More than 190 participants from across the UC system joined the June 17 kickoff meeting for the new Digital Accessibility Community of Practice (CoP), showing broad interest in strengthening accessibility efforts through collaboration, shared learning, and practical problem-solving. Almost every participant was able to share something they want for this new group during breakout discussions, solidifying the need for a CoP that will serve as a space to share knowledge, surface best practices, foster cross-campus partnerships, and support implementation of the recently updated UC Information Technology Accessibility Policy (ITAP).
Participants consistently asked for a centralized resource hub, opportunities for ongoing networking through Slack or Teams, and practical training focused on real-world implementation. Many attendees expressed a desire for shared templates, guidance, office hours, and examples that can help teams avoid duplicating work across campuses.
Two notable trends stood out from the questionnaire results. First, PDF remediation is still the most often cited challenge, with participants describing large backlogs of legacy documents and uncertainty about scalable remediation approaches. Second, many respondents named culture change and buy-in as just as important as technical skills, citing challenges with competing priorities, awareness of accessibility requirements and best practices, training, and accountability.
Join us for the next CoP meeting on July 14 at 11:00 a.m. to:
- Review the full results of the kickoff discussions and survey.
- Help shape future CoP activities, working groups, and communication channels.
- Learn from colleagues across UC who are leading innovative accessibility programs, training initiatives, and remediation efforts.
Register now!
Time: Jul 14, 2026 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
➡️ Register here: https://ucop.zoom.us/meeting/register/-YUoxKQjRYOfglgqxjtqnQ#/registration
Please note that this event is only open to those with a UC-associated email address
Contact
Questions? Contact Jamie Herrera, UCOP Accessibility Program Manager or Kate Miffitt, UCOP Digital Experience and Engagement Officer.
