UC celebrates Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)

Whether you are starting your journey or want to keep up with digital accessibility space, this year’s UC Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) event is for you. Join the UC Electronic Accessibility Committee for GAAD 2025: From Compliance to Inclusion on May 15, 2025, from 10 – 11:30 a.m. (PST). Register for the digital accessibility webinar.

What to expect

Join us for a short panel featuring UC tech leaders sharing what they’re doing to advance digital accessibility on their campuses. Speakers will cover practical accessibility skills, common dos and don’ts, and how artificial intelligence is being used to support accessibility efforts. You’ll also hear how some campuses are building community around this important work. The session will conclude with an open Q&A.

UC Santa Cruz’s Commitment to Digital Accessibility

ITS is committed to ensuring that online information and experiences can be used, understood, and participated in by all, without barriers. Check out our two guides on our website aimed at accessibility: 

• Make IT Accessible explains how to apply standards and best practices for accessible courses, documents, emails, multimedia, and more.
• Digital Accessibility Fundamentals provides information on how you can incorporate digital accessibility in your everyday work, whether you are creating content, acquiring IT products, teaching classes, or running meetings.

You can also learn more about our Digital Accessibility Strategy project to learn more about what ITS is doing to make all aspects of digital life at UC Santa Cruz more accessible.

Accessibility is everyone’s responsibility

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 16% of the world is living with a disability, which equates to over 1 billion people. It is also projected that 1 in every 3 people will experience either a permanent or temporary disability in the next 10 years. Accessibility can’t just be a job for the few to work on; it’s an important part of UC’s equity and inclusion core values. Let’s celebrate this mission as one UC community. 

Register in advance for this webinar.