Digital Accessibility - DRAFT
Saginaw Valley State University is committed to providing accessible digital content and services for all users, including individuals with disabilities. SVSU works to ensure that websites, documents and online systems are usable, understandable and accessible.
Digital accessibility supports equal access to information, programs and services across the university. Removing barriers helps ensure that all members of the SVSU community can fully participate in academic and campus life, while also improving usability for all users.
SVSU aligns its digital accessibility efforts with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. Accessibility is an ongoing process, and the university continues to improve digital content and systems over time.
Accessibility Standards and Scope
SVSU’s accessibility efforts apply across its digital environment, including:
- Academic content and course materials
- Public website content on svsu.edu
- Student systems such as registration and advising tools
- Faculty and staff content and shared resources
- Digital documents including PDFs and Office files
- Multimedia content such as video and audio
- Official SVSU social media content
- Third-party platforms and vendor systems
What SVSU is Doing
- Maintaining accessible website structure and navigation
- Reviewing and updating existing content
- Identifying and addressing inaccessible documents
- Converting content to web pages when appropriate
- Remediating documents that must remain in document format
- Providing training and guidance to faculty and staff
- Supporting accessibility across academic, web and technical areas
- Using established processes for remediation of existing and new materials
- Considering accessibility in the selection and use of digital tools and platforms
Request an Accommodation or Alternate Format
If you need information from an SVSU website, document or system in an accessible format, please contact us. We will work to provide timely access to information and reasonable accommodations.
When making a request, include the webpage or document, a description of the issue and your preferred format, if known.
Report a Digital Accessibility Issue
If you experience difficulty accessing content on an SVSU website, application or digital document, please report the issue so it can be reviewed and addressed.
Helpful information to include the webpage or URL, a description of the problem, and the device, browser or assistive technology you were using, if applicable.
Ongoing Improvement
Accessibility is an ongoing effort. SVSU continues to review and update digital content, improve systems, provide training and support, and address accessibility barriers as they are identified.
Creating Accessible Content
At Saginaw Valley State University, accessibility is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re creating, editing, uploading or sharing content such as webpages, course materials, documents, images, videos, forms, emails or social media posts, it’s important to ensure that everyone can access and use it.
Creating accessible content helps SVSU meet ADA Title II requirements and supports an inclusive experience for all users, including those with disabilities. It also improves usability, searchability and overall content quality.
These pages provide guidance and resources to help you create accessible content that aligns with WCAG 2.1 AA standards across websites, mobile applications, instructional materials, multimedia and digital communications.
Accessibility Policies and Standards
Creating accessible digital content requires an understanding of the laws, standards and university expectations that guide accessibility. This section highlights key federal requirements and SVSU policies that support digital accessibility.
Digital Accessibility Policy
SVSU is committed to ensuring that all university websites, digital content and online services are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities.
The university is working to align digital content with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA to support equal and independent access for students, employees and visitors.
Non-Discrimination Policy
SVSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based on protected characteristics, including disability. The university is committed to maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for all members of the campus community.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), provide the international standard for accessible digital content. WCAG is based on four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust (POUR).
SVSU aligns with WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the standard for digital accessibility.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local governments, including public universities, to ensure that programs and services—both physical and digital—are accessible.
In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice updated regulations requiring public institutions to ensure that websites, mobile applications and digital content meet accessibility standards.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funding, including public universities.
This includes digital content, technology and online services, which must be accessible to ensure equal access.
CONTACT US.
Accessibility Resources & Accommodations
Wickes 260
access@svsu.edu
(989) 964-7000