Why Truly Accessible Design Benefits Everyone

It is not optional

In the UK, accessible design is no longer optional — it’s a requirement under legislation such as the Equality Act 2010, the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations, and the Accessible Information Standard. But beyond legal compliance, there are significant health, safety, quality, and ethical gains from making healthcare products truly accessible.,

Understanding “Accessible Design"

Accessible design means crafting services, products, and information so they can be used by people with impairments or differing needs: visual, hearing, physical, cognitive, linguistic. The NHS’s inclusive design guidance emphasises not just meeting minimum color contrast or font size rules, but designing with input from diverse users, building flexible interfaces, and ensuring that content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

Legal & Ethical Imperatives

• Accessible Information Standard (AIS) requires NHS and adult social care organisations to ensure communication and information are accessible for people who have disability, sensory loss, or other communication needs.
• Public sector websites and apps must meet WCAG 2.1 (and now 2.2) AA standards in the UK. Poor accessibility can violate the Equality Act 2010.

Evidence from Research & Practice

• A scoping review in BMC Public Health (2021) found that many digital health tools globally do not include people with impairments (estimated ~15% of global population). Those that do see improved usage, satisfaction, and inclusion.
• In NHS England’s “Why Accessible Design is Good Design” blog, the team observed that when they redesigned the first page of the “Register with a GP” service using inclusive design principles, it helped reduce barriers for marginalised groups, low digital confidence users, and those with additional needs.

Key Design Principles for TruSelv Devices

To build displays and interfaces that meet UK healthcare standards and genuinely serve users, these practices are essential:

• Design with diverse users: We involve people with impairments and differing needs in the design and testing process.
• High contrast colour-schemes; large, readable fonts; visually-appropriate palettes
• Assistive tech compatibility We use screen readers, voice control, magnification.

Why TruSelv is Committed to Truly Accessible Design

Here’s how TruSelv aligns with the highest standards:

• Meets WCAG 2.2 AA for digital content, ensuring displays are perceivable and operable.
• Integrates with the Access Information Standard, ensuring that patients with sensory or communication needs are flagged and supported.
• Designs with input from diverse users, including people with impairments and differing needs.
• Builds flexible interfaces, allowing users to adjust settings to suit their needs.
• Designs hardware with hygiene, clarity, and usability in mind (non glare, large iconography, optional touch/non-touch)

Accessible design in healthcare isn't just a box-ticking or legal requirement — it’s a foundation for safer, more equitable, more effective care. It benefits patients, staff, families, and the system as a whole.