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