Laws, Policies and Standards

The University of Missouri strives to design, develop and procure accessible digital communications and information technology and provide digital access for all. We aim to ensure everyone has access to the policies and procedures necessary to create a digitally accessible campus for all users by proactively adopting improved accessibility policies at the campus and system levels.

Please take time to review the policies below:

In addition to institutional policies, the University must also follow applicable state and federal accessibility laws.

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. Contact General Counsel for official legal advice.

Mizzou Web Accessibility Standards

The Web Standards Subcommittee produced the MU Web Accessibility Standards (PDF) through a collaborative effort in 2016. These standards were collected to bring together industry guidelines and federal law. The standards are not included in the Business Policy and Procedure Manual but are a living addendum to the Digital Accessibility Policy.

Principles and Guidelines

Mizzou adopted the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.0 AA. WCAG is the international standard that defines making Web content more accessible to people with disabilities and is organized around the four principles of accessibility for web content, also known as POUR. Each principle has a set of guidelines and conformance levels that determine accessibility.

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 and universities.

Federal Laws

  • 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 II of the ADA: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all public entities, including public colleges and universities, regardless of whether they receive federal funding.
    • Title III of the ADA: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in places of public accommodation, including private postsecondary institutions.
    • Explore the Department of Justice’s published guidance on web accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities that receive federal funding.
  • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities.