Planning for Transformation
University leadership is developing a comprehensive transformation plan to communicate about and implement the new regulatory standard. Targeted messaging will begin Fall 2024 and continue throughout the academic year and beyond as we approach the compliance deadline. Work is underway to provide more information and guidance for faculty, teaching assistants, and staff who create digital content. University leadership recognizes this transition will require significant effort and changes in how we create and deliver web content to ensure access.
Coordinating Efforts
The Office of the ADA Coordinator has been taking proactive steps with institutional partners to ensure digital accessibility across University systems, including UW Medicine. Key initiatives completed or in progress through October 2024 include:
- Redefined the role of Director of Digital Accessibility within IT
- Established and hired a Deputy ADA Coordinator for Digital Accessibility
- Procured enterprise-wide tools to assess web content
- Coordinating updates to UW’s digital accessibility plan and self service tools
- Selected an enterprise-wide tool to expand UW-IT training services
- Charged the ADA Digital Accessibility Task Force and connected Action Teams to provide high-level oversight for institution-wide compliance
UW Accessible Technology Services
Accessible Technology Services provides resources and consultation to supports units create accessible digital content. Get started on making content accessible today by exploring available tools for:
Deputy ADA Coordinator for Digital Accessibility
Beth Somerfield is the University’s new Deputy ADA Coordinator for Digital Accessibility and available to answer specific questions. Beth can be reached at: somebeth@uw.edu.