Register for a UC Global Accessibility Awareness Day event on May 21
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On May 21, from 10 – 11:30 a.m. (PT), join colleagues from throughout UC for a virtual Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) event — From Policy to Practice: Strengthening Accessibility Across UC.
As the UC system advances digital accessibility and prepares for upcoming regulatory milestones, this event will explore what it takes to move from policy to implementation. Through a panel discussion, real-world AI use cases and practical training, you’ll learn how accessibility is being put into practice across our locations and build skills you can start using right away. Let’s work together to ensure our digital environments are accessible to all!
Register to join us
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar. Please add the event to your calendar!
The event will be recorded and will feature live captioning and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. If you have another accommodation request, please contact digitalaccessibility@ucop.edu by May 14.
Featured topics and speakers
Operationalizing Information Technology Accessibility Policy (ITAP) Panel
- Adam Hills-Meyer, Digital Accessibility Program Manager, UC Santa Cruz
- Bradley Starkey-Owens, Digital Accessibility Program Manager, UC Davis
Accessibility and AI: Innovation from the Field
- Jessica Hilt, Developer Experience Manager, UCSF
- Jayson Jaynes, Web Design Supervisor, UCSF
- Scott Kirkland, Application Developer Supervisor, UC Davis
- Daniel Tjandra, Information System Analyst, UCSF
How To: Top PDF Issues People Don’t Know They’re Making
- Doug Harriman, Senior Instructional and Web Designer, UCOP
How To: Audio Description
- Brian McNeilly, Web Accessibility Specialist, UCOP
More about UC GAAD 2026 and its theme: From Policy to Practice
Approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide, about 16%, live with significant disability, and it’s projected that one in every three people will experience a temporary or permanent disability within the next decade. Still, 98% of the top 1 million websites fail to meet web accessibility standards. As the world’s reliance on digital technologies grows, this reality highlights the need to address digital accessibility and the importance of awareness initiatives like GAAD.
The UC community — comprising more than 3 million students, faculty, staff and alumni — has a far-reaching global impact. Our work can bridge the accessibility gap and ensure equitable access for all by listening, learning and building with intention. When accessibility is embedded as a fundamental component, rather than treated as an optional add-on, the impact is clear: greater confidence, productivity and a sense of belonging within our community.
About the UC Electronic Accessibility Committee
The UC Electronic Accessibility Committee upholds UC’s commitment to supporting an IT environment that is accessible to all, and in particular to individuals with disabilities, by facilitating systemwide coordination of, and communication about, IT accessibility-related issues. Members, who include representatives from every UC location, identify and lead systemwide initiatives and projects that support and align the implementation of the UC IT Accessibility Policy and help the university provide an accessible electronic environment.
Visit the UC electronic accessibility webpage to learn more about UC’s commitment to digital accessibility and to explore an array of best practices and tools to inform your work. You can also explore past years’ GAAD webinars on the Electronic Accessibility Committee website.