URGENT: HHS Section 504 WCAG 2.1 AA Digital Accessibility Deadline Hits FQHCs May 11, 2026 — 3 Weeks Away
HHS's first major update to Section 504 regulations in ~50 years imposes two hard deadlines for every FQHC with 15+ employees: (1) All web content and mobile apps must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA by May 11, 2026 — covering screen reader compatibility, color contrast, keyboard navigation, form labeling. (2) At least one accessible exam table and one accessible weight scale must be in place by July 8, 2026. Non-compliance creates civil rights enforcement exposure and jeopardizes HRSA grant eligibility. Note: state/local governments received a DOJ extension to 2027 — FQHCs did NOT.
Key takeaways
- Deadline is May 11, 2026 — 3 weeks away. Audit your FQHC website now for WCAG 2.1 AA: color contrast, keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, form labels
- Accessible exam table + weight scale required by July 8, 2026 — budget and procure now if not already in place
- State and local governments got a DOJ extension to 2027; FQHCs did NOT — do not assume county FQHC partners' extension applies to you
Primary source
HHS Office for Civil RightsFQHC Talent. (2026, May 11). URGENT: HHS Section 504 WCAG 2.1 AA Digital Accessibility Deadline Hits FQHCs May 11, 2026 — 3 Weeks Away. Primary source: HHS Office for Civil Rights. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/hhs-section-504-wcag-21aa-fqhc-deadline-may-2026
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