Digital accessibility is the practice of making digital materials such as documents, emails, and web content easy for individuals to access, understand, and navigate. The new ADA rule establishes a technical standard to follow, similar to building codes requiring accessible bathrooms and parking, to ensure disabled individuals can more seamlessly access our digital environment without additional reasonable accommodations. Because everyone creates digital content, digital accessibility is a shared responsibility that impacts students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike. We need your leadership to establish this as a priority within your schools, colleges, and divisions.

To support this accessibility requirement, the initiative has launched a new Digital Accessibility @ UW–Madison hub for up-to-date information and resources for digital accessibility work, and we are revitalizing the Digital Accessibility Liaison Network. These liaisons serve as communicators, connectors, and advocates for digital accessibility within your unit. Because each school, college and division is different, it is up to you to decide how liaisons should be assigned in your organization.

Actions Requested by Next Wednesday, December 17:

• Share this email with your leadership team to emphasize the importance of digital accessibility efforts.
• Review the current liaison list to ensure your unit is represented.
• If your unit lacks a liaison please assign a designee(s) via the liaison registration form.
• Email centerforux@wisc.edu for any roster corrections.

A communication to digital accessibility liaisons reminding them of their role related to UDAI and articulating next steps will be sent on December 18. By taking the actions above by December 17, you’ll ensure that we have an up-to-date roster of liaisons to communicate to.

Digital accessibility is a journey. As this initiative evolves, we’ll keep you informed with timely updates, clear action steps, and practical guidance. We ask that you take action to build momentum in your unit and make progress on digital accessibility within your organization.

This is a university-wide effort, and we recognize that each unit faces unique challenges. If you have questions, suggestions, or feedback, please share with the project team. Thank you for your leadership and engagement as we continue to make UW–Madison a place where every member of our community can learn, work and thrive.

John Zumbrunnen-Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Robert Cramer-Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration

Nancy Lynch-Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs