One of the top reasons given for use of the internet is the ability to search for health information.
However, much of the planning for web-based health information often fails to consider accessibility
issues. If health care organizations and community agencies’ web sites have the latest, most wellresearched
information on the health topics of the day, it is useless to those who cannot access it because
of invisible technological barriers. Many flashy, high-tech sites were designed only to appeal to the needs
of the mainstream population, with no consideration given to how people with disabilities must adapt
their use of the web in order to access information. This article addresses issues of access specific to web
site development, and will explore barriers to accessibility frequently experienced by web users with
disabilities, requirements for ADA compliance, and how people with disabilities use the web. Web site
accessibility guidelines, as well as simple evaluation tools, will be discussed. A thorough review of the
article will enable even the least tech-savvy of health educators to enhance their skills in planning and
evaluating web sites to promote access for people with disabilities.
