with a clear plan, steady execution, and leadership-ready reporting.
I bring a program-first approach for companies concerned about accessibility - or those navigating a failing audit or a demand letter.
I partner across product, design, engineering, QA, legal, and procurement to establish practical accessibility operations, including audits and triage, remediation management, and accessibility governance that sustains progress beyond the initial scramble.
I bring 15+ years of product, project, and program management experience, including work supporting organizations such as Microsoft, Avaya, and Centene.
I have been a Project Management Institute member since 2011, earned a BSEE in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington, and holds industry certifications including PMP, Six Sigma Green Belt, SAFe RTE/POPM, PSM II, and PSPO II.
My approach is structured, human-centered, and outcome-driven: reduce risk, improve usability, and build accessibility as a capability the organization can sustain.
My role is to help you make informed decisions, support your teams, and keep accessibility moving forward in a practical, sustainable way.
Book a consult to map the fastest path from today’s reality to measurable accessibility progress.
What does an Accessibility Program Manager do?
An Accessibility Program Manager oversees cross-functional planning and execution to incorporate Accessibility into product and content lifecycles through governance, roadmap management, enablement, and measurement.
Is an Accessibility Program Manager a developer role?
Not necessarily. Many APMs are non-coding program leaders who coordinate technical and non-technical teams to ensure accessibility outcomes are achieved.
How is this role different from an Accessibility Specialist?
Accessibility Specialists offer in-depth domain expertise and technical assessment. An APM concentrates on operating models, prioritization, stakeholder alignment, and large-scale program execution.
Why does a business need Accessibility Program Management?
Without dedicated program management, Accessibility efforts often become reactive and inconsistent. APMs help organizations reduce risk, enhance quality, and make measurable progress.
What is the new ADA Title II digital accessibility rule?
It is a final rule from the DOJ requiring state and local government web content and mobile apps to generally comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
When must organizations comply with the new ADA Title II rule?
For public entities serving 50,000 or more people, by April 26, 2026. For smaller organizations and special district governments, by April 26, 2027.
Does ADA Title II apply to mobile apps?
Yes. The rule explicitly covers mobile applications provided or made available by state and local governments.
If there are exceptions to ADA Title II, can we ignore accessibility?
No. Even with limited exceptions, obligations such as effective communication and equal access remain in effect.
How does an Accessibility Program Manager address ADA Title II?
They lead governance, prioritization, cross-team execution, metrics, and accountability to ensure compliance is integrated across all teams.
What is Fractional Accessibility Program Management?
It is a part-time leadership service where an Accessibility Program Manager helps an organization develop and run a scalable accessibility program through governance, roadmap planning, and oversight.
How does a fractional model differ from hiring a full-time employee?
A fractional model provides senior expertise at a lower commitment, enabling quick startup, cost control, and scalable support as needed.
Do I need a developer to utilize this service?
No. Fractional Accessibility Program Management focuses on leadership and operations. It coordinates cross-functional teams and ensures accessibility work is well-structured, prioritized, and measurable.
Is this service only for large enterprises?
No. Startups, mid-sized organizations, and enterprise teams can all benefit - especially when accessibility ownership is fragmented or still evolving.
What outcomes can I expect within 90 days?
Most organizations will see a clearer governance structure, a prioritized roadmap, initial KPI frameworks, and improved execution rhythms across teams.
What is the difference between VPAT and ACR?
VPAT is a template; ACR is a completed report generated using that template.
Is a VPAT or ACR a certification?
No. ITI (Information Technology Industry Council) clarifies that VPAT is not a pass/fail certification; it is a reporting format that details conformance.
Why do procurement teams request ACRs?
Federal buyers utilize ACRs to evaluate accessibility during market research and proposal assessments.
How often should an ACR be updated?
At minimum, after meaningful product changes and major releases. Many organizations also establish regular review cycles to keep reports current.
What does an Accessibility Program Manager do for VPAT/ACR?
They establish governance, assign ownership, manage timelines, enforce quality standards, and align stakeholders to ensure accurate and repeatable reporting.
