Digital Accessibility

Online or web accessibility is the inclusive practice of removing barriers to ensure that everyone has equal access to perceive, understand, engage, navigate and interact with all online content, including websites, web applications, online documents (Word, PDF, etc.) and online course materials.

An online document or tool is considered accessible when it can be easily understood and used by everyone, regardless of the browser or assistive technology being used.

The Importance of Accessibility

The Internet has become an increasingly important resource for all areas of life, including education. Michigan State University is committed to ensuring that the diverse audience we serve are provided with accessible websites and documents in the classroom, workplace, research labs, and places for recreation.

The MSU Web Accessibility Policy

In July of 2008, the MSU community was informed that they must move towards compliance with the university's Web Accessibility Policy. MSU employees were asked to update all university Web pages used to conduct university business or academic activities to meet the Web Accessibility Technical Guidelines of the policy outlined in Section I over the past five years.

What it impacts?

  • Websites (developers and editors): All public facing sites that showcase the work we do within or without the msu.edu domain.
  • Courses (professors): All university courses, particularly online courses.
  • Emails to students.

Types of content impacted

All content posted on websites and used within courses, including:

  • Documents
  • Graphics, images and tables
  • Videos
  • Audio
  • Presentations
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).