Overview
The ADA Digital Accessibility Initiative is charged with ensuring that UW’s digital content is accessible, providing equal information, interactions, and services to people with disabilities. Additionally, the Initiative is leading UW’s work to comply with Department of Justice regulations by April 2026 and setting up the mechanisms to ensure accessible content thereafter.
The Initiative is a partnership between Compliance Services, the Provost’s Office, and UW-IT that formed out of the Office of the ADA Coordinator’s Digital Accessibility Task Force. Task Force work revealed that meeting ADA compliance, and building a sustainable model for ensuring digital accessibility, requires a University-wide, collaborative effort with robust governance and support.
The ADA Rule on Digital Accessibility
In April 2024, the Department of Justice released significant and stringent new regulatory requirements on digital accessibility that will affect all units and functions of the University, including academic, administrative, patient care, research, services, and programs. The University has until April 2026 to ensure that its web and mobile application content, including academic course content, is accessible. The work required is immense and will require collaboration to assess, plan, and implement work priorities needed to reach this goal.
Governance
The ADA Digital Accessibility Initiative is supported by two established UW governance structures: Enterprise Risk Management and Information and Technology Governance. Within Information and Technology Governance, a new Digital Accessibility Domain has been established. This governance and reporting structure provides decision-making and project support.
The Initiative includes Action Teams who provide subject matter expertise, recommendations, and supporting implementation. As project phases progress, additional action teams may be established to support discovery and implementation.
Governance and Reporting
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
The ERM system is a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the university’s digital environment is inclusive, compliant, and aligned with its commitment to equity and accessibility. This system integrates accessibility standards into enterprise-wide risk management processes, safeguarding the institution from compliance risks while fostering an inclusive digital experience for all stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors. The ERM reports annually to the UW Board of Regents.
ADA Digital Accessibility Domain
The Digital Accessibility Governance domain ensures that the university’s digital ecosystem is inclusive and accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities. Part of the Information and Technology Governance structure, it establishes policies, standards, and processes to align with legal requirements, institutional values, and best practices. This domain supports the university’s mission to foster an inclusive environment by ensuring equitable access to digital tools and resources for all members of its community.
Project Management
The ADA Digital Accessibility Initiative is managed by centralized project management from UW-IT. The project manager is tasked with providing overall management and structure, serving as a communication conduit, facilitating timely decision-making, and ensuring accountability. Additionally, each of the Action Teams have an assigned project manager.
Action Teams
Academic Course Content
The Action Team is charged with developing and executing action items related to academic course content including course materials such as textbooks and assigned text, course applications, and digital tools.
Members
- Chair: Marcus Hirsch, Director, Academic & Student Affairs Information Services, Chair
- Bree Callahan, ADA Coordinator, Compliance Services
- Glenna Chang, Associate Vice President, Student Life
- Marisa Nickle, Senior Director, Strategy & Academic Initiatives
- Phil Reid, Vice Provost, Academic & Student Affairs
- Karin Roberts, Director, Teaching & Learning Systems, Information Technology
- Beth Somerfield, Deputy ADA Coordinator, Compliance Services
- Adiam Tesfay, Director, Disability Resources for Students
- Project Manager: Priya Keefe
Innovation & Research
The Action Team is charged with developing and executing action items related to innovation and research, including: connecting Initiative activities with UW research, knowledge, and expertise, as well as identifying opportunities for future research and innovation.
Members
- Co-Chair: Jennifer Mankoff, Director, Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences
- Co-Chair: Beth Somerfield, Deputy ADA Coordinator, Compliance & Risk Services
- Sara Berk, Department of Biology
- Darcy Janzen, UW Tacoma
- Mary-Colleen Jenkins, Information Technology
- Amy Ko, The Information School
- Lalitha Subramanian, Continuum College
- Ana Thompson, UW Bothell
- Perry Yee, University Libraries
- Project Manager: Toby Gallant
Procurement
The Action Team is charged with developing and executing action items related to procurement, including current contracts and in-progress and future contracts.
Members
- Co-Chair: Ray Hsu, Executive Director, Procurement Services
- Co-Chair: Beth Somerfield, Deputy ADA Coordinator, Compliance & Risk Services
- Hana Levay, University Libraries
- Lynn Magill, Procurement Services
- Ethan Owens, Housing and Food Service
- Hadi Rangin, Information Technology
- Jeramy Thompson, Information Technology
- Terrill Thompson, Information Technology
- Ron Traficante, Information Technology
- Dan Salmonsen, UW Medicine
- Project Manager: Amanda Paye
UW Medicine Action Team
The Action Team is charged with developing and executing action items related to UW Medicine websites, web applications, and mobile apps.
Members
- Chair: Jon Payne, Director of Healthcare Nondiscrimination and Regulatory Affairs, UW Medicine
- Bree Callahan, Compliance & Risk Services
- Staci E. Garrison, Population Health & Digital Engagement Solutions UW Medicine
- Phil Hull, Manager, Digital Engagement Solutions, UW Medicine
- Kory Kuriel, Director of Digital Experience, UW Medicine
- Kristal Mauritz-Miller Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), UW Medicin
- Sarah Miller, Chief Applications Systems Officer, UW Medicine
- Andreas Montano, Director of Product Management, UW Medicine
- Hadi Rangin, Information Technology
- Koji Sonoda, Director of Digital Health, UW Medicine
- Margo Schneider, Digital Strategy & Operations, UW Medicine
- John D. Scott, Chief Digital Health Officer, UW Medicine>
- Beth Somerfield, Compliance Services
- Dan Salmonsen, Strategic Sourcing & Value Analysis, UW Medicine
- Audrey Tanberg, Senior Social Media Strategist, UW Medicine
Web Content and Mobile Apps Action Team
The Action Team is charged with developing and executing action items related to non-medicine websites, web applications and mobile apps.
Members
- Co-Chair: Terrill Thompson, IT Accessibility Team Manager, UW-IT Accessible Technology Services
- Co-Chair: Thomas Thorpe, Director Web Strategy, University Marketing & Communications
- Jason Civjan, UW-IT
- Joe Eastham, College of the Environment
- Tohm Judson, UW Bothell
- Tim Knight, School of Public Health
- Kory Kuriel, UW Medicine
- Charlon Palacay, UW-IT
- Beth Somerfield, Compliance & Risk Services
- George Thomas Jr., Human Resources
- Claudia Aguirre, College of Engineering
- Project Manager: Colleen Butler