Laws and Policies

UMKC aims to design, develop and procure accessible digital communications and information technology and ensure compliance with accessibility laws. We are committed to providing digital access for all and ensuring that everyone can access the policies and procedures necessary to create a digitally accessible campus.

Policies and Procedures

The UMKC community, including faculty, staff, and students is responsible for familiarizing themselves with and complying with the digital accessibility policies relevant to their departments, courses, positions, etc.

• UM System Collected Rules and Regulations 600.090 Digital Accessibility Policy
• UMKC Digital Accessibilty Policy
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

Federal Laws

A New ADA Title II Rule approved by the federal government will take effect in April 2026.

These regulations will specifically address web content and mobile accessibility, emphasizing compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 AA standards for digital materials and products. 

• Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
  • Title I of the ADA
    • Requires state and local governments of any size and other employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants or employees.
  • Title II of the ADA
    • Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by public entities, including public colleges and universities, and requires that public entities provide equal access to all programs, activities, and services.
    • Requires that public entities provide what's known as 'effective communication.' This means that communication with individuals with communication disabilities or disorders is as effective as communication offered to those without disabilities. This can include providing an auxiliary aid or service, such as an alternative format of a document, a sign language interpreter, or allowing extra time for a person using a communication device.
  • Title III of the ADA
    • Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in places of public accommodation, including private postsecondary institutions.
    • Requires places of public accommodation to provide effective communication to people with communication disabilities or disorders.
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
  • Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities that receive federal funding.
• Revised Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d)
  • Requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology  accessible to people with disabilities.
  • The U.S. Federal Government adopted Web Content Accessibility Guides (WCAG) version 2.0 AA under revised Section 508.
  • To sell to the federal government, private entities have to offer accessible products and services.
    Applicable contracted service providers and federally funded programs and grants must adhere to Section 508.

Missouri Law

The Missouri Assistive Technology website states a Missouri State statute requires accessibility in the development, procurement, maintenance or use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) or when administering contracts or grants that include the procurement, development or upgrading of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The MO statute applies to public four-year and two-year colleges.

Please note that the legal information provided here is only in an abbreviated format for informational purposes. Though supplied in good faith that it represents accurate information, it should not be construed as authorized legal advice.