Designed for access. Designed for patients

Website accessibility is an integral part of the digital experience. It means every person can access and use your site, regardless of ability, age, or device. For healthcare organizations, that’s essential. Accessibility supports patient care, digital equity, and ADA compliance. It helps your patients schedule appointments with ease and understand important health information.

Accessible websites also perform better. They show up higher in search results, convert more effectively, and build trust by showing your commitment to inclusion and patient-centered care.

So, what does accessible web design look like in practice? It starts with a few fundamental features that make your website easier for every patient to use.

Six fundamental features of an accessible healthcare website

1. Strong color contrast. Text, buttons, and icons should stand out clearly from their backgrounds. High contrast helps users with low vision or color blindness read and interact with your content.
2. Keyboard-friendly navigation. Every part of your site from menus, links, and forms should be usable without a mouse. Those who use assistive tech rely on keyboards, switches, or voice commands to navigate your site.
3. Descriptive and accessible links. Links should clearly describe where they go or what they do. Without context, vague phrases like “Click here” or “Learn more” don’t make sense to screen readers.
4. Alt text for images. Images need text descriptions so screen readers can convey meaning to users who can’t see them.
5. Clear headings and structure. Use heading tags (H1, H2, H3) to organize content logically. Screen readers rely on this structure to help users navigate and skim easily.
6. Plain language. Healthcare content can be complex. Your website shouldn’t be. Clear, simple writing helps all users, especially those with limited health literacy, understand and act on information.

The bottom line

For healthcare organizations, accessible web design is patient-centered design. It’s foundational to the services you provide and a reflection of your organization’s commitment to patient care. When your website is easy to navigate, readable, and inclusive, you make care more accessible to everyone who needs it, starting with their first click.

Website accessibility is the result of thoughtful choices that put patients first. If you’re unsure how your site measures up, we can help you understand where you stand and how to move toward a more inclusive experience.

Let’s talk.

Unlock Health is a full-service marketing communications agency that helps healthcare organizations make authentic connections with patients and communities. Every minute of every day, someone books services they need as a result of our work with clients.