You may have personally signed to assure that these standards are being met. The text in federal grants typically references compliance with federal accessibility laws, such as the **Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Sections 504 and 508)** and the **Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)**. When an individual or institution applies for or accepts federal grant money, they agree to meet certain accessibility standards. While the exact wording may vary across different grants and agencies, the agreement usually includes language to the following effect:

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### Example General Language in Federal Grant Agreements:

1. **Compliance with Federal Laws:**
“The recipient agrees to comply with all applicable federal laws, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. §§ 794 and 794d), which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance and require the provision of accessible electronic and information technology.”

2. **Affirmation of Accessibility Efforts:**
“The recipient certifies that all programs, services, activities, and facilities funded under this grant will be accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines.”

3. **Continuous Accessibility Improvement:**
“The recipient affirms its ongoing commitment to advancing accessibility in its programs and services and to the development and implementation of strategies to achieve compliance with accessibility standards, including but not limited to WCAG 2.1 AA, Section 508, and ADA Title II and Title III.”

4. **Reporting and Accountability:**
“The recipient agrees to monitor compliance with accessibility requirements and to submit periodic reports as requested by the funding agency to demonstrate ongoing efforts and progress toward full accessibility.”

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### Key Takeaways:
– **Federal Compliance:** The university must demonstrate compliance with Section 504 (general nondiscrimination) and Section 508 (electronic accessibility for federal funds recipients).
– **Commitment to Accessibility:** Grant recipients affirm that they are actively working toward full accessibility in all operations impacted by federal funding.
– **Accountability:** Granting agencies may require documentation or assurances demonstrating these efforts.

 

And of course, even if you yourself have not signed such an agreement, the university itself takes federal money to operate. At least for now.