Blind & Low-Vision Access in Dermatology

Dermatology is a highly visual specialty, but dermatologic care should not assume that patients can independently see lesions, read printed handouts, navigate online portals, or interpret before-and-after photographs. Blind and low-vision patients may need accessible communication before, during, and after the visit.

Legal & Source Foundation

ADA and web accessibility standards apply

Source-Based Principle

ADA effective communication guidance includes people with vision disabilities and focuses on ensuring that individuals can receive information from and convey information to covered entities. WCAG 2.2 provides standards for making web content more accessible to people with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, language, learning, and neurologic disabilities. Together, these frameworks set a clear expectation for both in-person access and digital accessibility in healthcare settings.

Blind and low-vision patients face barriers at multiple points in the dermatology encounter: before the visit, during the exam, and in how results and instructions are communicated. Accessible care is both a legal standard and a clinical responsibility.

Dermatology-Specific Barriers

Where access breaks down

From scheduling to follow-up, blind and low-vision patients may encounter barriers at every stage of a dermatology visit.

Patient Portals & Intake Forms

Patients may face barriers if appointment systems, intake forms, medication instructions, or biopsy results are not compatible with screen readers or require inaccessible image-based text. PDFs scanned as images, CAPTCHA fields, and non-labeled form elements are common obstacles.

Describing Skin Findings

Clinicians can support shared understanding by verbally describing what they are examining: the location of findings, why photographs are being taken, and what changes should prompt follow-up. Visual gestures alone exclude blind and low-vision patients from their own care.

Skin Self-Exams

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends checking the skin for spots that are changing, itching, bleeding, or different from others. For blind or low-vision patients, self-exams may require adapted strategies, such as partner-assisted checks, tactile skin familiarity, accessible reminders, or caregiver support, developed in partnership with their care team.

Preparation Checklists

Questions to ask and steps to take

For Patients & Caregivers

Before the visit, consider asking:
  • "Can forms be sent in an accessible digital format before my visit?"
  • "Can after-visit instructions be provided electronically in a screen-reader-compatible format?"
  • "Can the clinician verbally describe exam findings and body locations?"
  • "Can I bring a support person to help with visual information if I choose?"
  • "Can biopsy or medication instructions be provided in large print, accessible PDF, or plain text?"

For Clinic Teams

Clinics can prepare by asking:
  • Are online forms accessible by keyboard and screen reader?
  • Are PDFs tagged and readable, not just scanned images?
  • Are medication instructions available in large print or plain text?
  • Are lesion maps, wound care instructions, and biopsy follow-ups communicated in accessible formats?
  • Does the clinician describe findings out loud rather than relying only on visual gestures?
Patient Handout

Accessible Dermatology Visit Prep Sheet

This prep sheet is designed to help blind and low-vision patients organize information before a dermatology visit. A full downloadable version is coming soon.

Accessible Dermatology Visit Prep Sheet

  • Main concern: What brings you in today?
  • Body location: Where is the area of concern?
  • Timeline: How long have you noticed this?
  • Symptoms: Itch, pain, bleeding, growth, color change
  • Photos available: Yes / No
  • Assistance needed during exam: What would be most helpful?
  • Preferred format for instructions: Large print / accessible PDF / plain text / email
Download PDF Coming Soon