This page provides guidance on assigning readings in ways that align with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Articles, book chapters, etc.
One of the most impactful things you can do to improve the accessibility of your course readings is to select readings that are available online in full-text (preferably in HTML format) through the UW Libraries or associated databases. The links that follow focus on readings that either 1) aren’t available in full-text form, or 2) are only available in PDF format from UW Libraries.
UW Libraries prioritizes the selection of resources and technologies that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For more information about the library’s accessibility-related services, visit its Accessibility at the Libraries webpage.
Textbooks
While the accessibility of any given textbook is largely outside the control of individual instructors, you do have the power to adopt an accessible textbook if one is available. Here are things to consider when exploring textbooks on publishers’ websites:
- Latest version of the textbook. Often publishers focus their accessibility improvements on the most recent edition.
- Availability in multiple formats (e.g., print, audio, Epub file). Because they use HTML, Epub versions of the textbooks are especially accessible.
- Ask publisher reps the following questions:
- Is the text in the textbook or supplemental materials searchable? (i.e., the text is not an image)
- Do the images, figures, and tables have alt text?
- Is the interactive content offered by the publisher accessible?
The UW Bookstore has access to a number of resources that can be helpful when searching for accessible textbooks, including (VitalSource, Verba Collect, and Day One Access). If you have questions about selecting an accessible textbook, reach out to the UW Bookstore.
Need technical support? Contact Accessible Technology Services