About
Hi, I'm Hannah Wagner.
I started Common Threads to help Michigan communities navigate digital accessibility with confidence. I work mostly with cities and counties, and I'm here as your independent advisor, helping you understand where you stand, what comes next, and how to build accessibility into the way your team already works.
I work alongside your team and the vendors you already trust, translating complicated requirements into steps that make sense for your budget and your capacity. I'm not a national firm passing through. This is my state too, and I care how it turns out for your community.
My Background & Experience
I'm a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC), with more than a decade in UX design and the last seven focused on digital accessibility.
Most recently, I worked with the City of Troy to build a digital accessibility strategy across their public-facing services, from an independent manual audit through a practical roadmap and staff training. Through U.S. Digital Response, I also helped one of the country's largest election jurisdictions shape a strategy for its voter services site.
Before that, I built an accessibility program from scratch for a federal AI platform that launched Section 508 compliant, and established the accessibility program for GM's in-vehicle interfaces.
I also speak on digital accessibility for Michigan's municipal community, most recently at the annual conference of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys.
Whether you're planning your first audit, building a roadmap, or growing your team's knowledge, I understand the challenges local government faces and the standards you need to meet.
What Makes Common Threads Different
Independent and honest
I don't build websites and I'm not competing with your vendors. I give you a clear, independent read on where things stand and straight guidance on what to do next. Independent verification is simply good practice, and it gives you and your vendor the same clear standard to build toward.
Human-centered approach
I understand that accessibility gaps aren't intentional - they're the result of limited resources and competing priorities. With a background in both strategy and design, I help you solve problems in ways that fit your specific workflows, budget, and capacity.
Right-sized, with one point of contact
Whether it's a single site or every digital service your community runs, I scale to fit, bringing in trusted partners when a project calls for more hands. You'll always work with me directly.
Built to last
My goal is to leave your team with the skills, processes, and documentation you need to keep accessibility going long after our project ends.
Why This Matters
One in four U.S. adults lives with a disability. In any Michigan city or county, that's a meaningful share of the residents you serve. Making your digital services accessible isn't just about compliance - it's about ensuring every resident can participate in community life.
6x Less Cost to Build Accessible
Building accessibility from the start costs 6 times less than retrofitting. Smart planning now saves significant budget later.
Better Experience for Everyone
Clear navigation, readable fonts, and logical structure help everyone - people on mobile devices, older adults, and anyone completing tasks quickly.
Higher Community Participation
When digital services work for everyone, more residents engage with local government - from public meetings to job applications to online services.
Builds Community Trust
Thoughtfully designed services demonstrate your commitment to equity and inclusion, strengthening trust in public institutions.
Let's talk
Tell me where you are now and what would actually be helpful. Whether you're planning your first audit, building a roadmap, or just want a second opinion, I'm glad to talk it through.