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Frequently Asked Questions

UC San Diego is committed to creating an inclusive digital environment where everyone can access information and services online. This FAQ page answers common questions about digital accessibility, including the standards the university follows, why accessibility matters, and how faculty, staff, and content creators can ensure their websites and materials are usable by people with disabilities.

General Questions

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility ensures that websites, applications, and electronic content can be used by people with disabilities. This includes people who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, screen magnifiers, and voice input. Accessible digital content allows all users to perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with information.

Why is digital accessibility important?

Accessibility ensures equal access to information and services for students, faculty, staff, and the public. It also aligns with UC San Diego’s commitment to inclusion and is required under federal and state law. When digital content is inaccessible, people with disabilities may be unable to access information or complete tasks that others can.

Who needs to follow digital accessibility guidelines at UC San Diego?

Anyone who creates or maintains digital content for the university is responsible for accessibility. This includes:

  • Faculty
  • Staff
  • Leadership
  • Web administrators
  • Web / Email Designers and Developers
  • Email Marketers
  • Writers and Content Creators

All university-affiliated websites, digital documents, applications, and services should be accessible.

Does my content or website need to be accessible even if no one has complained?

Yes. Accessibility requirements apply even if no accessibility issues have been reported. UC San Diego must ensure that digital content is proactively accessible, rather than waiting for someone to request an accommodation. People encountering inaccessible content may not report the issue and may simply abandon the content or service.

Laws, Standards, and Compliance

What laws govern digital accessibility

UC San Diego must comply with several federal and state laws, including:

These laws require public institutions to provide equal access to programs, services, and information.

What accessibility standards does UC San Diego follow?

UC San Diego aligns its digital accessibility practices with:

WCAG is the internationally recognized standard for accessible web content and digital documents. These guidelines apply to websites, web applications, PDFs, and other digital materials.

What happens if my website or content is not accessible?

Inaccessible content can create barriers for users with disabilities and may put the university out of compliance with accessibility laws and policies. This website provides guidance and resources to help bring digital content into compliance and improve usability for everyone.

Creating Accessible Websites and Content

What are some common ways to make a website accessible

Common accessibility best practices include:

  • Using a clear heading structure and semantic HTML
  • Providing alternative text (alt text) for images
  • Ensuring sufficient color contrast
  • Making all functionality available via keyboard navigation
  • Using properly labeled forms and controls
  • Providing clear link text and meaningful labels

These practices help ensure that content works well with assistive technologies.

I found a plugin or overlay that claims it can make my website accessible automatically. Can I use it?

No. Accessibility overlays and automated “one-click” solutions cannot make a website fully accessible. In many cases, they interfere with assistive technologies and can make websites harder to use for people with disabilities. Accessibility requires proper design, development, and content practices rather than automated overlays.

Testing and Evaluation

How do I check whether my website or content is accessible?

Automated tools can help identify some accessibility issues, but human review is required to confirm accessibility. Manual testing is necessary to ensure accessibility. Common tools include:

We use Siteimprove at UC San Diego. But keep in mind, automated tools can help identify some accessibility issues, but no automated tool can fully determine whether a website or document is accessible.

Important: The Siteimprove platform cannot be used for anything behind a login. In those cases, we recommend you use either the Siteimprove browser extension or Google Lighthouse.

I think my website or document has accessibility issues, but I don’t have a technical background. What should I do?

Many accessibility issues can be addressed using available training materials and guides provided by UC San Diego.

If you need additional help, you can contact the Digital Accessibility team for support, consultation, or guidance on improving accessibility.

Accessibility is a shared responsibility, and resources are available to help campus units create accessible digital content.

Training and Support

Where can I get digital accessibility training at UC San Diego?

UC San Diego offers training and learning resources to help faculty and staff create accessible digital content. Visit the Training page on this website to explore available courses, guides, and workshops.

Who can I contact for help with accessibility?

If you need help or want to report an accessibility issue, use the “Report a Digital Accessibility Concern” form available through the accessibility link in the footer of UC San Diego websites.

Contact the Digital Accessibility team for consultation and guidance.

Exceptions and Special Situations

What if a digital service cannot be made accessible?

Accessibility exceptions are rare and may only be considered in limited circumstances, such as when a required third-party service has no accessible alternative. Exceptions require formal review and approval. Cost alone is not considered a valid reason to avoid addressing accessibility issues. If you believe a digital service may qualify for an exception, contact the Digital Accessibility team for guidance.

Accessibility at UC San Diego

What is UC San Diego doing to improve digital accessibility?

UC San Diego is continually working to improve accessibility by:

  • Updating accessibility policies and guidance
  • Expanding training programs for campus staff and faculty
  • Improving tools and workflows that support accessible content
  • Promoting accessibility best practices across campus

How can I contribute to digital accessibility?

Everyone can help improve accessibility by:

  • Ensuring the digital content you create is accessible
  • Following accessibility best practices
  • Reporting accessibility issues when you encounter them
  • Participating in accessibility training and learning opportunities

Accessibility is a shared responsibility across the UC San Diego community.