Digital Accessibility – Accessibility at the UW

Keyboard Accessibility: An Essential Part of Inclusive Design

malbin — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 01:30:11 +0000

When we talk about digital accessibility, topics like color contrast, meaningful link text, and alt text often come to mind. But an equally critical, yet sometimes overlooked, piece is ensuring that websites and applications are fully usable without a mouse. Many people rely on keyboard navigation due to mobility disabilities, while others simply prefer it for efficiency. Whatever the reason, keyboard accessibility is fundamental to an inclusive digital experience. Unfortunately, keyboard access can break easily when custom widgets or scripts...

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New Video: Building Digital Accessibility Together

malbin — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:18:53 +0000

As ��Ůprepares to meet updated ADA Title II digital accessibility standards by April 26, 2026, the work ahead is both a responsibility and an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to equity and inclusion. While the deadline is an important milestone, the broader goal is ongoing: creating digital spaces where everyone at the ��Ů can learn, work, and engage fully. To support this work, the Digital Accessibility Initiative team has released a new video highlighting why digital accessibility matters and...

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Digital Accessibility Training Options and Calendar

malbin — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:58:41 +0000

Building on the digital accessibility training opportunities we highlighted this summer, ��Ůhas launched a new Digital Accessibility Calendar to make it easier to find events across all campuses that support inclusive digital experiences. The calendar, available on the Accessible Technology website, lists opportunities from across ��Ůcampuses, including webinars, meetups, and hands-on sessions led by accessibility experts. Accessible digital content helps ensure that everyone in the ��Ůcommunity can fully participate in our digital spaces. The new calendar complements existing...

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The iSchool’s IDEAS and Approach to April 2026 and Beyond

malbin — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 23:21:32 +0000

We sat down with Amy J. Ko to discuss accessibility efforts within the Information School. Dr. Ko is Professor and Associate Dean for Academics at UW’s Information School; Adjunct Professor in Computer Science & Engineering; faculty in the Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences (CREATE); and co-director of the Center for Learning, Computing, and Imagination. She studies how people learn about computing and information and examines questions of identity, community, and power in computing, advocating for...

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UWIT Accelerates Digital Accessibility Efforts

malbin — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 01:16:46 +0000

Making digital content more accessible may feel overwhelming—especially when you’re balancing other priorities. If you’re unsure where to begin, you’re not alone. That’s why we’re launching a new blog series highlighting how ��Ůdepartments and units are approaching the Digital Accessibility Initiative and helping ensure equal access for everyone in the ��Ůcommunity. First Up: ��ŮInformation Technology ��Ů Information Technology (UWIT) has launched a multi-phase project focused on auditing, assessing, and updating digital content to make it...

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Training Options to Build Your Accessibility Skills

malbin — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:22:23 +0000

Training Options by Audience Don’t Know Where to Start? Digital Accessibility Training Options Accessible digital content helps ensure that everyone—including students, faculty, patients, staff, and visitors—can fully participate in our digital spaces. Whether you’re just starting to explore digital accessibility or looking to enhance your existing skills, there are practical, flexible ways to learn as we count up (not down!) to a more accessible, inclusive UW. Below is a list of both asynchronous and synchronous training opportunities available to anyone...

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Countdown to April 2026: 310 Days to Go!

malbin — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:56:31 +0000

We’re counting up to an accessible ��ŮIn just 310 days—by April 24, 2026—the University’s digital content must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards for digital accessibility. This includes websites, online courses, documents, videos, and mobile applications. Meeting this requirement is more than legal compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II—it’s a vital step toward ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability or assistive technology use, can access and benefit from UW’s digital services. This effort affects everyone...

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Digital Accessibility Benefits Everyone

malbin — Thu, 22 May 2025 21:21:59 +0000

At the ��Ů, we are committed to fostering an inclusive digital environment that serves our entire community. Making sure we meet the most recent requirements for digital accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in our community. These updates also improve usability for everyone. What Is Digital Accessibility? Digital accessibility means designing and developing websites, documents, course materials, and digital tools so that everyone can perceive,...

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University Libraries: Support for Accessible Design

malbin — Wed, 14 May 2025 23:40:36 +0000

In a recent conversation with University Libraries staff, we learned from Perry Yee and Elliott Stevens how their team is helping the ��Ůcommunity build a culture of digital accessibility and Universal Design through collaboration and practical training.    The Accessibility Working Group (AWG) was founded in 2017 and has expanded in the years to include three types of regular meetings: a Community of Practice (CoP) for general conversations, a speaker series that includes voices from inside and outside the...

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Tim Knight: A Lifelong Journey in Accessibility

malbin — Tue, 13 May 2025 21:51:08 +0000

In anticipation of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), we interviewed Tim Knight, retiring web developer at the ��Ů School of Public Health and this year’s recipient of the ��Ů2025 Accessibility Spotlight Award for his longtime commitment to digital accessibility. In this wide-ranging conversation, Tim shared how a passion for science, teaching, and effective communication laid the foundation for decades of accessibility-forward digital work. I’ve heard some interesting things about you. Your accessibility story starts with gorillas? Yeah,...

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