Web Resource Accessibility

Principles

All web-based information and services provided on inter/intra/extranet resources by the University of Kansas Medical Center will be accessible pursuant to Federal and state law.

Background/Purpose

The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 Section 508 and the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), guarantee effective communication with all persons who have disabilities. Accessibility guidelines for web-based information were developed by the State of Kansas Information Technology Board in 2000 and are reflected in the Information Technology Executive Council Policy (ITEC) #1210. This policy governs the development and maintenance of web resources for all state agencies in Kansas.

The University of Kansas Medical Center is obligated by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, the ADA and ITEC Policy #1210 to ensure effective communication with persons who have disabilities. Covered entities generally communicate through print, audio, and computerized media, such as the Internet.

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all official web resources developed and maintained or hosted by the University of Kansas Medical Center that publicize programs or activities or deliver services to the general public, students, residents or employees.

Definitions

The University of Kansas Medical Center adopts the definitions outlined in the State of Kansas ITEC Policy #1210.

Procedures

1. Web resource managers must gain a working knowledge of web-based accessibility guidelines through self-instruction, consultation or training from the Internet Development staff or the ADA Coordinator.
2. Web resource managers may seek the assistance of the University Internet Development staff for technical assistance to comply with state and Federal regulations.
3. New resources will be designed to comply with state and Federal accessibility guidelines.
4. Existing resources will be upgraded to comply with state and Federal accessibility guidelines with the assistance of the Internet Development staff and/or the ADA Coordinator as required.
5. The Internet Development staff will monitor web resources to assure ongoing compliance with state and Federal guidelines and assist with upgrades as required.
6. Web resources that do not comply with state or Federal guidelines will be removed until necessary revisions are made and compliance is achieved.

Exemptions

• Educational materials designed for students enrolled in KUMC degree programs. Students seeking accommodation per the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding any aspect of curriculum delivery should contact the Equal Opportunity Office.
• Educational materials designed for Continuing Education courses with a defined, targeted audience. Continuing Education participants seeking accommodation per the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding any aspect of the course should contact the Equal Opportunity Office.
• Personal sites of students and employees hosted on KUMC servers

Related Policies or Documents

• Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, Section 508
• State of Kansas ITEC Policy #1210
• Faculty and Unclassified Staff Handbook
• KUMC Internet Development Guidelines

For Assistance and/or Clarification

Jameson Watkins
Director, Internet Development
(913) 588-7387

Carol Wagner
ADA Coordinator
(913) 588-7813