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Library Accessibility & Instruction Guide

A guide that compiles information about accessibility best practices for instruction, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), tutorials & resources, as well as accessibility of MSU library resources.

Purpose of this Guide

A guide for MSU Instructors that compiles: 

Why Use Library Resources

Why Use Library Resources in your Course: Access for All

  1. Ensure all MSU students have access to the materials for free with their NetID (including off-campus access for online resources);
  2. You can Embed Library resources in D2L 
  3. The Library makes our resources accessible to users to the best of our ability, so you don't have to.

For more resources, see our full MSU Library Research & Instruction Guide.

Accessibility & Instruction Digital Handout

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EVERYONE BENEFITS

"An accessible web benefits everyone... An accessible web gives people the flexibility to access digital materials in whatever way they need or want to." (Association of Research Libraries Web Accessibility Toolkit)

For example:

  • Providing multiple formats of instructional content helps those who need to access the content in a certain way, as well as all other students who can get the content in the best way for them.
  • Automatic door openers are helpful for mobility aids, and for pushing a full shopping cart.
  • Curb cuts on the sidewalk allow easy access for people with disabilities, and folks rolling a suitcase or stroller.
  • Closed captioning supports hearing impaired users, and also helps people follow along in noisy places like airports or restaurants.

WHY ACCESSIBILYT MATTERS

Student Success Depends on Access

Without access, students will not fully succeed, and as instructors, we strive to support student success.

You won’t know everyone who has a disability. Many disabilities are invisible, and students are not required to disclose a disability.

19%

Roughly one in five (1 in 5) undergraduate students have a disability according to the National Center for Education Statistics, compared to 26% of adults in the US, according to the CDC.

100%

Access Lab: everyone will experience a disability at some point in their life often during college, from situational and temporary disabilities such as an injury, to permanent disabilities like reduced eyesight.