Issue link: https://essentialaccessibility.ufcontent.com/i/1422383
Which Regulations and Guidelines Must Healthcare Providers Comply With? The Affordable Care Act, Section 1557 Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) states that any health program that received funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services must make its information, services, and facilities accessible. This includes websites, online help tools, and online bill payment systems. Section 1557 also requires covered entities to provide "appropriate auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities." For example, these aids can include making your online documents available in large-print or Braille. The Americans with Disabilities Act The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990. It "prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation". Title II of the ADA's Standards for Accessible Design requires state and local governments to "ensure that communications with individuals with hearing, vision, or speech impairments are as effective as communications with others." The communication section does not explicitly mention the Internet or information technology. Meanwhile, Title III states that, "a public accommodation must provide auxiliary aids and services when they are necessary to ensure effective communication with individuals with hearing, vision, or speech impairments." In the near future, the Department of Justice is expected to rule on whether organizations must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act was amended in 1998. The legislation requires federally funded entities to make their electronic and information technology accessible, or provide an alternative, for persons with disabilities. A recent amendment to Section 508 went into effect on March 20, 2017. By January 18, 2018, organizations must ensure that all of their information and communication technology conforms with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level A and Level AA standards. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 WCAG 2.0 are the universally accepted technical guidelines for web accessibility. They contain three levels: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. Level AA is recommended for most standards and regulations. 6 | essentialaccessibility.com