Am I required to make my old web content accessible?
If web content meets all four of the follow criteria, it is “archived web content” and is not required to meet with WCAG 2.1 AA.
- It was created before April 24, 2026 or reproduces the contents of other physical media created before that date; and
- It is kept only for reference, research, or recordkeeping; and
- It is not altered or updated after the date of archiving; and
- It is organized and stored in a dedicated area or areas clearly identified as being archived.
Note: You may still have to provide web content in an accessible format if an individual requests it. See the DOJ rule on digital accessibility, paragraph 34.
What does it mean to be “kept for reference, research, and recordkeeping”?
Web content that is “kept only for reference, research, and recordkeeping” cannot be used to participate in a current UW service, program, or activity.
Example of content kept for reference, research, or recordkeeping
- A PDF form that was created in 2024, but must be filled out by students to participate in a current program must be accessible.
- If a library creates a new website that features historic documents, those historic documents must be accessible.
- Meeting minutes from 2023 that are stored in an “archive” section of a website and not used by any class, program or activity are not required to be accessible.
What is a dedicated area for archived content?
A dedicated area for archived content must have a clear, consistent label that identifies it as an archive. This can be a section of a site or a section of a page.
Examples of content kept in a dedicated area
- Meeting minutes from 2023 that are stored in an “archive” section of a website and are not used by any class, program or activity are not required to be accessible.
- A historical document that is clearly labelled with an archive banner and is not used by any class, program or activity is not required to be accessible.
Related guidance
How to archive web content
The UW Web Strategy team provides a Documentation Library to support usable, accessible web development on UW websites.