If your website is used to share information related to UMW’s services, programs, teaching, or public activities, it must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA by April 24, 2026. This page provides a framework to help you reach compliance.
Step 1: Clear Out What You Don’t Need #
Go through your site and remove pages and files that are outdated or no longer accurate.
Why this helps: Fewer pages mean less work. By removing unused content, you cut down the number of items that need to be checked and fixed.
Domain of One’s Own #
- If an entire site isn’t needed, you can uninstall it from your Domain of One’s Own dashboard.
- To fully close your Domain of One’s Own account, reach out to us.
Sites@UMW #
- If an entire site isn’t needed, you can delete the site or you can contact us if you need assistance with this step.
Step 2: Decide What’s Important #
Make a list of:
- Sites you still use for teaching, research, or department activities.
- On identified sites make a list of pages and files still needed.
- Content you regularly share with students, colleagues, or the public.
Start with your highest-use content like syllabi, program information, or student-facing resources. Making those pages accessible first has the biggest impact.
Step 3: Check for Accessibility Problems #
Use an accessibility tool to scan your site for common issues. These might include:
- Missing alt text for images.
- Text and background colors that don’t have enough contrast.
- Headings that are out of order or skipped.
If you are new to digital accessibility concepts we recommend reading our Accessible Web Design guide, which explains the basics and shows how they apply in WordPress.
Domain of One’s Own #
Tools and resources we recommend:
- Accessibility Checkers : We have a list of WordPress accessibility plugins as well as external website checkers that can help you identify issues in need of remediation on your site.
- Documents (Word, PowerPoint, PDFs): Use Microsoft Office’s built-in accessibility checkers.
- “Accessibility Ready” themes in WordPress. WordPress makes it possible to find themes they deem “accessibility ready”. These themes do not necessarily meet WCAG standards but have healthy defaults.
Sites@UMW #
- Accessibility Checkers: By default sites on Sites@UMW should have Editoria11y accessibility checker activated.
- Documents (Word, PowerPoint, PDFs): Use Microsoft Office’s built-in accessibility checkers.
Step 4: Get Support #
We’re here to support you in using Domain of One’s Own and Sites@UMW. Support options include:
- Web accessibility consultations to help you review and remediate your site.
- Accessibility question support by submitting questions to the Title II Accessibility e-mail, t2access@umw.edu.
- Accessible Web Design guide for guidance on how to remediate your website to meet compliance.
Created by Shannon Hauser 10/14/25
