Website accessibility statement

Website Accessibility Statement

Messiah University is committed to making our website accessible to the widest possible audience, ensuring that all users can easily access, engage with, and benefit from our content.

Our goal is to provide an inclusive digital experience for all web users.

Commitment to Accessibility Standards

We actively work towards compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines as outlined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These standards help ensure our web content is accessible to users with disabilities, including those relying on assistive technologies.

Our efforts include:

• Ensuring all navigational elements, forms, and content are compatible with screen readers and fully navigable with or without a mouse or keyboard.
• Providing text enhancement tools, such as font resizing and contrast management, via our accessibility settings page for users with visual impairments.
• Continuously improving our site through user feedback, regular testing, and accessibility tools.

Request for Accessibility Reports

We regularly monitor and update our website’s accessibility. To request our latest accessibility reports or for more detailed information about our efforts, please contact us at webmaster@messiah.edu.

Continuous Improvement

Messiah University is dedicated to maintaining and improving web accessibility. We conduct regular testing and training, using tools like Monsido and Digital Wave to ensure that our site remains usable and compliant with accessibility standards.

Contact Us

If you encounter any barriers while using our website, or if you require content in an alternative format, please reach out to us at webmaster@messiah.edu. We are committed to addressing any accessibility concerns and providing the necessary support.

 

To ensure that Messiah University’s website remains accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, web editors and contributors must follow best practices for creating accessible content. Adhering to these guidelines not only ensures compliance with accessibility standards but also improves the overall user experience for everyone

Use Descriptive Alt Text for Images

• Every image on the website must include alt text that describes the image in detail for users relying on screen readers. The description should convey the purpose or content of the image.
• Please do not use the file name, program name, etc for your image alt text. 
• Be concise yet informative, keeping your alt text to 150 characters or less. Avoid phrases like “image of” or “picture of” and instead describe the key elements or purpose of the image like “Students studying in the library” rather than “Image of students.” 

Structure Content with Proper Headings

• Use proper heading levels - H1 for titles, H2 for section headings, H3 for subsections, etc. to create a clear and logical structure. Headings help users navigate content easily, especially those using screen readers.
• Do not use heading levels to style your page or simply to change the font or look of your page.
• Do not skip heading levels (e.g., do not go from H1 to H3). This disrupts the flow of content for users and assistive technologies.

Ensure Keyboard Accessibility

• All content should be fully accessible via a keyboard. This is especially important for users who cannot use a mouse and rely on keyboard navigation.
• Test your pages by navigating solely with the "Tab" and "Enter" keys to ensure that all links, buttons, and forms can be accessed without a mouse.

Create Accessible Links

• Links should be descriptive and clearly indicate their purpose. Avoid using vague text like “Click here” or “Read more.”
• Use meaningful link text that describes what the user will find if they click the link. Contextualize. If you only could read the link text on the page, would you still understand the context of it? 
• View our admissions requirements, Download the brouchure, Learn more about becoming a nurse... these are all example of approriate and accessible link anchor text. 

Ensure Adequate Color Contrast

• Ensure that text has sufficient contrast with its background. This improves readability for users with visual impairments, including color blindness.
• Use contrast checking tools, such as the one provided by WebAIM, to verify that your color choices meet accessibility standards (minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text).

Use Accessible Forms

• Forms must be properly labeled and easy to navigate with assistive technologies. Each field should have a visible label, and error messages should be clear and accessible.
• Use descriptive labels and provide error notifications that are easy to understand and navigate.

Avoid Excessive Use of PDFs

• PDFs are often not fully accessible and should be avoided unless necessary. When possible, create web-friendly content directly in the CMS rather than uploading PDFs.
• If a PDF must be used, ensure it is fully accessible, including properly tagged headings, alt text for images, and selectable text.

Provide Captions and Transcripts for Multimedia

• All video and audio content must have captions or transcripts to ensure it is accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Use tools like YouTube’s automatic captions as a starting point, but always manually review and edit for accuracy.

Stay Updated on Accessibility Guidelines

• Web accessibility standards are always evolving, so it’s important to stay informed about the latest guidelines and best practices.
• Attend any available training sessions provided by Web Services and stay up-to-date with WCAG guidelines.

By following these best practices, you help ensure that Messiah University’s website is inclusive, accessible, and user-friendly for all visitors. For additional resources or support, contact Web Services or visit the Web Help Form for further assistance.