How to Make Your Medical Website ADA Compliant

Marta Alexandrovna
Oct 16
11 min read

Updated: Oct 20

Ensuring your medical website meets ADA compliance is essential for accessibility and avoiding legal risks. ADA compliance ensures individuals with disabilities can use your website effectively. This involves adhering to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, which focus on making websites perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Key steps include:

Conducting an Accessibility Audit: Use tools like WAVE or Google Lighthouse to identify issues. Pair automated scans with manual testing using screen readers and keyboard navigation.
Fixing Common Issues: Add alt text for images, improve color contrast, ensure keyboard navigation works, and provide captions for multimedia.
Maintaining Compliance: Regularly audit your site, train staff, and stay updated with evolving standards.

ADA compliance also complements HIPAA by ensuring secure, accessible patient portals. It’s not just about meeting regulations - it improves user experience for all patients. MedElite Agency offers solutions to help healthcare providers build and maintain compliant websites.

Key Features to Implement:

Screen reader compatibility
Accessible forms and multimedia
Proper heading structures
Logical navigation

Commit to accessibility to build trust, expand your patient base, and deliver better care online.

ADA Website Compliance Guide: Accessibility and the Law

ADA Standards and Guidelines for Medical Websites

Understanding ADA standards is essential for creating a digital experience that welcomes everyone. These guidelines provide a clear framework to help healthcare practices ensure their websites are accessible to all patients. Below, we break down the key standards and requirements for achieving ADA compliance.

WCAG 2.1 Level AA Standards Overview

In the U.S., ADA compliance for websites is largely based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines set the bar for accessibility and are widely used to evaluate whether websites meet the necessary requirements.

WCAG 2.1 Level AA provides a balanced approach for healthcare websites. While Level A includes basic accessibility features, it often falls short of meeting the needs of patients with disabilities. On the other hand, Level AAA introduces stricter requirements that can sometimes compromise the website's design and overall usability. Level AA strikes a middle ground, ensuring accessibility without sacrificing functionality or visual appeal.

The guidelines are built around four key principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. These principles guide the technical and design elements that make websites accessible, ensuring patients can easily interact with features like appointment booking or accessing health-related content.

Required Accessibility Features for Websites

To meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, healthcare websites should incorporate the following features:

Screen Reader Compatibility: Structure your website's HTML and include descriptive text to ensure screen readers can effectively interpret and relay content.
Keyboard Navigation: Make all functionalities accessible via keyboard, with clear focus indicators and a logical tab order that aligns with the visual layout.
Alternative Text for Images: Add descriptive text to images so patients relying on screen readers can understand visual content.
Color Contrast Ratios: Use text contrast ratios of at least 4.5:1 (or 3:1 for larger text) and avoid relying solely on color to convey important information.
Accessible Forms: Create forms with clear labels, detailed instructions, and effective error messaging for tasks like appointment scheduling or submitting medical histories.
Accessible Multimedia Content: Provide captions for videos and audio descriptions when necessary, ensuring all patients can access multimedia information.

Recent Changes in ADA Regulations

Recent updates to ADA regulations have highlighted the growing importance of digital accessibility, especially for healthcare providers. Regulatory agencies now emphasize that websites and mobile applications serving as public accommodations must be accessible under Title III of the ADA. This applies even when specific technical standards are not explicitly provided. These updates serve as a reminder that prioritizing accessibility is essential to ensure equal access to healthcare services for all patients, regardless of ability.

Step-by-Step Process to Make Your Website ADA Compliant

Making your website ADA compliant ensures equal access for all users and helps reduce legal risks. Here’s a clear process to identify issues, fix them, and maintain compliance over time.

How to Conduct an Accessibility Audit

Before diving into fixes, you need to assess your website’s current accessibility. An audit helps pinpoint barriers that may prevent users from accessing your content.

Start with automated tools to get an overview of potential issues. Tools like WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) by WebAIM can scan your site for common problems like missing alt text, poor color contrast, or structural flaws. Just enter your site’s URL, and the tool will highlight areas needing attention. However, automated tools can miss some issues, so they should be paired with other methods.

Use manual testing to catch what automation might overlook. Try navigating your website using only the Tab key. Can you reach every button, link, and form field? Is there a visible indicator showing your location on the page? For example, attempt to book an appointment or complete a form using just the keyboard - this often exposes navigation issues that automated tools can’t detect.

Test with screen readers to understand how visually impaired users experience your site. Use built-in screen readers like Narrator or VoiceOver to hear how your content is presented. Are images described accurately? Are form fields labeled clearly? This step ensures your site makes sense when experienced audibly.

Check color contrast ratios with tools like the Colour Contrast Analyser to ensure your text meets accessibility standards: a 4.5:1 ratio for normal text and 3:1 for larger text. For an extra test, view your homepage in grayscale to ensure important information is still clear without color.

Document your findings by listing every issue in a spreadsheet, noting its location and severity. This becomes your guide for making improvements and tracking progress.

