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HHS Delay 2027 HHS Delay 2027

HHS Digital Accessibility Deadlines Pushed Out by One Year to May 2027

Just four days before the deadline, the Department of Health and Human Services has announced that they will be pushing out the deadline for healthcare organizations to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards by one year. The new deadlines for compliance are now May 11, 2027 for organizations with 15 or more employees, and May 11, 2028 for organizations with 15 or less employees.

If this new rule and these deadlines are all news to you, here’s more information about the HHS rule on digital accessibility. If you’re well aware of the deadlines and wondering how the extended deadline should change your plan, read on!

What does the HHS digital accessibility deadline extension mean for your organization?

Because the digital accessibility rule is so extensive, this deadline extension gives healthcare organizations valuable time to evaluate their digital communications, identify resources and tools, budget accordingly and determine their one-year remediation plan.

For organizations large and small, this remediation will take time. Right now is the best time to put together or finish executing your plan.

Website Accessibility

Audit your current website’s accessibility using both automated scanning (like the WAVE checker) and manual testing. Determine if your current website can be remediated or if a website redesign is the best option. Identify a tool or a process to continue to scan and remediate errors on your website as pages and content are updated over time.

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Other Digital Assets

Remember that HHS’ rule applies to all forms of digital communication, including videos, PDFs, social media, emails and even digital health tools, like your online patient portal. Ensuring you’ve improved your internal practices or properly vetted the accessibility practices of your vendors is critical. Any documents and videos you have on your website or your owned channels must be revisited and remediated to be fully accessible. And you’ll need to revisit contracts and accessibility practices with each of your digital health vendors.

What if I’ve already done remediation and have an ongoing digital accessibility plan?

Great news! You’re prepared for the deadlines. In the meantime, you can refine and perfect your processes around new employee or vendor onboarding, ensuring that digital accessibility is managed well into the long term.

Given that 70 million Americans have a recognized disability, you also have an early advantage over many other organizations with inaccessible experience. By creating a better user experience for ALL patients, you will acquire and retain more patients. You will also help create better health outcomes for individuals with disabilities by offering a better digital front door.

How do I get started?

If you’re unsure where your organization stands, we can help! Setup a time to chat with us about the digital accessibility deadlines and evaluate your organization’s current status.

We offer accessible web design and ongoing accessibility monitoring for organizations large and small, as well as audits to help you develop your plan.

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