We’re counting up to an accessible UW
In just 310 days—by April 24, 2026—the University’s digital content must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards for digital accessibility. This includes websites, online courses, documents, videos, and mobile applications. Meeting this requirement is more than legal compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II—it’s a vital step toward ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability or assistive technology use, can access and benefit from UW’s digital services.
This effort affects everyone at UW—students, faculty, patients, and staff. As we pointed out in a blog post last month, digital accessibility benefits everyone. Accessible practices and features enhance usability for courses, websites, and mobile apps, make interactions more accessible and enjoyable for aging populations, and improve Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and website responsiveness.
That’s why, instead of counting down to a deadline, we’re counting up—towards a more inclusive, user-friendly digital experience for all members of the UW community.
Ready to begin your digital accessibility journey? Here are some ways to start:
- Explore What You Can Do Now for tips, tools, and UW accessibility policy information.
- Visit Accessible Technology Services for practical guides on making websites, documents, videos, courses, and meetings accessible.
- Access free, self-paced training through Deque University—available to anyone with a UW NetID.
- Watch “Starting an Accessibility Journey: 5 Easy Tips”, a presentation by Instruction Accessibility Specialist Mary-Colleen Jenkins.
- Discover faculty-focused resources on the Teaching@UW Accessible Teaching Methods web page.
Let’s work together to make UW a leader in digital inclusion. Start today—every accessible step forward counts!