The US Department of Justice’s update on digital accessibility (part of the Americans with Disabilities Act) requires that digital academic course content be accessible. Meeting this standard is not only a legal expectation but also an action consistent with UW’s mission and values.
This webpage shares initial actions that instructors can take to begin improving the accessibility of their digital course materials. The guidance on this page intentionally focuses on common types of course materials used across disciplines in hopes of moving as many people as possible toward compliance.
High impact practices for instructors
- Delete or archive outdated digital course materials. Over time our digital spaces can get cluttered with old versions of assignments, slide decks, or pages that are no longer relevant to a course. Clean your Canvas site by deleting files and deleting pages you no longer use.
- Shift to web (HTML) versions of assigned readings as much as possible. Rather than assigning a scan or PDF of an article, look for HTML versions of articles by refining your library search results with the “Available Online” filter.
- Commit to using Canvas. Because it is web-based (HTML), Canvas pages are more accessible, responsive, and adaptable by people with disabilities. Learn more about using Canvas and about how to build an assignment in Canvas.
- Take advantage of accessibility checkers. Many of the programs you use every day have built-in accessibility checkers. While not perfect, these checkers can help you improve the accessibility of your course materials. Explore the accessibility checkers in Word, Canvas, and Powerpoint.
Accessible strategies for specific course materials
Want to learn more about digital accessibility?
While this webpage focuses on common use cases that instructors encounter, UW’s Accessible Technology Services (ATS) has created a more detailed library of resources that address accessibility challenges faced by a broader range of UW employees. This video provides an overview of the importance of digital accessibility and some key strategies for enhancing the accessibility of all of our digital materials – not just course materials.
Sometimes it is difficult to understand the impact of adopting accessible practices, particularly if you have never had to use assistive technology. In this video, Hadi Rangin, an accessibility expert, demonstrates how digital accessibility supports his use of assistive technology.
If you have questions not answered on this page, contact UW Accessible Technology Services.