Digital Accessibility

To uphold our commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere for everyone, UW–Madison authorized the Digital Accessibility Policy to align with UW–Madison and Universities of Wisconsin policies that protect people with disabilities against discrimination and honors our institutional statement on diversity. The policy does this through raising awareness of digital accessibility best practices, guiding the university toward designing and purchasing accessible technology, and establishing a network of digital accessibility liaisons who will share accessibility best practices with their local units.

Find essential guidance on meeting UW–Madison’s Digital Accessibility Policy, from understanding accessibility’s importance to compliance steps, accessible technology procurement, and available campus resources in our guide, How to follow UW–Madison’s Digital Accessibility Policy.

Events & Training

Fall Distinguished Speaker Series with Denise Jess, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Denise will share insights on creating a world where everyone can participate fully. Stick around after her talk for a hands-on discovery fair featuring innovations and resources from the Wisconsin Council for the Blind and Low Vision Services team, the McBurney Disability Resource Center, and the Disability Cultural Center.

Event Details

Lecture: Better Access Through Engineering: Opportunities to Empower the Blind and Low Vision Campus Community
Location: Engineering Hall – Cheney Room #1413
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Time: 1:00–2:00 PM (Lecture) | 2:00–2:30 PM (Discovery Fair & Adaptive Technology Demonstrations – Engineering Hall Foyer)

Access Granted: Your Digital Accessibility Toolkit Summer Series!

Throughout the series, we covered the fundamentals with example materials. Check out the recordings below!

Accessible Documents:

Document accessibility is about creating learning materials everyone can use. In this working session, you will learn how to apply the Digital Accessibility Fundamentals to Word Documents. We’ll discuss practical strategies like how to efficiently structure content and integrate accessibility from the start. Bring a document from your course (e.g. syllabi, assignments, instructions) and leave with a more accessible version. [Note: This event has already happened, see recording below]

Accessible Presentations:

Join this workshop to transform your presentations! Clear, organized, and digitally accessible presentations are crucial for effective communication and learner comprehension. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to create accessible presentations by understanding why accessibility matters, applying best practices, and using PowerPoint’s built-in accessibility checker to find and fix errors. Bring a presentation you’re currently working on to apply your new knowledge immediately!

Accessible Websites:

This interactive workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to create websites that are inclusive, user-friendly, and compliant with accessibility standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). You will leave with a checklist of actionable steps and a partially revised webpage or course site that better serves all users—regardless of ability.

UDOIT For Canvas Courses:

UDOIT, the full course accessibility scanner is available in all Canvas courses. In this working session, you will learn how to scan your course(s) and see a list of accessibility barriers that exists on them. You will then learn how to correct those that are identified as easiest to fix and you will be given the time to make those corrections. Feel free to ask questions and get your course ready to roll forward for the fall!

Watch Recording of UDOIT for Canvas Courses

This Summer Series is presented by the Digital Accessibility Liaisons with support from CEETE, InterPro LDT, the Center for User Experience, and DoIT Academic Technology.

CoE Digital Accessibility Liaisons

The digital accessibility liaisons and the Center for User Experience (CUE) work together to make more accessible and inclusive content for the university. Liaisons are a conduit between CUE and their units, and they help CUE know what digital resources and tools need evaluation and support. The CoE digital accessibility liaisons will serve as the primary point of contact between the college and CUE, provide guidance on the digital accessibility policy, and share tools and resources that support the development of accessible digital content.

You can find your unit’s digital accessibility liaison in the list below. If you still aren’t sure who to contact, you can visit the digital accessibility liaison directory or you can email the CoE digital accessibility liaisons team at digitalaccessibility@engr.wisc.edu. You can also reach out directly to CUE with questions and to request additional support.

Contact Liaisons

Academic Advising – Undergraduate: Jamie Utphall

Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies (CHESS): Kristina Spannbauer

Center for Innovation in Engineering Education (CIEE): Erica J Hagen

Collaborative for Engineering Education and Teaching Effectiveness (CEETE): Erica J Hagen

Collaborative for Engineering Education and Teaching Effectiveness (CEETE): Luis Loya

Interdisciplinary Professional Programs (InterPro): Anna Grant