Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 Coordinator

MSU's ADA and Section 504 Coordinator facilitates the University’s compliance with its Disability & Reasonable Accommodation, Anti-Discrimination, and Digital Accessibility policies, as well as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, Michigan’s Persons with Disabilities Act of 1975, and other laws and regulations prohibiting disability discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or interference with the exercise or enjoyment of ADA rights.  The ADA and Section 504 Coordinator consults with colleges, departments, units, students, employees, and others regarding access concerns, reviews employee and student appeals, and provides training and information on disability and accessibility compliance.


For more information regarding disability discrimination, harassment or retaliation, reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, assistive technology, building access, or other accessibility concerns, please contact Tracy Leahy, the ADA and Section 504 Coordinator.

  • Digital Accessibility

    Digital Accessibility Policy
    MSU is committed to facilitating access to university instruction, communication, research, and business processes while enhancing community building for the broadest possible audience. The university strives to employ principles of universal design and uses the Technical Guidelines and standards in the design, implementation, enhancement, and replacement of digital content and services. In doing so, MSU aims to improve access to both current and emerging technologies.

    Digital Accessibility Team
    The digital accessibility team leads digital accessibility initiatives and implementation at MSU. The digital accessibility team provides resources and tutorials for accessible web development, course, and content development, and reviews and evaluations of technology products and software for the MSU community.

    The Digital Accessibility Team consists of Dennis Bond (Digital Accessibility Coordinator), Josie Davidson (Accessibility Review Coordinator), Kristoffer Bakken (Accessibility Data Programer), and Liz McDaniel (Digital Accessibility Specialist).

    Digital Accessibility Liaisons
    The Digital Accessibility Liaisons are the primary accessibility representatives for each college and administrative unit. They are familiar with accessibility resources and policy compliance plans.

    Annual Self-Reviews
    In support of MSU’s commitment to digital accessibility, each Major Administrative Unit (MAU) is required to submit an Annual Self-Review. The Annual Self-Review process offers an opportunity for MAUs to report and assess changes in resource commitments, priorities, and approaches from year to year.

    Technical Guidelines
    MSU, in its commitment to providing accessible and usable digital content, has adopted the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 at Conformance Level AA as its official Technical Guidelines. Digital accessibility compliance and remediation reports will be required.

    Inaccessible Digital Content Report Form
    Content that MSU has created that is not fully accessible to individuals with disabilities can be reported to the digital accessibility team through the inaccessible digital content report form.

  • Accessibility Training

    RCPD Disability & Accommodation Training

    RCPD announces the creation of a self-enroll D2L course for MSU’s instructional staff. The primary purpose of the course is to help instructors become more informed about the experiences of disabled students and improve their effectiveness in facilitating accommodations.

    MSU Digital Accessibility Training

    Digital accessibility training is a great way to understand why accessibility is important, improve the accessibility of MSU content, and become familiar with MSU's Digital Accessibility Policy. The Office for Civil Rights can facilitate access to accessibility training for MSU employees.

  • Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy

    Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy
    The Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment against a qualified individual with a disability. The Policy describes the process for seeking reasonable accommodations to ensure equal employment opportunities and equal access to University programs, services, and facilities.  

    Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)
    RCPD leads MSU in maximizing the ability and opportunity for full participation by qualified individuals with disabilities. RCPD assesses and documents disabilities, and academic and workplace needs, and builds and facilitates individual plans for reasonable accommodations for students, faculty, and staff.  

  • Procurement and Development of Digital Content

    Procurement and Development of Digital Content

    It is the responsibility of every MSU unit to comply with the MSU Digital Accessibility Policy when designing, building, or purchasing websites, software, and other digital products and services. Digital accessibility compliance is ultimately the responsibility of the purchasing unit. Resources are available to assist MSU units while they verify a product's digital accessibility compliance and work with vendors to remediate any identified issues.

  • Barrier Free Access Statement

    Barrier Free Access Statement

    MSU is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. In this regard, MSU will continue to create and maintain an accessible physical environment.  Barriers to access may be reported via the Accessibility Suggestion Form.

  • Accessibility Resources

    Requesting Accommodations and Academic Adjustments

    If you are a student or employee at MSU, and you have a disability that substantially limits a major life activity, you can register with the RCPD and you may be eligible to receive accommodations. Please note this information is kept strictly confidential. Self-identification is voluntary. However, if you have a disability, not registering with the RCPD may delay or compromise the availability of accommodations. As many reasonable accommodations require significant pre-planning, registration with the RCPD prior to situations requiring accommodations is essential.

