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Consulting Services

Although automated validation tools can be of great assistance in evaluating a Web site’s accessibility, human expertise is also required. If your unit lacks this expertise in-house, and training is not a practical option, you may wish to contract with an expert evaluator. The contractor may be an MSU resource or it might be an outside service. Units should choose outside service providers carefully, checking references and asking for a portfolio of previous projects.

MSU Resources

Usability & Accessibility Center

MSU’s Usability and Accessibility Center offers:

  • Expert review of the usability and accessibility of your product based on pre-established criteria
  • Formal evaluation of the usability of your site by working directly with typical end-users
  • Research collaborations
  • Training in user-centered design techniques, evaluation methodologies, and accessibility compliance
  • Rental of state-of-the art facilities for meetings, focus groups, and videoconferencing

Contact the UAC for initial consultation and cost estimates.

Web
http://usability.msu.edu
E-mail
uac@msu.edu
Phone
(517) 353-8977
Location
Kellogg Center, Garden Level
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824

Virtual University Design and Technology (vuDAT)

vuDAT was established in 1996 to help MSU develop degree-granting and certificate programs that serve emerging markets. They collaborate with MSU departments free-of-charge on blended and fully online credit-bearing courses. Faculty who need assistance with evaluating or remediating their online course content (whether in ANGEL or otherwise) may wish to use vuDAT’s services.

Web
http://vudat.msu.edu
Phone
(517) 353-8977
Location
101 Wills House
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824

Communication and Information Technology (CIT)

CIT, a department of University Outreach and Engagement, provides Web site, information system, and database design and development services to MSU units, faculty, staff, and community partners in support of outreach and engagement work. CIT incorporates the latest design and development techniques integrating best practices related to usability and complying with WCAG and Section 508 guidelines for people with disabilities.

Techniques used in the design, development, and evaluation process can include:

  • Analysis of user requirements, including competitive analysis
  • Generation of user interface architecture
  • Creation of user interface prototypes
  • Testing of designs with representative end-users (in cooperation with the Usability & Accessibility Center)
  • Complete product delivery, maintenance, and hosting.
Web
http://outreach.msu.edu/cit
Phone
(517) 353-8977
Location
Kellogg Center, Garden Level
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824

University Relations (UR)

University Relations’ services are available to any campus unit wanting to develop or enhance its presence online. Sites are developed to meet Web accessibility standards, and an accessibility review is a standard step in our process. Sites may be either stand-alone or part of a larger communications project.

Web
http://ur.msu.edu
Phone
(517) 355-7505
Location
302 Olds Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824

Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities

MSU's Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities can be an invaluable resource when it comes to accessibility testing for those who rely on assistive technologies on a daily basis. RCPD has compiled a list of students and others who may be available for private consultations.

Contact Al Puzzuoli at (517) 884-1915 if you wish to take advantage of this end user experience.

Web
http://rcpd.msu.edu
Phone (Al Puzzuloli)
(517) 884-1915