MSU Web Accessibility Policy
Michigan State University is committed to facilitating access to University instruction, communication, research, and business processes, while enhancing community building for the broadest possible audience. It is this commitment that has led to a new MSU policy on Web accessibility and interim Web accessibility technical guidelines, which have been endorsed by the President’s Advisory Committee on Disability Issues and the Libraries, Computing, and Technology (LCT) communities on Accommodating Technology and Instructional Computing and Technology.
The policy on Web accessibility will apply to all University Web pages used to conduct core University business or academic activities as defined in the policy. Unless an exception is granted under Article IV of the policy, all new and redesigned University Web pages published after May 15, 2009, must be in compliance with Section I, Required Checkpoints, of the Web Accessibility Interim Technical Guidelines.
University Web pages published before May 15, 2009, must assess compliance with Section I of the Web Accessibility Technical Guidelines through an evaluation and validation process. Following completion of the evaluation and validation process, remediation plans should be developed to address any areas of non-compliance. Units will have an opportunity to establish reasonable timetables for remediation of non-compliant Web pages published before May 15, 2009. However, a Web Accessibility Review Form (WARF), which assesses the Websites compliance with the new policy and collects information on remediation plans, must be submitted to the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives by May 15, 2009.
MSU websites must do the following to provide equal access to information, materials, programs, and services for all users regardless of ability:
- Establish eligibility criteria for technology and Web-based services or participation in programs and activities that will not screen out or tend to screen out qualified individuals with disabilities, unless such limitations are necessary to meet the essential objectives of the program.
- Supply the same or equally effective benefits, services, and programs for all users of the Web-based environment.
- Use electronic and information technologies that allow all Web users to have comparable access to and use of information and data.
- Provide all members of the public seeking information or services the same access to and use of information and data.
- Provide alternative programs and services of the World Wide Web for qualified individuals with disabilities only where the alternatives are necessary to make the programs and services equally as effective as those provided to other users.
At MSU, we understand that the audience we serve is a diverse group that relies heavily on the Internet for many of aspects of life, including education, employment, government, commerce, research, health care, and recreation. As we move forward with the Web Accessibility Policy, we hope to enhance MSU’s all-inclusive environment by increasing access to the Web for all individuals. Accessible design can diminish and even remove barriers to information and interaction critical to success for our faculty, staff, students, and the general public. With everyone working together the promotion of equality in all aspects of life can become a reality.
TRAINING
In order to ensure that faculty and staff are aware of these requirements, there will be several training opportunities available to assist in the understanding and adoption of this policy, including:
- Faculty seminars will be hosted in the upcoming months
- Brown bag lunches will be held to further discuss the policies implementation
- Computer lab sessions will provide interactive and hands-on experience with Web accessibility policies
- LCTTP offers a number of courses on Web accessibility. train.msu.edu
HELP
webaccess.msu.edu
Library Distance Learning Services
1-800-500-1554 or (517) 355-2345
Situations may arise for which additional advice or information may be required. In such cases or to report non-compliance, please contact:
Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives
ADA Coordinator
444 Administration Building
East Lansing, MI 48824
Ph. (517) 353-3924
QUESTIONS
For additional information on the policy or questions related to this article and implementation of the policy, please contact the project coordinator, Karen Woehlert, in the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives, at (517) 353-3922 or woehlert@msu.edu.
