OSU Minimum Web Accessibility Standards

The OSU Minimum Web Accessibility Standards (MWAS) were developed using the U.S. Access Board's Section 508 standards, supplemented by The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines developed by World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) as a benchmark for access to web based information and services. In conjunction with the OSU Web Accessibility Policy, the MWAS, which delineate the technical standards of compliance, were revised in 2004. The revised policy and standards went into effect June 30, 2004. All new and redesigned web pages created after June 30, 2004 should be fully compliant under the revised guidelines. Web pages published prior to June 30, 2004 are subject to revision through the "Implementation Priorities" as described in the policy.

In support of OSU's efforts to bring all university web pages into full compliance with the revised standards, the WAC has created a number of different resources for designers, managers, and users. In this section you will find:

Detailed Guide to the Standards: This guide includes detailed explanations of the standards as revised and in effect beginning 06/30/2004. Here you will find the full text of each standard, dos and don'ts for implementing the standards, explanations for why the standards exist and how they affect users of assistive technology, and suggestions for how to incorporate the standards in your web site. Each standard also includes a "Get more help" section with a link to relevant information and code examples.

MWAS F.A.Q.: As users bring us their questions, desires for clarifications, and technical problems in attempting to meet the standards, we post our responses, ideas, and workarounds. Have a difficult compliance issue on your web pages? Find your answer in the FAQ.

MWAS Reporting: Part of the revised Accessibility Policy includes a reporting requirement to help all OSU units identify compliant and non-compliant pages and formulate a plan for retrofitting existing pages under the new "Implementation Priorities." The WAC has created this sample reporting template to help units identify the data necessary to meet the reporting requirements. Reporting units are not required to use this template, but may submit equivalent information in an alternate format.

Streaming Videos: The WAC is pleased to make available two videos covering the OSU Web Accessibility Policy and the OSU Minimum Web Accessibility Standards. These videos are from a workshop offered by the ADA Coordinator's Office and the WAC in June 2004. Each video is roughly one hour long and can be viewed from your desktop. Want to watch offline? Email the WAC and request a copy of the DVD. Please specify whether you want Policy, Standards, or both.

Note: Videos require Windows Media Player to view online.

Web Access Awards: The Web Access Awards were initiated as a way to recognize faculty, departments, colleges and programs that meet the University's standards for accessible web design while demonstrating excellence in design and communication. Know a site that might deserve recognition (including your own)? Learn more about the awards and nominate a site online at the ADA Coordinator's web site: About the Web Access Awards.

Additional Resources: Includes links to other OSU units and programs related to web design and the Accessibility Policy and Standards.