New York, May 2, 2024—Allyant, a world leader in accessibility solutions, announced today the unveiling of its new healthcare-centric program in response to the recent rule by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) aimed at advancing access to healthcare and human services for individuals with disabilities. Allyant’s program offers a comprehensive suite of accessibility solutions to help federal agencies and recipients of HHS funding achieve digital inclusivity and compliance across their health and human services programs.
Allyant’s program encompasses a range of software, services, and training tailored to empower organizations to deliver accessible websites, mobile apps, and electronic and printed documents to their program beneficiaries. Additionally, it facilitates the procurement of accessibility-compliant software from technology vendors that support the delivery of those programs.
The new HHS rule updates and clarifies requirements under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and joins the recent Department of Justice (DOJ) rule under Title II of the ADA in confirming the requirements and technical standards for delivering accessible experiences.
While the DOJ rule applies to state and local governments, the HHS rule applies to health and human services entities receiving federal assistance.
Like the DOJ rule, the HHS rule adopts WCAG 2.1 AA as the technical standard for web content—including web pages, PDFs, graphics, and media files—mobile apps, and kiosk interfaces. Additionally, the HHS rule aims to ensure consistency with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), including a requirement for funding recipients to provide auxiliary aids—such as braille, large print, and PDF communications—made available to employees, program participants, and the public.
In addition, the HHS rule addresses several critical areas not explicitly addressed under Section 504. These areas include the assurance that services are provisioned in an integrated setting and the accessibility of medical equipment. More so, the rule ensures that there will be no discrimination in medical treatment and child welfare services and prohibits assessments that undervalue people with disabilities.
“We view this rule as an important step in our shared mission to establish universal access to healthcare and human services, helping foster inclusivity for individuals of all abilities,” commented Aaron Page, Director of Accessibility at Allyant. “Allyant stands resolute in our pledge to assist organizations in seamlessly integrating these requirements and fulfilling the promises of Section 504 and the ADA.” As organizations prepare to implement the requirements of this rule, the imperative for a more accessible future becomes clear. Allyant stands ready to provide information, expertise, and support to navigate these changes effectively. For more details, please visit www.allyant.com/hhs.
