Am I required to make my documents accessible?
If content meets all three of the follow criteria, it is a “preexisting conventional electronic document” and not required to comply with WCAG 2.1 AA.
- It is a PDF, word processor, presentation, or spreadsheet file; and
- It was made available online before April 24, 2026; and
- It is not currently used to apply for, gain access to, or participate in the UW services, programs, or activities
Note: You may still have to provide documents in an accessible format if an individual requests it. See the DOJ rule on digital accessibility, paragraph 34.
Examples
- An event flyer posted as a Word document on a UW website in 2024 is not required to be accessible
- A PowerPoint presentation posted on a UW website in 2027 must be accessible
- A PDF form that was created in 2024, but must be filled out by students to participate in a current program must be accessible
Related guidance
How to make electronic documents accessible
The UW Accessible Technology team provides techniques, strategies and checklists to make digital content accessible.