UM System adopts revised digital accessibility policy

Over the past two years, we have made meaningful progress in integrating accessibility into our culture, course content and daily operations. We have revised UM System Digital Accessibility Policy 600.090 to reinforce our commitment and align us with the specific requirements included in federal regulations.

What this revised policy means:

Expectations apply immediately
Although federal enforcement deadlines have been extended, our institutional expectations have not. Under the revised policy, all newly developed digital content must be created with accessibility in mind. The policy clarifies roles and expectations for content creators across the University of Missouri System and reinforces our shared accountability. This policy applies to anyone in a university role who creates content, whether they are a professional communicator, educator, administrator or staff member.

Accessibility must be built into workflows
Digital accessibility is an ongoing practice, not a one-time effort. Creating accessible content from the outset:

  • Reduces the need for later remediation
  • Supports efficient, sustainable workflows
  • Reinforces our commitment to equitable access

Every individual who creates or manages digital content plays a role in removing barriers. Beyond compliance, this is about ensuring all members of our university community can fully engage with our resources. Creating content that is inaccessible not only creates barriers for users, but it can also expose the university to fines, litigation or other penalties under the ADA’s federal regulations.

Resources and support are available

To support this work, a variety of tools and resources are available systemwide to streamline accessibility efforts, including: