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.

  • 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.  

  • 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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • 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)

  • Events at MSU

     

    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.

    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.