Digital Accessibility
Digital accessibility refers to the ability of someone with a disability to use websites, documents, multimedia, applications, and other types of digital content independently, with substantially equivalent ease of use as someone without a disability. It ensures equal opportunity of access to information. Because we are all content creators to some degree, the campus digital accessibility policy affects us all.
Digital accessibility at UW-Madison is entering a new phase that aligns with a federal ruling under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that requires digital resources used in university programs, services, or activities to be accessible starting April 24, 2026. Digital content must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA.
Why should you care about digital accessibility?
- It's the right thing to do
- It's an important component of our mission of creating a welcoming and inclusive community for everyone
- It's our policy
- All users benefit
Compliance with the campus digital accessibility policy and federal requirements relies on shared responsibility. As a large, decentralized institution, it's up to all of us to follow good digital accessibility practices. If you create or manage any type of digital content, it is up to you to ensure your content meets the accessibility standards.
Process Change for Web Content Submissions
In accordance with the federal ruling, beginning on April 24, 2026, all content posted on Nelson websites must meet the WCAG 2.1, Level AA technical standard. As a result, the strategic communications team will be implementing changes for posting certain types of content.
Documents
Documents include:
- PDFs
- Word and Google docs
- PowerPoints
- Excel files and Google sheets
These document types, especially PDFs, often have accessibility issues that create barriers for users of assistive devices. They can also be difficult to navigate on mobile devices.
The preference will be to convert documents to HTML-based web content. If that is not possible or desired (for example, a PDF form that needs to be downloaded and filled out), then the following process will be followed:
- Strategic communications will conduct an accessibility audit.
- If the document is in compliance, it will be posted.
- If there are accessibility issues, it will be sent back to the document owner for remediation.
Video and Multimedia
Captions and audio descriptions are important for users who have difficulty hearing or have low vision, respectively. Some users simply prefer to watch videos with captions on.
All videos must include accurate captions. Although auto-generated captions have improved, they are not sufficient for the new accessibility requirements unless they have been edited. All videos must include a caption file to be posted.
Additionally, we will not link to or embed videos from external sources that contain accessibility issues.
View the campus resources for accessible multimedia for more information.
Static Infographics, Maps, and Charts
The data conveyed by these types of graphics cannot be interpreted by screen readers. They can also have readability issues on mobile devices because the content does not scale properly.
The alt text attribute that accompanies photos and other general imagery is not sufficient nor intended for graphics that convey complex information, such as maps and charts.
The preference will be to convert static graphics to HTML-based web content or re-create the graphic using a tool such as Highcharts. Highcharts is an interactive charting library that renders data in a way that can be interpreted by assistive technologies and is mobile-friendly.
If that is not possible or desired, strategic communications may ask for a text description or explanation of the graphic. View the campus guide to accessible complex images for more information.
Help with Accessibility Remediation
It is the content owner's responsibility to ensure accessibility standards are met before submitting a web request. If you are unsure if your content meets the standard or have general questions about digital accessibility, contact the strategic communications team at communications@nelson.wisc.edu. The team has a digital accessibility liaison who can connect you with the appropriate campus resources to help resolve barriers or address questions in greater detail.
What Content is Affected by the Digital Accessibility Policy?
Basically, any type of digital content. Examples include:
- Websites
- Emails
- Apps
- Videos
- Social media
- Online course content
- PDFs
- Word documents
- Google Docs
- PowerPoints
- InDesign files
If you create any type of content, it is your responsibility to strive for conformance with the digital accessibility policy and federal requirements.
Digital Accessibility Liaison
Eric Klister (eklister@wisc.edu), web operations manager, is the Nelson Institute's digital accessibility liaison. Liaisons serve as the primary contact for understanding how to follow the policy and work with the Center for User Experience to develop a proactive approach to accessibility and rectify any reported barriers.
Liaisons can provide guidance on accessibility concerns and help you follow best practices. They do not act as compliance officers and are not responsible for legal oversight. They do not perform accessibility remediations for content they did not create or do not own.
Campus Digital Accessibility Resources
- UW-Madison accessibility hub
- UW-Madison digital accessibility policy
- Digital Accessibility at UW-Madison (background, FAQs, and policy implementation updates)
- Make it Accessible (tools and guides for making digital content accessible)