Issue link: https://essentialaccessibility.ufcontent.com/i/1422383
Why Healthcare Providers Must Make Digital Accessibility a Top Priority Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare centers should make it as easy as possible for patients with disabilities to engage with them digitally. However, many healthcare providers may not know where to start with digital accessibility and ACA compliance. Since the ACA is a fairly new regulation and its future is uncertain, providers are often not clear on how to adhere to it. Failure to prioritize accessibility can lead to the following: • Damage to your reputation for not fully accommodating patients with disabilities. • Lawsuits from legal firms and advocacy groups. • The inability to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The maximum civil penalty for a first violation under title III from $55,000 to $75,000; for a subsequent violation the new maximum is $150,000. 7 • Loss of funding from the U.S. government for failing to comply with the ACA or Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act. • Patients choosing other healthcare providers that can better meet their needs. 7 ADA.gov, Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act 9 | essentialaccessibility.com