The Bureau of Internet Accessibility Reports Digital Information of Managed Care Programs Must Comply With Modern Accessibility Standards, Effective July 1

PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Internet Accessibility reports that effective July 1, 2017, new Medicaid rules will require managed care programs to have digital information in compliance with modern accessibility standards. The goal of the new requirement is to make information provided online accessible to those with disabilities. The Bureau of Internet Accessibility has long established itself as an expert-level resource available to help these organizations assess and establish digital compliance.

The new Medicaid rule will require entities providing managed care programs to provide information in a format that is "readily accessible," which it defines to mean electronic information and services which comply with modern accessibility standards such as W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA and successor versions. The definition provided aims to be clearer, reflect technology advances, and align with guidelines and requirements.

The WCAG 2.0 AA requirements include providing text alternatives for any non-text content so that it can be translated into large print, braille, speech, symbols, or simpler language. It also requires website owners to make it easier for users to see and hear content by separating foreground from background, among other changes. Additionally, website owners should make all functionality accessible using only keyboard inputs, make text content readable and understandable to web navigation tools, make web pages appear and operate in predictable ways, and maximize compatibility with assistive technologies.

The Bureau of Internet Accessibility understands these often-confusing new requirements under WCAG 2.0 AA and has partnered with many organizations to assess and achieve compliance. Each client is assigned a dedicated client manager who manages all aspects of the project and provides the personalized attention that clients need to navigate the requirements and changes needed while maintaining the website's original functionality.

"It can be challenging for many organizations to aim to make their websites and digital communications ADA compliant and accessible, but we are experts in this work and are with our clients every step of the way," says Mark Shapiro, President of the Bureau of Internet Accessibility. "We have many services and tools available for our clients as we help them navigate these complex requirements, identify accessibility failures, and offer tailored remediation advice."

For more information about the organization's accessibility audits and to learn if a website is compliant, visit BoIA.org.

About the Bureau of Internet Accessibility

The Bureau of Internet Accessibility (BoIA) has been helping eliminate the accessibility digital divide since 2001. The organization's reports, tools, and services have assisted businesses in improving, maintaining, and proving the accessibility of their websites. With services that include self-help tools, audits, training, remediation and implementation support, BoIA has the experience and expertise to ensure that accessibility efforts are worthwhile and successful. For more information, visit BoIA.org.

Media Contact:

Anne Smith
Phone: 401-830-0075
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Bureau of Internet Accessibility

Related Links

http://www.boia.org