Healthcare Digital Accessibility
Healthcare providers face unique accessibility challenges and heightened compliance requirements. Accessible digital services are essential for equitable patient care.
High-Risk Sector
Healthcare represents 15% of accessibility lawsuits. Patient portal and telehealth accessibility issues create significant legal exposure and can directly impact patient outcomes.
Why Healthcare Accessibility Matters
1 in 4 Adults
Have some type of disability that may affect how they access healthcare information online
Higher Rates
People with chronic conditions and older adults (frequent healthcare users) have higher disability rates
Applicable Laws
ADA Title III
Private hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers are "places of public accommodation" under ADA Title III. Websites and digital services must be accessible.
Learn About Title IIISection 504 & ADA Title II
Public hospitals and healthcare providers receiving federal funding (Medicare, Medicaid, HHS grants) must comply with Section 504 and, for government entities, ADA Title II.
Learn About Title IIHIPAA
While HIPAA doesn't specifically address accessibility, providing accessible formats for health information is essential for equitable access. Consider accessibility when implementing HIPAA-compliant systems.
Key Areas of Focus
Patient portals must be fully accessible to ensure all patients can:
- View medical records and test results
- Schedule and manage appointments
- Request prescription refills
- Communicate with healthcare providers
- Pay bills and manage accounts
- Complete intake forms and health questionnaires
Common Issues:
- CAPTCHAs without accessible alternatives
- Complex multi-step forms without proper error handling
- PDF documents that are not screen reader accessible
- Time-limited sessions without warnings
Telehealth accessibility is critical for equitable healthcare access:
- Video conferencing: Keyboard accessible controls, proper focus management
- Deaf/hard-of-hearing: Real-time captioning, ASL interpreter integration
- Visual impairments: Screen reader compatible interfaces
- Cognitive considerations: Clear instructions, simple navigation
- Motor impairments: Alternative input methods, adjustable timing
Online scheduling systems must be accessible:
- Date/time pickers with keyboard accessibility
- Clear labels and instructions
- Accessible calendar widgets
- Confirmation emails in accessible formats
- SMS/text alternatives for phone-only reminders
Educational health content accessibility:
- Video content with captions and audio descriptions
- Infographics with text alternatives
- PDFs with proper tagging and reading order
- Plain language summaries for complex information
- Multiple formats (text, audio, video) when possible
Effective Communication Requirements
Under ADA and Section 504, healthcare providers must provide "effective communication" with patients who have disabilities:
For Deaf/Hard of Hearing
- Qualified sign language interpreters
- Real-time captioning (CART)
- Video relay services
- Written materials in accessible formats
For Blind/Low Vision
- Screen reader accessible documents
- Large print materials
- Braille (upon request)
- Audio descriptions of visual content
Common Enforcement Cases
Kent Hospital (2023)
Rhode Island hospital settled with DOJ after denying effective communication to a deaf patient. Required to pay $35,000, implement new policies, and train staff.
MedStar Health (2024)
DOJ filed complaint against Maryland/DC healthcare system for ADA violations. Case pending.
Lessons Learned
- Communication access must be provided promptly
- Staff training is essential
- Digital services must be equally accessible
- Documentation of accessibility efforts matters
Compliance Checklist
Healthcare Quick Stats
- Lawsuit Share
- 15% of accessibility cases
- Key Platforms
- Patient portals, telehealth, scheduling
- Applicable Laws
- ADA Title III, Section 504, state laws
- Standard
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA