Digital Accessibility at CWU

What is Digital Accessibility?

Digital accessibility means designing websites, documents, applications, and media so that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with them effectively. This includes support for screen readers, captioning for videos, accessible color contrast, keyboard navigation, and more.

Why It Matters

Accessibility supports equity. Whether students are completing coursework, faculty are engaging in research, or staff are managing operations, everyone at CWU should be able to access the tools and information they need—regardless of ability. Creating accessible digital content improves usability for all users, not just those with disabilities.

CWU’s Commitment

CWU follows recognized accessibility standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. We continually work to:

• Build accessible websites and digital tools from the ground up.
• Remediate existing content to meet accessibility standards.
• Provide training and resources to support accessible content creation.
• Incorporate accessibility into our procurement and development processes.

What You Can Do

Digital accessibility is a shared responsibility. If you create or manage digital content at CWU—web pages, PDFs, course materials, or videos—you have a role in making sure it’s accessible. You can:

• Use heading structures and descriptive links.
• Provide alternative text for images.
• Caption videos and ensure transcripts are available.
• Choose accessible document formats (e.g., tagged PDFs).
• Use tools like the Microsoft Accessibility Checker or Siteimprove to evaluate your content.

Training and Support

CWU offers training, consultation, and resources for digital accessibility. If you have questions about making your content accessible or need help addressing barriers, the Web Services team is here to assist. We also collaborate with the Disability Services office to address accommodation needs and ensure compliance.

Reporting an Issue

If you encounter a digital barrier on a CWU platform or need assistance accessing content, please contact CWU Disability Services or CWU Web Services. We are committed to addressing issues promptly and ensuring access for all.