Evaluating accessibility of e-health websites in Indonesia: Bridging the digital divide for people with disabilities

This research evaluates the accessibility of eHealth websites in Indonesia, a country with a population of 213 million internet users and nearly 23 million people with disabilities. This study examines the usability of e-health websites in Indonesia, where there has been a significant gap in complying with global accessibility standards.

This study is an applied study that evaluated eHealth websites accessibility in Indonesia or called Website Accessibility Conformity Evaluation Methodology (WCAG-EM). The evaluation scale consists of 4 main components. This study population included 16 e-health websites in Indonesia. This research used 3 accessibility evaluation tools, TAW, aXe, and Accessibility Checker.

Several websites have an excellent example of robust compliance, providing an accessible digital experience. There was, however, a series of accessibility violations on another website that did not promote the inclusion of users with impairments. The Homecare24 website exhibits excellent compliance, ensuring a smooth user experience, including those with disabilities. In contrast, it turns out that websites such as "Pro Sehat" and "Aido Health" show several crucial errors, thus creating obstacles for users with disabilities.

This research suggests the need for ongoing accessibility audits, namely by combining automated tools and manual evaluations to identify complex problems more effectively. In addition, researchers also advise policymakers and website developers to study and implement more comprehensive accessibility, it is also important to provide training and raise awareness about website accessibility for all stakeholders in the e-health sector. There will also be ongoing monitoring to maintain inclusive access to health information and services for all users, especially people with disabilities in Indonesia.