How to Fix Accessibility Problems

Once your audit is complete, tackle the issues in order of importance. Start with critical barriers that block users from accessing essential services like appointment booking or patient portals.

Add descriptive alt text to all meaningful images. For decorative images, use empty alt attributes (alt="") so screen readers can skip them.
Ensure interactive elements are keyboard-friendly, with visible focus indicators and a logical tab order. Complex elements like dropdowns or modals should be fully navigable via keyboard commands.
Improve form accessibility by using clear labels for all form fields. Properly associate labels with controls using the HTML element, and provide instructions before users encounter fields - not just error messages after submission. Indicate required fields in the label text, avoiding reliance on color or symbols alone.
Adjust color contrast to meet WCAG guidelines. This might involve darkening text or lightening backgrounds. Avoid using color as the sole means of conveying information; pair it with text or icons.
Structure your content with proper heading tags (H1, H2, H3) in a logical order. This helps screen readers navigate efficiently. Use HTML landmarks like , , and to define main content areas.
Ensure videos include captions and audio content has transcripts. Captions benefit users who are deaf or hard of hearing and are useful in environments where audio isn’t practical.

How to Stay Compliant Long-Term

Fixing initial issues is just the beginning. Maintaining ADA compliance requires ongoing effort and vigilance.

Schedule regular audits to ensure your site remains accessible as you add or update content. Train your team on accessibility best practices so everyone understands their role in maintaining compliance.
Monitor accessibility continuously with tools that alert you to new issues. This proactive approach helps address problems before they escalate.
Keep detailed documentation of your efforts, including audit results, fixes, and monitoring activities. This not only tracks progress but also demonstrates your commitment to accessibility.
Stay updated on evolving standards. Accessibility guidelines and legal requirements change over time. Follow reputable organizations, subscribe to newsletters, and join communities focused on accessibility in healthcare to stay informed.
Plan for accessibility in website updates or redesigns. Incorporate accessibility requirements from the beginning instead of retrofitting them later. Evaluate plugins, tools, and features for accessibility before adding them to your site.
Provide a way for users to report accessibility issues. Include clear contact information for accessibility concerns, and respond quickly to feedback. Real-world input from users can reveal challenges that technical audits might miss.

Tools and Resources for Website Accessibility

Equipping your medical practice with the right tools and resources can make achieving ADA compliance much more manageable. These tools not only help identify accessibility issues but also ensure your website meets patient needs and maintains compliance over time.

Accessibility Testing Tools

Several tools are available to evaluate and improve your website's accessibility:

WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool): This free tool allows you to enter your website URL and highlights accessibility errors. It also provides clear explanations, making it easy for non-technical staff to understand and address issues.
Google Lighthouse: Built into Chrome's developer tools, Lighthouse performs accessibility audits on any webpage. It generates a score along with specific recommendations, offering a streamlined way to identify and fix problems.
axe DevTools: A browser extension designed to detect WCAG violations, axe DevTools provides detailed explanations and is particularly effective for scanning dynamic web content.
Accessibility Checker by CKSource: Integrated directly into your content editing interface, this tool checks for accessibility issues as you create or update content, such as patient resources, blog posts, or service information.
Colour Contrast Analyser: This tool ensures your text meets WCAG AA or AAA contrast standards, improving readability for users with visual impairments.

These tools provide actionable feedback, making it easier to maintain and improve accessibility on an ongoing basis.

Assistive Technologies Patients Use

Understanding the tools your patients rely on can guide your design decisions and enhance usability:

JAWS (Job Access With Speech): A widely used screen reader that reads website content aloud and offers keyboard navigation shortcuts. Testing your site with JAWS ensures features like forms and appointment systems are accessible.
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access): Similar to JAWS, this free screen reader has its own unique commands and is a popular choice for users seeking a cost-free option.
VoiceOver: Built into Apple devices, VoiceOver users rely on gestures and touch commands for navigation. A seamless mobile experience is crucial for these users.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking: This voice recognition software helps patients with mobility challenges navigate websites through voice commands. Clear, descriptive labels for buttons and links are essential for effective voice navigation.
ZoomText: Designed for users with low vision, ZoomText magnifies on-screen content. Ensuring your website remains functional and easy to navigate, even when elements are enlarged, is critical.

Awareness of these assistive technologies helps you create a more inclusive experience for all users.

Checklists and Guides for Healthcare Teams

To support your ADA compliance efforts, leverage checklists and guides that simplify the implementation of accessible practices:

The WebAIM WCAG 2 Checklist: This resource breaks down WCAG standards into actionable items. It's especially helpful for team members without a technical background, offering examples and testing recommendations.
Section 508 Compliance Checklist: Originally created for federal agencies, this checklist provides clear benchmarks for accessibility, such as ensuring keyboard navigation and adding captions to videos.
Healthcare-Specific Guidelines: Organizations like the American Hospital Association offer tailored guidelines for medical websites, addressing challenges like accessible patient portals and emergency information.
HIPAA and Accessibility Integration Guides: These guides balance the need for secure, accessible patient portals with privacy requirements, offering strategies to meet both goals effectively.
Content Creation Guides: These resources train your team to produce accessible content from the start. They cover best practices like writing effective alt text, structuring health information properly, and designing accessible forms.
Mobile Accessibility Checklists: With many patients accessing healthcare websites on mobile devices, these checklists ensure your responsive design works seamlessly with assistive technologies.

