Creating Accessible Content: Websites and Applications

All Saginaw Valley State University websites, webpages and web-based applications must be accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities. This applies to content and systems hosted by SVSU as well as those provided by third-party vendors.

Accessible web content includes clear structure, meaningful navigation and properly formatted elements. Practices such as using descriptive headings, providing alternative text for images, ensuring sufficient color contrast and using semantic HTML help create a more usable and inclusive experience for all users.

Who Is Responsible?

Accessibility is a shared responsibility across the university. Individuals responsible for web accessibility include:

• Faculty and staff who create, edit or manage website content for their college, department or unit
• Web editors and content contributors using the university’s content management system
• Web designers and developers responsible for templates, components and applications
• Departments selecting and using third-party tools and platforms

What Standards Must Be Met?

All SVSU websites, webpages and web-based tools, whether hosted on campus or by an outside vendor and used for university business, must conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.

Websites and applications must also provide a clear way for users to report accessibility barriers or request assistance, such as an accessibility contact email or support option.

These expectations align with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and university accessibility requirements.

Third-Party Content and Applications

If you use third-party content or tools, such as documents, videos, embedded media or external platforms, you are responsible for considering accessibility before sharing or publishing them.

Whenever possible:

• Use accessible versions of third-party content
• Avoid posting inaccessible documents when alternatives are available
• Provide an accessible alternative or contact option if accessibility cannot be ensured

SVSU evaluates accessibility during the selection and implementation of vendor systems and works to provide alternative access when barriers are identified.

Web Accessibility Best Practices

Use the following practices to help ensure your web content and applications are accessible:

Headings

Use descriptive headings to organize content. Headings should follow a logical order and should not skip levels.

Clear Language

Avoid directional instructions that rely on visual layout, such as “click the button on the right.” Use clear, descriptive language instead.

Links

Use descriptive link text that explains the destination or action. Avoid vague phrases such as “click here” or “learn more.” Regularly check and fix broken links.

Images

Provide meaningful alternative text for informative images. Describe the information or purpose of the image. Decorative images should use empty alt text (alt="").

Lists

Use bulleted or numbered lists to organize related information clearly.

Tables

Use tables only for data, not for layout. Include proper headers and use scope attributes to define relationships.

Media

Provide captions for video content and transcripts for audio. When visuals convey essential information, include audio descriptions or equivalent alternatives.