Digital accessibility is the practice of designing and developing digital content, applications, and services that are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Creating accessible content helps all of us better understand and interact with the documents, websites, emails, reports, and platforms we use in our daily work..

What’s My Role?

All staff members need to:

• Create and maintain accessible documents, PDFs, presentations, spreadsheets, emails, web content, and other digital materials used in university operations
• Ensure proper structure (headings, lists, tables), alternative text for images, reading order, metadata, and color contrast
• Use university-supported tools and processes when creating or updating digital content
• Follow escalation pathways for complex or sensitive materials

Staff should also consider the accessibility of websites they manage, digital forms, surveys, reports distributed electronically, and any public-facing or internal communications.

Document Remediation Assistance

Academic staff may submit high-priority PDF documents for accessibility remediation support through the student worker program, supported by Hoos Making an Impact. In our current pilot, requests are limited to one document per academic staff member. A submission link will be provided soon. In the meantime, contact the Digital Accessibility Team for guidance on eligibility and next steps.

Digital Accessibility Lunch & Learns

Coming Fall 2026 and Spring 2027: Free sessions for staff featuring expert speakers on topics such as: 

• AI and digital accessibility
• change management/human behavior
• capability maturity models
• ADA team training suites
• legal perspectives (including UVA Health focus). 

Sessions are scheduled on the following days:

Tuesday, September 29, 12-1pm
Tuesday, October 20, 12-1pm
Tuesday, December 1, 12-1pm 

Watch for announcements via UVA email communications and the Digital Accessibility site.

Trainings, Events, and Help Guides

Self-Paced Trainings are available through UVA Workday along with UVA Accessibility Certifications.

Trainings that are in-person/virtual are also available on the All Trainings page. This has trainings that are free and paid.

Accessibility Tips: are short guides on various accessibility topics and step by step guides on how to compete accessibility.

Digital Accessibility Champion Awards 

Nominate colleagues who demonstrate outstanding commitment to digital accessibility. Nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee using a defined rubric; awardees receive a certificate of appreciation and a UVA Bookstore gift card ($75). 

Honorees will be celebrated at a Lunch & Learn, with comments from the nomination shared. Nominations open in the fall with selection in November and recognition in December.

Nominations will be opening soon!

IAAP Membership and Resources

We have an institutional membership to IAAP. Benefits include:

• Access to regional resources
• Digital membership badge
• Tailored onboarding
• Peer connections
• Certification discounts
• Educational Portal
• Webinars

Limited exam codes are available to staff who complete IAAP certification programs may receive a $200 recognition award.

Digital Accessibility Liaisons

Each school, unit, or division has a designated Digital Accessibility Liaison who serves as the primary local point of contact for digital accessibility questions and support. Liaisons help colleagues navigate resources, answer basic questions, and route more complex issues to the Digital Accessibility Team. Find the liaison for your area on the Digital Accessibility Liaisons page.

Request an Accessibility Review

Staff can request a digital accessibility review for documents, websites, web applications, or other digital content when automated tools are insufficient or when specialized guidance is needed. Reviews are also available as part of the procurement process for new software, platforms, or digital products to help ensure they meet WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA standards before purchase or implementation. To submit a request, complete the Accessibility Review Request form. Provide details about the content or product, its intended audience, and any known accessibility concerns so the team can prioritize and route the request appropriately. Early consultation is encouraged for high-impact or complex items.

Still have questions or need personalized guidance? The Digital Accessibility Team is here to help. Reach out using the contact information below.

Digital Accessibility Coordinator / ADA Coordinator Team Email: [email protected]