ADA Compliance Solutions by MedElite Agency

MedElite Agency offers tailored solutions to help healthcare providers meet ADA compliance requirements for their websites. They recognize the unique challenges in balancing accessibility for all patients with strict regulatory standards. Combining technical skills with a deep understanding of healthcare regulations, MedElite Agency creates websites that are not only compliant but also user-friendly for every visitor. Their solutions align with ADA standards to ensure a smooth and accessible experience for all.

Custom ADA-Compliant Website Design

MedElite Agency specializes in designing websites for healthcare providers that are ADA-compliant right from the start. These websites are built to work seamlessly with assistive technologies while maintaining the professional look and functionality that patients expect. By adhering to WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines throughout the design process, they ensure features like:

Clear header structures for screen readers
Reliable keyboard navigation
Optimized color contrast for those with visual impairments

Every website undergoes rigorous testing with assistive tools to confirm accessibility. MedElite Agency focuses on the specific needs of medical websites, making sure critical features like patient portals, appointment scheduling, and health information are accessible and secure. Plus, their designs are responsive, ensuring accessibility across all devices. Beyond the initial design, they are committed to keeping websites compliant through ongoing maintenance and updates.

Continued Support and Updates

Achieving ADA compliance is not a one-time task - it requires regular updates as regulations and website content evolve. MedElite Agency provides ongoing support to ensure healthcare providers stay compliant over time. With their extensive HIPAA expertise, they build and maintain websites that meet both accessibility and privacy requirements [1].

Their services include technical maintenance, integrated hosting, and regular audits to identify and address any compliance gaps. By conducting routine updates and checks, MedElite Agency ensures your website remains accessible and aligned with current standards [2].

Conclusion: Main Points for ADA Compliance

Ensuring your medical website aligns with ADA standards is about more than just meeting legal requirements - it's about creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for all patients. The process involves conducting thorough audits, adhering to WCAG 2.1 guidelines, and staying vigilant with ongoing updates to maintain compliance. This approach blends accessibility with security, offering a dual benefit.

ADA compliance naturally complements HIPAA regulations, fostering websites that are both user-friendly and secure. Features designed for accessibility not only support patients with disabilities but also enhance the overall usability of your site for everyone.

It’s important to view compliance as a continuous effort rather than a one-and-done task. As technology advances and guidelines shift, regular testing with assistive tools, updating content to meet the latest standards, and addressing emerging challenges are essential steps to keep your site accessible.

Committing to ADA compliance isn’t just a regulatory checkbox - it’s an investment in patient trust and satisfaction. By prioritizing accessibility, you show that every patient matters and that your practice is dedicated to treating everyone with respect and care.

FAQs

What happens if your medical website isn’t ADA compliant?

If your medical website isn’t compliant with ADA standards, you could face serious repercussions. For starters, legal action and hefty lawsuits are a real possibility. Fines can climb as high as $75,000 for a first offense and $150,000 for any subsequent violations. These financial penalties can add up quickly, but the damage doesn’t stop there.

A non-compliant website can also tarnish your practice’s reputation, making it seem unwelcoming or dismissive toward individuals with disabilities. And let’s not forget the potential financial impact - patients with disabilities may find your website difficult to navigate, leading to lost patients and revenue.

By ensuring ADA compliance, you’re not just protecting your practice from legal trouble; you’re also creating a better user experience and showing that inclusivity is a priority for your business.

How can I keep my medical website ADA compliant as regulations and technology change?

Maintaining compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for your medical website is an ongoing effort that demands consistent attention and updates. A good starting point is keeping up with changes to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which outline the standards for making digital content accessible.

Conduct regular audits of your website using accessibility tools to spot and resolve potential issues. It's equally important to train your team on accessibility best practices and update internal processes to align with the most current requirements. Partnering with vendors who understand WCAG standards, particularly WCAG 2.1 AA, can help ensure your site maintains compliance.

By following these practices, you'll create a more inclusive experience for all users while also minimizing the risk of legal complications.

What tools or methods can I use to perform an accessibility audit on my medical website?

To make your medical website accessible, begin by using automated tools such as LERA, WAVE, or Silktide. These tools can quickly spot common issues like missing alt text or incorrect heading structures, giving you a solid starting point for improvements.

That said, automated tools can only take you so far. Pair them with manual testing to uncover issues that might slip through the cracks. For example, try navigating your site using just a keyboard, ensure text and background colors have sufficient contrast, and test how well your site works with screen readers. This thorough approach not only helps you meet ADA compliance but also ensures a smoother, more inclusive experience for all users.