Information Technology
UW Bothell Information Technology
UW Bothell is committed to creating a community that advances equity, social justice, affirmation and excellence for all. Read more about our commitment.
Accessibility and PDFs: Role-based Decision Trees
PDFs present digital accessibility challenges because they are not inherently accessible by default. A PDF must include specific structural information, such as headings, reading order, table markup, and alternative text for images to be usable by assistive technology. When this information is missing or incorrect, users may experience significant barriers to reading the PDF, even if the content is visually clear. That is why PDFs always require additional checks and remediation work.
The following PDF Decision Trees, one faculty-focused and one staff-focused, provide step-by-step guidance to help you make informed choices about using PDFs or considering an alternative option.
Other resources and information about meeting the Title II of the ADA requirement by April 24, 2027:
- For faculty: Making course materials accessible
- Be a catalyst for change: Become a Digital Accessibility Liaison!
- Access resources and training: Accessibility @UW, ADA rule on digital accessibility.
- Coming up Thursday, September 17, Fix your Content Day! A full day of very short workshops, each accompanied with extra support and time to work on your content. Attend all or only the ones you want. Check the Digital Accessibility events calendar for this and other upcoming opportunities.
- Need to schedule group training at UW Bothell? Do you have questions about accessibility? Drop in to one of our weekly office hours listed on our UWB-IT Events Calendar.
- STEM Accessibility: Join the Tri-campus STEM Accessibility Convos CoP MS Team! Monthly meeting will restart October 2026, 3 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month.
Learn anywhere
Resources in support of your learning no matter where you are.
Teach anywhere
Resources in support of your teaching no matter where you are.
Work anywhere
Resources in support of your working no matter where you are.
Get Help from IT
Contact UWB IT for more support
IT News & Updates
Read the latest announcements from UWB IT
Training & support
Helpful resources to support the campus anytime, from anywhere.
- Training & support landing page
- Accessibility
- Connect & collaborate
- Software, hardware & printing
- Security & privacy
- Teaching & learning
- Events
Security & privacy
Keeping the university and you secure.
- Security at UW
- UW NetID
- Getting connected with Husky OnNet
- Securing your laptop
- Phishing at UW
- Working securely from anywhere
- Duo 2-Factor Authentication at UW
Technology acquisition
Work with us for your hardware and software needs.
Partner with us to find your tech solution
We would love the opportunity to work with you to find the right technology solution for your needs.