Accessibility is often thought of as a technical task—something for the developer to handle after the design and content are finished. But true digital inclusion goes far beyond code. It’s about how every person in your organisation—from content writers to event planners—can help ensure your website serves everyone, not just the majority.
If you’re a healthcare association, accessibility isn’t optional. It’s a moral obligation, a legal requirement, and a strategic advantage.
In this post, we’ll explore why accessibility matters, who it affects, and how everyone involved in your digital presence can play a part.
What is digital inclusion?
Digital inclusion means ensuring that everyone can use your website, regardless of their abilities, circumstances, or access needs.
That includes people who:
- Are blind or have low vision
- Are deaf or hard of hearing
- Have motor disabilities and rely on keyboards or assistive tech
- Have cognitive differences like dyslexia, ADHD, or autism
- Experience temporary barriers—like injury, illness, poor internet, or ageing-related changes
Accessibility is about removing barriers. Inclusion is about never putting them there in the first place.
Why it matters in healthcare
Healthcare and equity go hand in hand. If your website contains clinical guidelines, public health advice, professional development, or patient stories—it must be accessible.
Otherwise, you risk:
- Excluding vulnerable populations
- Falling short of equality and diversity commitments
- Damaging your reputation
- Breaching upcoming legal requirements (like the European Accessibility Act 2025)
Inclusive design shows respect for all users—and boosts your credibility in the process.
Accessibility is not just a tech task
Yes, developers and designers play a huge role. But accessibility starts long before the first line of code, and it continues long after a site goes live.
Let’s look at who’s involved:
1. Content creators
- Use clear, plain language
- Write descriptive headings that make sense out of context
- Avoid jargon or acronyms without explanation
- Write meaningful link text (e.g. “Download the report” not “Click here”)
2. Designers
- Choose high-contrast colour schemes
- Use readable font sizes and line spacing
- Avoid placing text over images
- Ensure interactive elements are clearly visible and labelled
3. Developers
- Use semantic HTML to structure content correctly
- Ensure all functionality is keyboard accessible
- Add ARIA labels where needed
- Avoid overlays that interfere with screen readers
4. Communications and marketing teams
- Add alt text to images on news posts and event pages
- Caption and transcribe videos
- Use accessible social media practices (e.g. capitalised hashtags, image descriptions)
- Promote your accessibility commitment publicly
5. Project managers and leadership
- Make accessibility a project requirement—not a nice-to-have
- Allocate budget for audits and improvements
- Build accessibility into procurement and RFPs
- Include people with lived experience in testing
Everyone has a role to play. And when they play it, the result is a better experience for all users.
The business case for accessibility
Still thinking it’s too much effort? Here’s why accessibility pays off:
- Larger audience: 1 in 5 people in the UK have a disability
- Better SEO: Search engines love structured, clear, readable content
- Improved usability: Accessible sites are faster, simpler, and better on mobile
- Lower legal risk: Stay ahead of changing accessibility legislation
- Stronger brand: Inclusive organisations are viewed more positively
This isn’t charity. It’s common sense.
Small actions, big impact
You don’t need to overhaul your entire site in one go. Start with high-impact changes like:
- Adding alt text to key images
- Making sure your buttons have clear labels
- Ensuring forms are usable with a keyboard
- Capturing feedback from users with access needs
Then build accessibility into every workflow going forward. It’s much easier (and cheaper) to do it right the first time.
Our approach at More Time To
We believe accessibility isn’t an extra step. It’s part of how we build, write, design, and test—every time.
Our Website Check-Ups, Care Plans, and Supercharge Plans all include:
- Accessibility audits and diagnostics
- Fixes for common issues
- Support writing accessibility statements
- Training and guidance for your internal team
And when needed, we partner with accessibility specialists and user testers to dig deeper.
Get your team on board
Want to build a culture of inclusion?
Try these steps:
- Run a short accessibility workshop at your next team meeting
- Share simple checklists for content, design, and media
- Assign responsibility for each area
- Celebrate improvements and track progress
Everyone’s input matters. When your whole team understands accessibility, it becomes second nature.
Final thought
Digital inclusion isn’t a checkbox. It’s a commitment to seeing—and serving—everyone.
Your website might be the only interaction someone has with your organisation. Make sure that interaction is respectful, usable, and welcoming.
Because accessibility isn’t someone else’s job. It’s everyone’s.
