Digital Health: An Opportunity to Advance Health Equity for People With Disabilities

Abstract

Policy Points Universal Design and Inclusion: Mandate all digital health platforms, devices, and services be built on universal design principles and codeveloped with people with disabilities, ensuring compatibility with assistive technology and emergency response features. Standardized Disability Data Collection: Implement mandatory, standardized disability data collection in electronic health records with robust privacy protections, addressing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Section 4302 gaps while enabling personalized care and research. Accessibility as Civil Rights: Treat accessibility as a civil rights issue with strict enforcement of Section 508, Americans With Disabilities Act, and Section 1557, including the patient interoperability mandate, penalties for noncompliance, and legal recourse for patients. Funding and Incentives: Establish funding incentives prioritizing disability equity, digital literacy programs, value-based payment models, and workforce training for healthcare professionals using disability-inclusive digital health tools.

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