Web accessibility is the inclusive practice of removing barriers which prevent access to information and functionalities on websites. An online document or tool is accessible when it can be easily understood and used by everyone, regardless of the browser or adaptive equipment he or she is using.
The MSU Web Accessibility website (http://webaccess.msu.edu/index.html) provides a central place for web accessibility guidelines, tutorials, and services available to the MSU community.
Please continue to promote and support Universal Design by using the resources, training, and guidance provided on the MSU Web Accessibility website to update university Web content.
Course Materials
All online course materials and e-Text must meet the new Technical Guidelines. See the Course Content and Individual Faculty Web Pages FAQ page: http://webaccess.msu.edu/FAQ/course-content-questions.html
"This policy does not restrict what a faculty member teaches or how it is taught, but does require that all materials and content used in courses be made accessible. Consistent with Section 2.2.3 of the Academic Freedom Report for Students, faculty have the authority and responsibility for academic policy and practices in areas such as course content, grading, and classroom procedure. This Policy addresses the formatting of academic materials, as opposed to the choice of materials or content of materials. The Policy also permits exceptions for situations where compliance with the Policy would fundamentally alter the nature of an academic program or activity or would impose an undue burden. To request an exception, please follow the protocol outlined in Article IV of the MSU Web Accessibility Policy."
Templates
Templates are for commonly used documents and content management systems. Keep in mind that templates may only help in structuring your content, the main content still needs to be formatted with accessibility in mind.
- Microsoft Word Syllabus template (.docx) and Microsoft PowerPoint template (.pptx): http://webaccess.msu.edu/templates/index.html
Tutorials
On the Web Accessibility Tutorials webpage (http://webaccess.msu.edu/Tutorials/index.html) you will find simple, step-by-step guides to solving common accessibility problems in a number of document types. Please note that while following these tutorials will improve document accessibility, they are not comprehensive. Think of these tutorials as the first step on the road to accessibility.
- Microsoft Word Documents (Mac) - http://webaccess.msu.edu/Tutorials/word-mac.html
- Microsoft Word Documents (Windows) - http://webaccess.msu.edu/Tutorials/word-windows.html
- Adobe Acrobat PDFs - http://webaccess.msu.edu/Tutorials/acrobat-pdf.html
Classes and Workshops
Digital accessibility training is a great way to improve the accessibility of MSU content, understand why accessibility is important, and to get a better understanding of MSU's Web Accessibility Policy. MSU IT offers a few options for accessibility training to colleges and departments. http://webaccess.msu.edu/Help_and_Resources/classes-workshops.html
Questions/Assistance
For assistance with the content and function of this site, please use the 'Email / Contact Form' link at the very bottom of every page and choose "Website feedback" from the Category list. If you prefer, you can contact us directly by: emailing webmaster@egr.msu.edu; calling 517-355-3817; or stopping by room 2316 or 1325 Engineering Building. Persons using assistive devices should contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities for assistive technology assistance.
