Guidance to help understand our shared role of inclusivity through accessibility, and how to make that happen at UW-Madison.
You might also be looking for
Training
Services
Students
Instructors, faculty and staff
How to request an accommodation
Campus accessibility partners
Why is accessibility important?
According to the CDC, 61 million, or 1-in-4 adults in the United States live with a disability.
Your role
If we all play a part in the way we think about accessibility, we can all create a more inclusive UW-Madison together.
We believe everyone should be able to participate, and that means accessibility is our shared responsibility.
Digital & physical accessibility, including websites
What are adaptive technologies?
These are devices, equipment, products, and services that are used to help people with disabilities access UW-Madison’s physical and digital ecosystem. They work best when they are paired with content and materials that are created using accessible design best practices.
Fundamentals
What is digital accessibility and how to design accessible content.
Physical accessibility
We are committed to providing equal access for all UW-Madison events.
Web, media, documentation
Make accessible websites, images, videos, documents, emails and more.
More digital accessibility
Course content, procuring accessible technology and accessibility evaluations.
Accessible facilities
Elevators and accessible classrooms
Emergency planning
Transportation and getting around
Transit, parking, maps and routes
Road closures, construction, and snow
Library accessibility
Accessibility information and resources provided by the UW-Madison libraries for patrons with disabilities.
Disability and medical leave
Resources for UW employees experiencing difficulties at work related to a disability or chronic medical condition, such as:
- Serious health conditions that may require medical leave.
- Returning to work with restrictions following a workplace injury or medical leave.
- A disability that limits your ability to perform parts of your job.
Assistance and service animals
Assistance animals are service animals and emotional support animals, and they fulfill important roles for people with disabilities. This guide assists with enforcing the university’s policies regarding animals while protecting the rights of disabled individuals.
Inclusive writing
Writing about people with disabilities in a way that is inclusive, empathetic, compassionate, and respectful is important. The following are provided to help you avoid ableism.
Additional resources to communicate inclusively:
- National Center on Disability and Journalism Disability
- Guidelines for Writing about People with Disabilities (ADA National Network)
- Inclusive Language in Writing (UW-Madison Writing Center) (under development)
- Bias-Free Language - Disability (American Psychological Association)
- Words Matter: Reporting on Mental Health Conditions (American Psychiatric Association)
Wheelchair loans
The Wisconsin Union offers wheelchairs for short-term use inside the Memorial Union or Union South building on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, visit the Memorial Union or Union South information desk. Be prepared to provide a government-issued identification card and complete a short form.
Additionally, the following local organizations may have wheelchairs available: