HIT Accessibility

HHS HIT Policy Committee Meeting

September 14, 2010

David Baquis, U.S. Access Board

U.S. Access Board

• Independent Federal agency

• Promulgates guidelines and standards for accessible design

• Provides technical assistance and training

• The term “Access Board” is used to refer to the staff of the Board, as well as the Board

What is Accessibility?

Accessible Design

• Accessibility does not mean “availability”

• Design criteria which remove barriers that make it difficult or impossible for some people with disabilities to use HIT

• Rooted in civil rights with intention to provide an assurance of non-discrimination in technology

Section 508 Accessibility Standards

• Section 508 is part of the Rehabilitation Act• It applies only to Federal departments and agencies• It ensures accessibility of electronic and information technology• Section 508 authorized the Access Board to write technical

design standards (published in 2000). Undergoing update now.• Intent: Ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are not

overlooked as we move forward in the information age• Other countries and states are referencing 508 standards

Stakeholders

Who Benefits?

Disabilities:• Hearing• Vision• Speech• Mobility• Dexterity• Cognitive

User groups:• Patient/clients• Clinicians• Caregivers/families• Students/instructors• Admin personnel

Accessibility Examples:Barriers and Solutions

Web Based Resources

• Are text equivalents provided for non-text elements?

• Are multimedia videos captioned?

• Are row and column headers identified in data tables?

Incentives for Change

Benefits of Accessible Design

• Meaningful use certification• Improve “bottom line” via expanded customer base• Congruency with existing non-discrimination policies• Risk management• Strategic planning for potential DOJ ADA regulations

Recommendations

Recommendations in Brief

• Elevate accessibility criteria to high level status• Reference the Section 508 Standards in the next

iteration of HHS HIT Standards• Include accessibility in certification testing• Fund HIT accessibility research• Develop a technical assistance and training plan• Understand the impact of other rulemakings on HIT• Reduce burden by utilizing available resources

Questions