    Accessible Housing

    MSU offers a variety of housing options with accessible units and apartments throughout campus. Specific questions about accessible housing options should be discussed with an RCPD Specialist to determine which housing option will meet your needs.

    Dining and Dietary Concerns

    If you have dietary concerns, such as allergies or ingredient concerns, you should begin by consulting with the University Registered Dietitian. It may not be necessary to register with RCPD for dietary concerns, as the campus dietician can provide many resources to students to mitigate these concerns. 

    Commencement Accommodations

    Early arrival is strongly suggested for those who have special accommodation needs and who are seeking barrier-free parking.  The DOORS OPEN 1 HOUR before the ceremony start time. For disability accommodation questions, please contact the Breslin Center at (517) 432-1989

    Service Animal Policy

    Michigan State University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities and fulfilling obligations under State and Federal law. This Policy governs the use of service animals on campus by persons with disabilities.

    Assistance Animal in University Housing Policy

    A person may reside with a Service Animal in housing if the person has a disability and the animal meets the definition of a “Service Animal.” The Service Animal is permitted to accompany the resident to all areas of housing where residents are normally permitted to go.

    Guide to Hosting Accessible and Inclusive Events

    Hosting accessible and inclusive programs and events is not only a legal requirement, but the right thing to do. In addition, it is consistent with our values and in alignment with our 2030 Strategic Plan and Diversity Equity & Inclusion initiatives.

     

  • Reasonable Accommodation Appeal Form

    This form is used by students, employees, colleges, departments, units, and supervisors appealing a final accommodation determination of the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities or the Accommodation Specialist in the Office of Employee Relations to grant or deny an accommodation. Appeals must be filed within 30 calendar days of RCPD/Office of Employee Relations final accommodation determination. Appeals are filed with the ADA and Section 504 Coordinator. 

    Reasonable Accommodation Appeal Form (html)

  • Disability Programming and Events

    2024 Calendar of Disability-Related Dates

    Throughout the community, there is almost always something happening. Download this calendar to discover the many occasions, holidays, and awareness dates across 2024 in the US and globally.

    September 20, 2024

    MSU's Disability in Higher Education Summit held at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center.  Free to attend, registration is required.  

    August 1 - 30. 2024

    United Way of South Central Michigan is partnering with Disability Network Southwest Michigan to offer a 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge as an opportunity for our communities to learn, come together and break down the systems and biases that keep many people from living a flourishing, equitable life. You will receive one email a day throughout the month of August with links to videos, articles, podcasts and more!

    The Challenge kicks off August 1 with an email arriving in your inbox each weekday. Sign up before August 1.

    We hope you will share this opportunity with family, friends and coworkers, and we look forward to learning with you during the month of August!

    July 29, 2024

    Please join Disability Network Southwest Michigan for an in-person gathering next week to celebrate Disability Pride and 34 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities.

    July 26, 2024

    July 26, 2024, is the 34th anniversary of the signing of the ADA, a civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. The ADA makes sure people with disabilities have the same chances as everyone else at work, when using state and local government services,​ and ​when buying ​goods and services from places open to the public.
      
    To honor this important day:

    • The ADA National Network has created an ADA 34th Anniversary Tool Kit that lists events, publications, training, and much more. They will also host ADA 34 LIVE! Show your ADA and History Knowledge, where participants can answer questions about the ADA and its history and important disability rights leaders.
    • Staff from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice will host the ADA 34th Anniversary Update webinar. They will provide updates on their agencies' ADA-related activities, and attendees will have the chance to ask questions.

    July 25, 2024

    MDCR presents Celebrating 60 years of the Civil Rights Act

    Join MDCR for the MI Response to Hate (MIR2H) Campaign July 25 event celebrating the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This commemoration will feature community conversations in Grand Rapids, Flint, and Detroit. Residents from each city will share inspiring stories about their participation in the civil rights movement and reflect on where we stand today. Several esteemed speakers will participate, including Dr. Randall Jelks, Paul Mayhue, Kyle McCree, Charles Winfrey, Barbara Wynder, Al Allen, and YOU.

    Date/Time: July 25, 2024. Light dinner starts at 5:30 PM, followed by the program at 6:00 PM.

    Registration Link: https://ow.ly/zZLy50SzNFo

    Event locations:

    Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

    Gloria Coles Flint Library, 1026 E. Kearsley St., Flint, MI 48503

    Wayne State University Manoogian Hall, 906 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

    Accessibility: ASL and CART services provided. Registration process includes an opportunity to request further accommodation.

