Issue link: https://essentialaccessibility.ufcontent.com/i/1422383
Introduction According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 61 million Americans have a disability. 1 Although persons with disabilities make up 26 percent of the U.S. population, they don't receive the same quality healthcare as able-bodied Americans. Patients with physical or cognitive disabilities are less likely to receive preventative services, are less satisfied with their care, and incur higher costs than abled patients. 2 Healthcare providers have an opportunity to make their services more accessible, beginning with the information on their websites. We recently conducted a research project that examined accessibility on healthcare system websites. We found that providers have a long way to go to comply with standards, such as the Affordable Care Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. This white paper outlines the findings from our research, as well as best practices for digital accessibility. 1, 2 CDC, Disability Impacts Us All Who Will Benefit From Reading This White Paper? This document is for healthcare providers that want to identify their accessibility gaps, so they can give patients with disabilities a seamless digital experience. It will assist: • Digital marketers and CMOs • Website administrators and IT professionals • Compliance professionals • Disability and accessibility services professionals 2 | essentialaccessibility.com