Abstract
The usability and accessibility teams in MIT’s Department of Information Services and Technology have always worked closely together, but were formally merged during a department-wide reorganization in 2009. The goal in blending the teams was to provide a comprehensive service to clients without diluting individual practices. Over two years, we have strengthened our ability to advocate persuasively for both usability and accessibility with clients. We’ve also seen fewer projects slip through the cracks and observed standards applied more consistently. The merge has provided a greater understanding of why the two practices belong together, how this can happen, and the importance of commitment from administrative leadership.