By April 24, 2026, digital content across the University of Missouri System must meet web accessibility requirements.

• Providing content that is usable by everyone results in higher-quality content and will create inclusive experiences for all users.
• The Department of Justice’s rule on digital accessibility under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires that public entities provide fully accessible digital content.
• We must meet the technical standards under the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1 Level AA.

This change is important because it will remove barriers and will provide equitable access to our content to all members of our university community.

• Beyond just the legal requirement for accessible content, we have a moral responsibility to provide access to everyone, including individuals with disabilities.
• Designing accessible content will promote equity and will enhance the recruitment and retention of individuals with disabilities.
• Digital accessibility empowers all users, including those with disabilities. By ensuring that websites, mobile apps, and technologies are usable by everyone, we’re creating inclusive experiences that benefit users with vision, hearing, physical and cognitive conditions.

Ensuring our content is accessible is a significant undertaking, so we’re offering tools and resources to streamline how content creators can make their digital content accessible now and into the future.

For university websites

• DubBot: Web and content editors have access to a tool called DubBot to identify and resolve accessibility issues on public-facing websites. The tool is administered by MU Digital Service, who provides training and access to the tool.

For course content in Canvas

• Missouri Online: Missouri Online offers resources for creating accessible course content in Canvas, including the Universal Design Online Content Inspection Tool (UDOIT). Visit Missouri Online’s accessibility site to learn more about this and other tools.

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility is the ability of a website, mobile application, video or electronic document to be easily used by a wide range of people, including those who have visual, auditory, dexterity or cognitive disabilities who use assistive technology.

Why is digital accessibility important?

We’re dedicated to making digital accessibility an integral part of our identity and culture. By ensuring that our content is accessible, we’re building a framework for sustainable and high-quality content. As an academic system, removing barriers is our institutional responsibility. We have a moral obligation to provide access to everyone, including individuals with disabilities.

What are the objectives of this initiative?

All online content operated by public entities, including the University of Missouri System, must be made accessible by April 2026. This primarily impacts three areas at the university: websites (including social media), web/mobile applications and academic course content.

Do all pieces of content need to be accessible? Are there exceptions?

In short, all content and applications accessed through a computer or mobile device must be made accessible, though there are five exceptions to the federal regulations. The following content types do not need to be made accessible:

• Preexisting social media posts
• Archived web content
• Preexisting conventional electronic documents
• Content hosted by a third party that is not contracted through the university
• Password-protected, individualized documents

Who is leading this initiative?

Each university in the system has launched a digital accessibility task force. These groups have formed action teams focused on addressing key areas, including academic course content, IT procurement, website accessibility, libraries, and training and outreach.

Will the Digital Accessibility Task Force project team be responsible for managing unit compliance with accessibility requirements for course content, digital content, websites and applications?

While the Digital Accessibility Task Force is the backbone providing the necessary frameworks, tools and support, the responsibility to manage unit compliance resides with each unit.

The Digital Access website offers several resources to help you achieve accessibility for a variety of content types.

• Audio and Video
• Email
• Newsletters
• Spreadsheets
• Presentations
• Documents
• PDFs
• Social Media
• Websites
• Check for Accessibility
• Apply Design Concepts