U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Rule.

Final Rule advances equity and bolsters protections for people with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

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Summary of the Accessibility Requirements.

  • Web and mobile accessibility.  The final rule defines what accessibility means for websites and mobile applications and requires compliance with specific technical standards, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA. This approach aligns the with the standards recently published by the Department of Justice under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Communications.  Recipients must ensure effective communications with individuals with hearing, vision, and speech disabilities through the provision of auxiliary aids and services. Such aids and services may include qualified interpreters or readers, assistive listening devices or systems, text telephones, captioning, and information in Braille, large print, or electronically for use with a computer screen-reading program.

HHS Advances Disability Rights.

As of May 1, 2024, HHS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Office for Civil Rights (OCR), finalized a rule that prohibits discrimination based on disability.

This rule, titled Discrimination Based on Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities, advances equity and bolsters protections for people with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504). This important Final Rule is HHS’s latest action in furtherance of Executive Order 14091, entitled Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.

Reflecting over fifty years of advocacy by the disability community, the Section 504 Final Rule clarifies and strengthens civil rights protections for people with disabilities, addresses discrimination in medical treatment, adds enforceable standards for accessible medical diagnostic equipment, and ensures accessible web content and mobile apps.

The rule advances the promise of the Rehabilitation Act. It helps protect people with disabilities from experiencing discrimination in any program or activity receiving funding from HHS because of their disability.

What the New Rule Addresses.

  • Civil Rights Protections: Clarifies and strengthens civil rights protections for individuals with disabilities.
  • Discrimination Protection: Protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in any HHS-funded program or activity based on their disability.
  • Medical Treatment Discrimination: Ensures the eradication of discrimination in medical treatment.
  • Rehabilitation Act Advancement: Advances the objectives of the Rehabilitation Act.
  • Digital Accessibility: Commitment to ensuring accessibility in web content and mobile apps.
  • Communications Accessibility: Improves consistency with major judicial and legislative developments regarding information in Braille, large print, or electronically for use with a computer screen-reading program.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Defining Accessibility.

As it pertains specifically to accessibility, the HHS has now clearly defined what accessibility means for websites and mobile applications and sets forth a specific technical standard to ensure that health care and human service activities delivered through these platforms are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

Moving forward, the HHS rule requires compliance with specific technical standards—the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA. This approach aligns with the standards recently published by the Department of Justice under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This rule takes effect 60 days after publication.

Let’s Make Accessibility Work Together.

Adopting this regulation signifies a crucial step forward in enhancing accessibility across web, digital, and print documents, thereby fostering inclusivity within health and human services. By implementing clear technical standards, organizations in these sectors can ensure fair access for individuals with disabilities while addressing practical concerns. Adhering to these guidelines not only improves accessibility but also reinforces the values of equal opportunity and societal participation for all.

Allyant is committed to streamlining accessibility, inclusivity, and compliance efforts for everyone. Join us in our pursuit of accessibility excellence.

Connect with a Healthcare & Human Services Accessibility Expert.

In pursuit of a more accessible future, it is critical that all organizations impacted by this new rule, adopt the HHS’s initiatives. Allyant firmly believes in equal access to opportunities and services for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Let us help your organization move forward by assuring accessibility compliance.

HHS Regulations





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