/C O R R E C T I O N -- AudioEye, Inc./
AudioEye, Inc. supports the Department of Health and Human Services' final rule strengthening protections for individuals with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The rule mandates adherence to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for websites and mobile applications receiving HHS funding. The CEO emphasized the need for equal online opportunities, citing a high number of accessibility violations on healthcare websites. The rule sets specific compliance requirements and deadlines for organizations, aiming to make digital content accessible to all.
AudioEye, Inc. is supporting the Department of Health and Human Services' final rule strengthening protections for individuals with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
The rule mandates adherence to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for websites and mobile applications provided by organizations receiving HHS funding.
The CEO emphasized the need for equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities on the Internet, highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence and human-assisted technology in achieving accessibility.
The rule outlines specific digital accessibility requirements, including adherence to WCAG 2.1, Level AA, for web content and mobile applications.
The rule sets compliance deadlines for organizations, with different dates based on the size of the organization, aiming to accelerate the push for accessible websites and mobile applications.
Over 96,000 healthcare website pages in the US were found to have an average of 84 accessibility violations, indicating a significant gap in compliance with accessibility guidelines.
Less than 5% of more than 100 top hospitals in the US were found to comply with web content accessibility guidelines, underscoring the need for urgent improvements in digital accessibility.
In the news release, AudioEye Supports Department of Health and Human Services Issuance of Final Rule Strengthening Protections For Individuals with Disabilities, issued 02-May-2024 by AudioEye, Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the 7th paragraph, 2nd sentence, should read "May 11, 2026" rather than "May 11" as originally issued inadvertently. The complete, corrected release follows:
AudioEye Supports Department of Health and Human Services Issuance of Final Rule Strengthening Protections For Individuals with Disabilities
Rule brings stronger grounds for enforcement requiring Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for websites and mobile applications
The rule, titled "Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities," ensures that web content and mobile applications provided by organizations that receive funding from HHS, including hospitals, doctor's offices, social services, nursing homes, etc. are usable by people with disabilities.
"Today's rule is long overdue. My office heard from thousands in overwhelming support of this rule and the need to update this rule now for people with disabilities," said HHS OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer. "By removing barriers to health care and social services, this rule advances justice for people with disabilities who have for too long been subject to discrimination."
"Closely following the Department of Justice's final rule on web accessibility announced on April 8th, this rule underscores the need for equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities on the Internet," said David Moradi, CEO of AudioEye. "We recently scanned over 96,000 healthcare website pages across
The rule outlines specific digital accessibility requirements, including:
- Federal financial assistance recipients must adhere to WCAG 2.1, Level AA, as the technical standard for web content and mobile applications.
- The updated rule applies to all website content and mobile applications provided by a recipient from the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Websites and mobile applications built or operated by a third party on behalf of a recipient must also adhere to this rule.
"When the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was enacted, the digital world we now depend on for everyday use was non-existent," said Tony Coelho, the primary sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act and a member of AudioEye's board of directors. "As noted by HHS, recent research of more than 100 top hospitals across
The timeline for compliance varies based on the size of the organization. Beginning May 11, 2026, organizations with 15 or more employees must ensure web content and mobile application compliance. Organizations with less than 15 employees will have until May 10, 2027.
About AudioEye
AudioEye exists to ensure the digital future we build is inclusive. By combining the latest AI automation technology with guidance from certified experts and direct input from the disability community, AudioEye helps ensure businesses of all sizes — including over 112,000 customers like Samsung, Calvin Klein, and Samsonite — are accessible and usable. Holding 22 US patents, AudioEye helps companies solve every aspect of digital accessibility with flexible approaches that best meet their needs — from finding and removing barriers to navigating legal compliance to ongoing training, monitoring, and upkeep. Join AudioEye on its mission to eradicate barriers to digital access.
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