Make it accessible

Last updated January 19, 2022

UW–Madison is committed to ensuring our digital campus is accessible and free from barriers for all members of the university community.  In this guide learn about digital accessibility or go to the UW–Madison digital accessibility program in the Center for User Experience. for more support and resources.

Why is accessibility important?

It’s the right thing to do

The web is all about providing access, information, and opportunity to as many people as possible. It is only right that the University community fosters inclusivity, and works to ensure that all can participate.

It’s our policy

UW–Madison approved the new digital accessibility policy in November 2021 to update the web accessibility policy established in 2001. The UW–‍Madison digital accessibility policy requires compliance with the federal rehabilitation act’s section 508, and looks to the web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 for guidance in meeting campus accessibility commitments. The new policy goes into effect on July 1, 2023. Until the Digital Accessibility Policy goes into effect, continue to follow the web accessibility policy.

Learn more about the new policy in the How to follow the new digital accessibility policy guide.

Introduction to accessibility

Accessible technology has been designed in a way that can be accessed by all users.

Learn how to plan, create and manage digital content that is accessible, usable and meet the needs of your audience at UW–Madison.

Explore the UW–Madison digital accessibility program to get help making content accessible.

Multimedia accessibility

Learn how to ensure that all of your multimedia content – from video and audio clips to images, complex graphics, and data visualizations – accessible for all users, including people with disabilities.

Explore the UW–Madison digital accessibility program to get help making content accessible.

Document and email accessibility

Learn how to increase the accessibility of your Word, PowerPoint, and PDF documents. Create more accessible e-mails, whether you send plain text or HTML-formatted emails.

Explore the UW–Madison digital accessibility program to get help making content accessible.

Accessible course content

Accessible course content

All students, with and without disabilities, benefit from accessible course content. Planning for accessibility in your course materials is easier than you might imagine. This guide will help you to create an accessible and inclusive foundation so that students in your course are able to access course content and experience the rich learning experience you have planned for them.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning is a flexible approach to teaching and learning that works to benefit the whole diversity of learners.

Learn more about Universal Design for Learning guidelines.

Buying and using accessible technology

Procuring technology

In order to ensure accessibility, decisions about which products to procure must consider accessibility early and throughout the process.

Procure accessible technology

Accessibility evaluations

Evaluate your website, application, multimedia assets, digital documents, and software and plan to resolve accessibility barriers.

Request an evaluation

Get help with accessibility

Resources to get assistance with accessibility at UW–Madison.

Get help with accessibility