At Stamats, we’ve reviewed hundreds of websites for colleges, universities, and some of the nation’s leading health systems. And one thing stands out:  

Most accessibility mistakes aren’t technical, they’re habitual. 

From missing alt text to keyboard traps, the same errors show up again and again. 

In healthcare, those habits aren’t just inconvenient, they’re costly. Every bounce isn’t “just one patient,” it’s $500+ in lifetime value walking out the door.  

Most healthcare websites convert only 2–3% of visitors into appointments, while best-in-class sites convert 5–7%. That gap is one of the biggest leverage points in healthcare today. 

And the stakes are rising. By May 2026, federally funded providers must meet WCAG 2.1 AA under new HHS Section 504 rules. 

So what do these costly, habitual mistakes actually look like in the real world? Here are a few we run into all the time when auditing healthcare and higher-ed websites. 

Common accessibility mistakes many websites make 

One of the things our clients often ask us to analyze is whether and how their sites align with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These rules help ensure that everyone can use a site, including people with disabilities.  

Accessibility issues tend to surface during unrelated projects, because they impact the user journey from navigation to conversion 

Here are a few examples of accessibility mistakes that pop up far too often: 

• PDF problems: Untagged or scanned-only PDF files are invisible to screen reading software, so the important info they contain can’t be accessed by patients who need it. 

• Alt what?: Alt text identifies an image so screen readers can describe it to users. Missing or unhelpful alt text makes images and infographics useless.   

• Mouse mistakes: Navigation menus and other elements that only work with a mouse mean people who use a keyboard or alternative interfaces can’t get around the site. 

• Color concerns: Low contrast text strains even the most eagle-eyed, and too often improper color considerations don’t meet WCAG at all. 

Do any of these sound familiar? If you’re like many of our clients, the answer is probably yes. In the hustle and bustle of our daily work, it’s all too easy to skip alt text or slap up a PDF to make a temporary solution work. But that approach can have a major impact in the short- and long-term.  

Consequences of non-compliance 

Inaccessible websites can have real consequences for patients and health systems alike.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, inaccessible vaccine registration portals challenged people with visual and cognitive impairments, preventing many from booking timely appointments or accessing care. 

People with disabilities face similar challenges daily. Websites that don’t meet accessibility guidelines create barriers to care that can create the very inequities many health organizations are striving to reduce. 

As of May 2026, there will be legal ramifications of non-compliance, too.  

Organizations that don’t follow the regulations could face a formal investigation by the HHS Office for Civil Rights. This can result in enforcement actions including referral to the Department of Justice. In extreme cases, HHS could terminate federal funding to systems that don’t comply. 

Healthcare organizations can also be exposed to individual lawsuits from people who are denied access to services. More than 4,000 such suits were filed in the U.S. in 2023 alone, many of which involved healthcare providers.  

Related reading: WCAG 2.2: How Accessible Healthcare Websites Center Patient Experience (& Drive Revenue, Too) 

The business benefits of accessibility 

There are plenty of reasons why compliance with accessibility regulations makes good business sense, too.  

First and foremost, healthcare systems are mission-driven organizations that strive to improve the health of all their patients. Accessible websites help organizations meet this mission, ensuring everyone can get information, make appointments, access their records, and pay their bills. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25% of adults in the U.S. have some type of disability. Most of these folks have families and friends. When you add it all up, this audience represents a significant segment of the market.  

What better way to demonstrate to these prospective patients and their caregivers that your health system has their holistic interests at heart than by ensuring a seamless digital experience?  

Consider what the research tells us about the ROI of accessible digital properties:  

• Consumers are more likely to support inclusive businesses 

• Highly accessible websites can improve your SEO reach 

• User-friendly websites lighten the load on both customer service and web development teams  

Companies that prioritize inclusive design report better brand perception, more customer loyalty, and wider market reach. That’s part of why a Forrester Research report estimated that accessibility and user improvements can return $100 for every $1 invested.  

Ready to get started? 

Related reading: What the New HHS Rule Means for Healthcare Websites 

Stamats can help your organization achieve compliance 

With the impending HHS deadline, getting a handle on your site’s accessibility can seem like a tall order. Stamats can help.  

First, we recommend you download our free, no-nonsense guide to making your healthcare website accessible by 2026. You can get it here. This resource breaks it all down: 

• What the new regulations require 

• A phased roadmap to achieving compliance 

• The most common website violations, with examples you can use 

• Real-world insights from our work with Houston Methodist 

Need more help? Our experts are working with clients across the country to support their accessibility efforts. We’d be pleased to lend your team a hand, too. Get in touch to find out how our experts can help you make your website open to everyone so patients (and federal regulators) can access the important information they need. 

Want to secure your compliance and serve all your patients effectively? Download the Section 504 Compliance Guide today.