Evaluating Disability-Inclusive Content on U.S. Medical Schools' Websites: A National Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Disability Studies
• Web Accessibility

Background:

• Medical students with disabilities (MSWD) face systemic barriers in education.
• Medical school websites are crucial for prospective applicants seeking inclusion information.
• Public communication of disability inclusion policies is an understudied area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the presence and quality of disability-inclusive content on U.S. MD-granting medical school websites.
• To assess website alignment with best practices for disability inclusion.
• To identify gaps in public communication regarding support for MSWD.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional content analysis of U.S. MD-granting medical school websites was conducted.
• Trained coders used a 5-item rubric based on AAMC and AMA recommendations.
• Scored websites on diversity statements, accommodation instructions, organizational affiliation, and technical standards.

Main Results:

• The national average disability inclusion score was 5.9/8.
• 96.1% of websites provided accommodation instructions; 38.3% included disability in diversity statements.
• Technical standards were publicly available (92.9%) but varied in clarity and accessibility.

Conclusions:

• Public messaging on disability inclusion in medical education is inconsistent.
• Clear, accessible website content is vital for attracting and supporting MSWD.
• National standards and accountability mechanisms are needed to improve disability inclusion communication.