Updated Mon July 6, 2026
Published Under: Digital Experiences Digital Marketing Healthcare Healthcare Websites Website Accessibility Website Compliance
If you recently learned the Section 504 deadline has been extended, you may be asking what comes next. Do you pause your efforts or keep moving forward?
Many healthcare organizations are facing the same challenge. Accessibility work is still in progress, and in many cases, unfinished. A recent accessiBe scan found that 84.3 percent of healthcare websites continue to show measurable accessibility gaps.
Delaying progress can increase risk, create backlog, and impact patient access. Moving forward with a clear plan helps your organization stay on track and build a stronger, more accessible digital experience.
Why the extension matters
The extension provides additional time, but don’t allow it to slow your momentum. Instead, view it as an opportunity to allow your organizations to take a more structured approach, prioritize the right improvements, and make steady, measurable progress. Organizations that continue making progress now will be in a stronger position than those who wait.
What to focus on next
If your organization is still working toward accessibility, focus on practical and manageable steps:
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Understand how Section 504 requirements apply to your organization
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Identify accessibility gaps across your website and digital tools
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Prioritize updates that directly impact patient access and usability
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Begin implementing improvements and document progress
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Build a plan for ongoing monitoring and updates
Consistency matters more than perfection. Documented progress shows intent and accountability.
Progress over perfection
Accessibility is not a one-time project. Taking steps now, even if everything is not complete, strengthens your position and improves patient experience.
Accessible websites are easier to use, easier to navigate, and more inclusive for all users.
How VGM Forbin supports your accessibility journey
VGM Forbin helps healthcare and HME organizations take a structured, realistic approach to accessibility.
Our team provides:
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Accessibility assessments to identify gaps and prioritize improvements
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Guidance aligned with Section 504 and healthcare-specific needs
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Website expertise tailored to HME and healthcare providers
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Ongoing support to maintain and improve accessibility over time
This approach helps you move forward with clarity, reduce risk, and improve patient access.
Common Questions About the Section 504 Extension
Q: What does the Section 504 deadline extension mean for healthcare providers?
The extension gives healthcare organizations more time to work toward accessibility compliance, but it does not remove the requirement. Providers should continue making progress to reduce risk and improve patient access.
Q: Do I need to be fully compliant right now?
Full compliance may take time. What matters most is demonstrating progress, prioritizing improvements, and documenting your efforts toward accessibility.
Q: How do I know if my website has accessibility issues?
An accessibility assessment or audit can help identify gaps, highlight high-risk areas, and provide a clear plan for improvements.
Q: What should I fix first on my website?
Start with areas that directly impact patient access, such as navigation, forms, appointment requests, and key content pages.
Q: How can VGM Forbin help with accessibility?
VGM Forbin provides accessibility assessments, prioritization guidance, and ongoing support tailored to healthcare and HME organizations, helping you make consistent progress toward compliance.
Take the next step
If you are unsure where your website stands, an accessibility assessment can help you identify gaps and define next steps.
Schedule your free accessibility assessment with VGM Forbin to get actionable insights and start making measurable progress.
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