Course Materials Checklist for Digital Accessibility AY 25-26

Starting Spring Quarter 2026, all active courses need to meet digital accessibility requirements issued by the Department of Justice.  

As faculty members, you play a critical role in helping the University meet accessibility standards when you take steps to create and deliver accessible course content. The University will stand behind faculty who act in good faith by following policy and guidance on meeting accessibility expectations.  

Below are expectations for course content materials and guidance on how to prioritize your work. 

Expectations  

1. Use Canvas learning management system and other approved, centrally supported tools like Panopto and Zoom.
   
2. Select accessible readings materials  
   • Utilize UW Library accessibility resources and subject librarians to support your selection of course readings 
   • Choose the latest version of textbooks  
   • Shift to web (HTML) versions of assigned readings as much as possible
3. Create accessible documents and presentation materials you produce so content is accessible at the start. 
   • Syllabus, Assignments & Handouts & Slide Desks 
   • Images & Diagrams
   • Videos and recorded lectures
4. Test your accessibility using Canvas accessibility checkers  
   • Aim for an Ally score of 80% or above for Spring 2026. 
   • Practice with centrally provided tools and accessibility checkers throughout AY 2025-26 to build your skills and increase your scores
5. Collaborate with central accessibility offices when issues are complex or arise through the accommodation process. 

Prioritization Guidance for AY25-26 

If you teach multiple classes, you should start by updating classes that serve as a prerequisite, have often had a DRS student, or have high enrollment. You can use this checklist to help prioritize this work:

• • Delete outdated digital course materials.
  • Select accessible reading material.
  • Add alt text or captions for images presented.
  • Run accessibility checkers on documents.
  • Enable auto captioning in Panopto and Zoom.
  • Review course accessibility checker scores (Ally in Canvas) and resolve issues as feasible.
  • Elevate more complex remediation needs to central accessibility offices.

Review more information and resources: Teaching@UW making accessible course materials website