By completing an online form before making IT purchases, employees ensure that technologies meet standards for usability and access for the public and students.
Digital accessibility begins with awareness and action across the UMB community. New federal regulations that take effect in April 2027 require public universities, including UMB, to ensure that their websites, course content, digital documents, and online tools are accessible to the public and students with disabilities to access our programs, services, and activities. We will be sharing information and tips in “The Elm Weekly.”
As part of UMB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the security, accessibility, and fiscal responsibility of our information technology environment, the University is implementing an IT Procurement Compliance and Security form. By completing this online form before making IT purchases, employees ensure that technologies meet standards for usability and access for the public and students.
Any UMB digital tool used by students or the public must meet accessibility standards. Always request a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) from vendors and involve IT accessibility early. A VPAT is a standardized document that vendors complete to explain how accessible their digital product is for people with disabilities. This prevents costly fixes later.
The compliance obligation falls on UMB, not the vendor. If our tools prevent accessibility, UMB is still accountable.
Learn how to choose vendors who prioritize accessibility and learn more about the VPAT.