Digital Accessibility for OTs

Have you used a phone, computer or screen today? Did you use a part of your body to access it?

Use of technology is an IADL, and for some individuals, it is an ADL.

These are just a few examples of populations who benefit from digital accessibility. In many cases, inaccessible content creates a significant barrier.

• Blind/low vision users
  • Alt text for images
  • Contrast/font
• HOH and Deaf
  • Captions
• Aging populations
• Cognitive considerations
  • Clear layouts
  • Predictable navigation
  • Minimal distractions
• Motor impairments
  • Mouse and keyboard interactions

Colorado HB 21-1110 went into effect July 1, 2024. This legislative mandate requires that ALL technology, hardware, and software provided by or procured by a government entity must be accessible. This includes (but is not limited to): websites, applications, digital signage, documents, video, audio, and third-party tools.

Title II of the ADA: As OTs, we are all familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and its tremendous impact on promoting equal opportunities and access. The ADA was established in 1990, while the World Wide Web was made public in 1993. It is therefore understandable that ADA has until very recently not applied to the digital realm.

However, the new ADA Title II ruling officially applies accessibility standards to technology. This rule sets a specific technical standard for state and local governments to make web content and mobile applications accessible to people with disabilities.

All electronic documents, services, programs, and activities that state and local governments offer online and through mobile apps must be accessible to people with disabilities. The new rule also covers any organizations that contract with state and local government agencies to provide public services. These include public schools, hospitals, police departments, transportation agencies, etc.

These questions can help you determine whether the guidelines apply to your setting or practice.

If you work for a public entity, all of these requirements apply to you. If you work for a private entity, the last two questions are critical to understanding whether the requirements apply.

• Does your site use a “patient portal” software program?
• Do you provide digital resource handouts?
• Do you prescribe home exercise programs through Medbridge, HEP2go, etc?
• Does your workplace offer a medical/nurse call center?
• Do your potential clients find you on the internet via a webpage, QR code or social media?
• Do you provide Telehealth?
• Do you use technology in your interventions? (Tablet or screen-based tasks, games, exercises)
• Do you contract out to Public Entities for your services?
• Do you receive Medicare Reimbursement?

Regardless of the legal requirements, we recommend all OTs work to provide at least Universally Designed digital content to ensure access for your clients. Guidance for Universal Design is available on Accessibility by Design – Electronic Accessibility Rubric.

These examples are not exclusive, but can help you think about what types of content your practice offers that you need to be considering for accessibility.

Digital

• PDFs
• Power point presentations
• Word and Google Docs
• Forms
• Websites
• Social Media
• Patient Education
• Training and informational videos
• Medical Documentation
• Portal software
• Apps

Physical (may require an accessible electronic alternative)

• Posters at events and presentations
• Physical Handouts, brochures, business cards
• Handbooks
• Paper Forms

Accessibility is vital when purchasing products. Purchasing an inaccessible product automatically creates barriers that you cannot control.

The entity that makes the product is responsible for it being accessible (website creators, medical documentation vendor, app developers).

• Advocate for purchasing the most accessible product
• Advocate for including accessibility in vendor contracts
• Hire developers who commit to WCAG compliance
• Use Venngage instead of Canva to produce accessible PDFs