    June 9 - 12, 2024

    The National ADA Symposium has earned the reputation as the most comprehensive conference available on the Americans with Disabilities Act and related disability laws. The National ADA Symposium-Minneapolis will offer 93 sessions on a wide range of topics presented by nationally recognized experts on the ADA and disability issues. Click here for more information.

    May 16, 2024

    May 16th, 2024 marks the 13th annual celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). GAAD started with a single blog post written by a Los Angeles-based web developer, Joe Devon, and Jennison Asuncion, an accessibility professional from Toronto. This accessibility holiday is a global event that helps drive awareness for those who are new to accessibility.

    May 16, 2024

    A Conversation with Alice Wong. Workday is celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) by hosting a virtual conversation with disability activist, writer, media maker, and consultant, Alice Wong. Alice lost her ability to speak last year, but that doesn't mean she doesn't still have a lot to say. Register now to learn more about Alice's disability advocacy, views on digital accessibility, the importance of community in combating ableism, and more. Have a question for Alice Wong? Submit questions by Tuesday, April 30th.

    May 16, 2024

    WoodPress Accessibility Showcase.  In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), join us for a conversation about how different WordPress plugins and theme developers are working to improve and promote accessibility in their products. Register here.

    April 19, 2024 (Day 1) and May 1 (Day 2)

    Hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI), the conference will be held over two non-consecutive days (and will require two separate registrations). The first day, which will be entirely online, is intentionally scheduled to better accommodate student participation; featuring sessions that include student co-presenters or that elevate student voices. The second day, which will be entirely in-person, stands distinct from day one and will feature a different selection of sessions. Each day of the conference will have a pedagogy track and an educational technologies track, and each day each track emphasizes a specific focus content area.  Register here.

    April 17, 2024

    MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with the Council of Students with Disabilities, the Building Opportunities for Network and Discovery (BOND) Program, and Tower Guard invites you to a screening of Deej on campus this April. Deej follows a nonspeaking autistic man as he makes his way through high school and dreams of college, confronting the terrors of his past, obstacles to inclusion, and the sometimes paralyzing beauty of his own senses. In his advocacy on behalf of other nonspeaking autistics, he embraces filmmaking and poetry and discovers what having a voice can truly mean. Dinner will be provided for participants and a film discussion will follow the viewing.
    Where & when? STEM 2130. Wednesday April 17, 6:00-8:00 pm
    WHY? Through experiencing and discussing this film, we hope you will understand new perspectives and unpack biases surrounding disability. The film and discussion aim to tap into your beliefs and broaden your ideas about who can and can’t attend college, live independently, and make meaningful social connections. We hope you will find connections to the importance of disabled voices, accessibility, and equity in your work at MSU.
    What to expect? Accessibility? We will serve dinner and then watch the 72-minute film together. Catering from Chipotle will meet a variety of dietary needs (gluten/dairy free, vegetarian, vegan). Captions and audio descriptions will be available. If you have accommodation requests, please note these on the registration form.
    Register by April 15 here: https://forms.office.com/r/ycLJQKY0Kd

    March 29, 2024

    Learning Narratives from Students with Disabilities in STEM Classrooms.  Friday, March 29, 12-1:30pm, STEM 2110 or via ZOOM.  Panelists will include undergraduate and graduate students.  Lunch is included for those attending in person.  Register here.

    March 12, 2024

    Disability in Higher Education: Creating Inclusive Spaces for Students with Autism - Brad Cox, Assoc Professor, College of Education, founder of National College Autism Network - Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 10-11 am, ZOOM webinar.  Register here.

    March 6, 2024

    The Center for Ethical and Socially Responsible Leadership at the Broad College, The STRIDE Center at the College of Education, Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities at Michigan State University, and the Office of Faculty and Academic Staff Development at Michigan State University have collaborated up to put together a four-part series that focuses on bring both faculty and students together around a discussion of “Ethics of Accommodations” with a view to share best practices on ideas around accommodating students with disabilities in the university. These best practices are intended to incorporate diverse voices across both students and faculty. The series is supported by the Creating Inclusive Excellence Grant provided by the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion.  We are excited to host our panel presentation focusing on “Survive and Thrive as MSU Students with Disabilities” on March 6th from 4:30-5:30pm. This is a panel discussion where MSU educators and students will share insights and resources for how faculty can better advocate and support students with disabilities through accommodations. This event will be followed by a “community conversation” that will capture audience voices following each panel. Pizza will be provided.  We will be meeting in the Multi-Purpose Room in the Minskoff Pavilion in the Broad College of Business.  Register here.

     

     

     

     

Accessibility