ADA Compliance in Missouri
ADA compliance in Missouri is the law, and it benefits not only your business but the entire community. Invest in web accessibility improvements as a critical step toward social responsibility and long-term success.
Missouri ADA Requirements
Missouri has implemented web accessibility laws to bridge the digital divide, promoting equal online access for individuals with disabilities by aligning with federal standards.
Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508
The Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA was set up in 1990 to eliminate the barriers that make it hard for individuals with disabilities to access places.
Many municipalities in Missouri, including the City of St. Louis, are actively developing ADA self-evaluation and transition plans to address barriers to accessibility in their buildings, properties, and public spaces that affect individuals with disabilities.
Also, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires government agencies to use accessible technology, which includes websites and multimedia, so that everyone has fair access to digital resources. This rule is not just for public agencies; it also influences many private companies.
Privately owned businesses need to follow these rules if they’re working as contractors for government agencies or getting funding from them. While businesses that don’t fit these criteria are not required to follow Section 508, any company with public websites still needs to make their digital platforms accessible under the ADA.
Missouri State ICT Standards
The Missouri State Information Communication Technology (ICT) Standards guide state agencies in supporting compliance with the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) Section 161.935 when developing, procuring, maintaining, or using ICT.
Issued by the Missouri Assistive Technology Inclusive Web Working Group, these standards emphasize accessibility for individuals with disabilities. They incorporate the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 and Section 508 standards.
The Missouri Assistive Technology Council (MATC), Information Technology Services Division (ITSD), and Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) collaborated to create and update these standards to promote universal design and enhanced accessibility.
Scope and Requirements
These standards mandate that all state agencies guarantee accessibility in public-facing and non-public-facing digital resources, including websites, documents, multimedia, and applications. Compliance with WCAG 2.1 levels A and AA is required, while level AAA is encouraged where feasible.
While Missouri's ICT Standards don't involve private businesses, these standards are built based on WCAG's P.O.U.R. principles. Thus, when digital resources are made perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, businesses can widen their customer base while respecting the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Risks of Noncompliance
Not making your website easy for everyone to use can really hurt your business in terms of money and your reputation. If you ignore rules like the ADA and Section 508, you might find yourself facing fines starting at $55,000 for the first slip-up and even hitting $110,000 for more problems after that.
You could also end up in lawsuits from individuals or advocacy groups, which can get really expensive with legal fights and settlements that can damage the way people view your brand. Plus, if your site is a struggle to navigate, it might make your customers less loyal, decrease their trust in you, and even cause a drop in your sales.
How To Make Sure Your Website Complies With Missouri Accessibility Standards
Take web accessibility seriously and achieve ADA compliance in Missouri with these vital measures:
- Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Hire a third-party expert to assess your website’s accessibility. The audit may identify issues like missing alt text, poor color contrast, and keyboard navigation problems.
- Implement Ongoing Accessibility Monitoring: Conduct regular audits to scan the website for compliance issues as new content is added. These tools detect common errors such as missing alt text, improper form labels, and navigation barriers.
Meeting accessibility standards at both national and local levels takes dedication and planning. Be Accessible is here to help you take a proactive approach. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive website audit, accessibility improvements, document remediation, or customized training, we offer the support you need to ensure compliance.
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