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J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library

Guide to Course Materials at Michigan Tech

What is Accessibility?

Accessibility is the degree to which a document, website, product, service, or environment is usable to any given user, including those with a disability. Instructional materials posted in the Canvas learning management system are accessible if they are usable by everyone, including those who use assistive technologies like a screen reader or screen magnifier. This is an example of digital accessibility; an electronic document without barriers to the information it contains. 

Importance of Accessibility

When instructional materials are accessible everyone benefits from features like:

  • Content is usable on any device (laptop, tablet, phone)
  • Content can be modified for optimal use (adjust text size, contrast, color)
  • Layout can be adapted
  • Volume, playback rate and timing of multimedia can be adjusted
  • Colors can be modified to enhance perception

Students: Information and Tools

Students who need accessible course materials are encouraged to speak with their instructor and reach out to Student Disability Services, part of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success. 

Student Disability Services at Michigan Tech is available to all students and provides academic support, temporary, and ongoing accommodations for those students with documented needs. If a student does not have documentation of a disability but is seeking information or support we encourage them to visit with our Coordinator of Student Disability Services to discuss their options. All students interested in either obtaining accommodations or discussing their options should make an appointment as early as possible in their first semester.

Tools: Coming Soon!

Accessibility Tools for Instructors

Canvas tools:

Legal Considerations

Michigan Technological University policy 1.15- Accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT) supports an inclusive teaching and learning environment where everyone can access and use course materials and information, and participate in course assignments and activities designed to help them meet learning goals.  Federal laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the 1998 amendment to this act (Section 508), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), specify rights for people with disabilities and requirements for information and communication technologies (ICT).  In January 2018, the technical requirements of Section 508 were aligned with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 (A/AA conformance level).  Michigan Tech has adopted these guidelines to measure, coordinate and implement compliance with the Accessible ICT policy.