Your involvement is needed to build a more digitally accessible UW–Madison
A new federal rule expanding legal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all digital tools and electronic resources used in a university program, service or activity be built in a way that enables individuals to access, understand and navigate. This includes materials you use in your teaching, including your course Canvas site, electronic documents, slides and videos.
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 many people create digital content, ensuring digital accessibility is a shared responsibility. As such, it is important for you to become familiar with digital accessibility principles and start taking steps to make your course content accessible. Digital accessibility efforts will be monitored and measured to ensure progress.
Learning about digital accessibility
We understand that ensuring course content and other digital materials are digitally accessible requires new knowledge and takes time. While the new ADA rule goes into effect on April 24, we recognize this will be an ongoing, iterative process with the goal of helping you make your fall 2026 courses accessible, if they are not already.
As an initial step, we are asking you to please review the Faculty, Instructor and Instructional Technologist Resources webpage within the Digital Accessibility@UW-Madison hub. In the upcoming weeks additional information for instructors will be provided.
Support making course content accessible
The university is committed to providing you with timely updates, training opportunities, clear action steps and practical guidance to enable you to make steady forward progress. Future opportunities to learn more about how to make your course content accessible will be offered.
If you have questions in the meantime, request guidance through the Center for User Experience website. As you come to understand what steps need to be taken with your course content, consider what type of support may be helpful and let us know.
Digital accessibility isn’t just a technical standard; it’s a shared responsibility and a reflection of our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all. Every improvement, no matter how small, moves us closer to our goal. Thank you for your engagement as we continue to make UW–Madison a place where every member of our community can learn, work and thrive.
Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs John Zumbrunnen
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Robert Cramer
Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs Nancy Lynch