With the anticipated growth of the population with disabilities and their unmet health information needs, it’s critical to examine the digital accessibility of popular health websites. This investigation focuses on the functional performance of these websites, rather than the efficacy of specific health message appeals, by assessing their web accessibility, readability, and mobility.
A study was conducted on 139 health-focused websites sampled from the Alexa® “Top Sites” global ranking. Using computer-aided tools like WEB AIM, Web FX, and Google Test My Site, the analysis revealed that 91.3% of the sampled home pages had detectable digital accessibility failures. The most common issues included low contrast, empty links, missing ALT text, empty buttons, and missing form labels. Moreover, many websites lack a digital accessibility policy statement or automated language translation service, which can significantly impact those with limited English proficiency (LEP).
These findings indicate a substantial digital accessibility divide in accessing health information for people with disabilities. Addressing these accessibility failures is crucial for ensuring that all individuals can access and understand health information regardless of their abilities. Content creators, ADA auditors, and quality assurance professionals who adopt digital accessibility compliance platforms ensure an established strategy for improving web accessibility organically thereby, ensuring inclusivity, and meeting the health information needs of the diverse population.
Reference
Jones, M., DeRuyter, F., & Morris, J. (2020). The digital health revolution and people with disabilities: perspective from the United States. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(2), 381.
Mason, A. M., Compton, J., & Bhati, S. (2021). Disabilities and the digital divide: assessing web accessibility, readability, and mobility of popular health websites. Journal of health communication, 26(10), 667-674.