Each of Us
Digital accessibility is everyone’s responsibility at UW–Madison, no matter your role. The emails, documents, presentations, websites, tools and systems you create or share shape how people access information, services and opportunities. When those materials are accessible, more people can engage fully with the university’s work.
You do not need to be an expert. The goal is to make meaningful, sustainable progress by building accessibility into the digital materials you use every day.
The resources on this page are intended for each of us. Depending on your role, additional resources may be available to support your work.
Get Started: Learn the Basics
Begin with these introductory resources to quickly build your understanding of digital accessibility.
Start with these foundational ideas:
- Fundamentals of Digital Accessibility – Key concepts and simple practices for making your materials more accessible.
- Digital Accessibility for the Modern Workplace – Brief, beginner‑friendly videos to help everyone at the university to work toward digital accessibility.
Take Action: Build Accessibility into Your Work
Use these tools and resources to raise awareness and apply accessibility practices to common staff tasks. You do not need to do everything at once. Focus on the materials you create and use most often.
Common staff tasks and key guides:
- Become familiar with digital accessibility fundamentals
- Learn about a variety of digital accessibility topics in the Make It Accessible guides
- Review document accessibility guidance and learn how to test various document formats for digital accessibility.
- Apply digital accessibility best practices to your email communications.
- Add alternative text to images, graphics, and photos that are not merely decorative.
FAQs
No. While accessibility is essential for disabled users, accessible design improves usability for everyone, including people using mobile devices, assistive technology or temporary workarounds.
No. Digital accessibility is a university‑wide responsibility. Anyone who creates, shares, manages or purchases digital content or tools plays a role.
No. The focus is on steady, meaningful progress. Start with new content and high‑use materials, including public‑facing and widely used resources, and continue improving existing materials over time.
Digital accessibility should be considered whenever you create or share digital content as part of your work. Expectations may vary depending on context, but building accessibility into everyday materials helps reduce barriers and supports long‑term progress across the university.
Help is available. You are not expected to navigate this alone.
Get Help: Reach Out for Additional Information
Center for User Experience:
The Center for User Experience can provide additional information on how to create more accessible, usable, and inclusive digital content for all students, faculty, and staff. Request consultation through the Center for User Experience website.
Office of Compliance:
If you have questions related to the scope of the new federal rule for the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact the ADA Coordinators in the Office of Compliance.