UMKC Institute for Human Development
Developing Unique Sites for Multiple UMKC-IHD Organizations
Website Design & Development
More Than Usability: Designing for Access
The University of Missouri-Kansas City's Institute for Human Development (UMKC-IHD) needed a unique approach to website design. Given their focus on designated services and support for individuals and families with developmental disabilities, it was particularly important to create sites where navigation and usability were not only easy, but followed the highest standards provided by Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
The IHD represents a set of programs, each created to support a specific group of individuals with distinctive requirements. SJC Marketing partnered with UMKC to create a site for each of these groups under the umbrella of IHD:
Mapping the Healing Journey
After Abuse: The IHD’s After Abuse program works to help restore individuals with disabilities who have experienced abuse. The site developed for After Abuse would require that design and content be sensitive to the trauma experienced by visitors, as well as being easy to navigate and present elements unlikely to trigger a visitor who has a history of abuse.
One of the important focal points and tools that SJC developed for the site was a map of the journey that an individual takes, with detailed steps provided that would lead them to relevant resources and support.
Making it Easy to Find Relevant Services
MODHP: The Missouri Disability and Health Program (MODHP) works to reduce health inequalities experienced by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as adults with mobility limitations. The new site included a key feature on the Community Organizations page: an interactive map that identifies partnerships with YMCAs in the area providing services to this population.
A Bilingual Approach to Support
Missouri Maternal Health Action Network: A statewide care and support system, this organization provides a connection point for mothers and families affected by substance misuse. A key priority for this site was providing services to support Spanish-speaking individuals, so all forms are now accessible with bilingual labels.
Growth Measures Become Visually Accessible
Quality Assurance Report: The State of Missouri provides the Quality Assurance Report (QAR) via a system designed to acknowledge early learning and educational programs throughout the state. Participation in the report is voluntary, but provides programs focused on early learning instruction, school-based preschools and family childcare with a universal point of entry where they can pursue growth. SJC’s design of the new site included a focus on highlighting numbers and statistics, as well as an interactive map of the Quality Journey, providing a visual model of an in-depth growth framework.
Families Helping Families
Missouri Family to Family: This statewide center provides resources paired with a staff of experts with lived experience. Their tools, resources, training and peer support offer benefits to individuals with disabilities as well as their families and supporters.
Missouri Family to Family wanted a site where vibrant colors would showcase the important support they offer. They particularly wanted to highlight the Green Folder Impact, a comprehensive directory where users can find services, education and community supports. The site also included a designated place to showcase upcoming events, complete with registration features.
Choosing the Right Web Development Solution
When an organization like UMKC—IHD invests in a website design, they prioritize a service provider well-versed and experienced in WCAG standards. SJC Marketing provided the commitment to supporting the user experience of individuals with disabilities paired with technological and design expertise that a statewide organization needs and expects.
