Some older documents are not required to be digitally accessible. This guidance will help you determine if your older documents must be made digitally accessible or not.
Table of Contents
Definition
A pre-existing conventional electronic document is a digital file (like a Word document, PDF or spreadsheet) that was created before UWM’s digital accessibility compliance deadline and that may need special handling for archiving or achieving digital accessibility compliance.
Am I required to make my documents accessible?
If content meets all three of the following criteria, it is a “preexisting conventional electronic document” and not required to comply with WCAG 2.1 AA.
Criteria
- It is a PDF, word processor, presentation or spreadsheet file; and
- It was made available online before April 24, 2026; and
- It is not currently used to apply for, gain access to, or participate in the UW services, programs or activities
Result
If all three of the conditions are true, then your content is not required to be accessible.
Note: You may still have to provide documents in an accessible format if an individual requests it. See the DOJ rule on digital accessibility, paragraph 34.
Examples
- An event flyer posted as a Word document on a UWM website in 2024 is not required to be accessible
- A PowerPoint presentation posted on a UWM website in 2027 must be accessible
- A PDF form that was created in 2024, but must be filled out by students to participate in a current program must be accessible