The University of Iowa Accessibility Task Force has compiled resources, training, policies, and tools to help you get started with improving the accessibility of digital content for all your students (see https://accessibility.uiowa.edu). 

Here are a few initial steps we encourage all instructors to do in preparation for the fall 2025 semester:

1. Build your understanding of creating accessible content through training opportunities, as well as in-depth information about specific topics such as accessible course sites, documents, online meetings, public websites, and more. A great place to start is by doing the synchronous or asynchronous Course Accessibility for Everyone (CAFÉ) training.
2. Get to know and use Anthology Ally in ICON to identify the most common type of accessibility flags in your courses and how you can have an immediate impact. Use the QuickStart Guide or find more information at the Instructor FAQ. At a minimum, please use the accessibility tools in your current platform (e.g., Microsoft Office). Visit the university’s accessibility website for quick links to make Word or PDF docs accessible.
3. Use the Accessible ICON Course Template which meets all major accessibility best practices regarding the use of headings, tables, links, and color contrast. It also includes information and resources on how to continue these practices as you build your site with the template.
4. Delete or archive digital course content that you no longer use with a file cleanup tool like TidyUP in ICON. Quickly scan your course to identify old versions of syllabi or assignments, readings that are no longer required, duplicates, etc., to help clarify what needs attention. 

Note: this memo was also published on July 9 and 23, 2025.