Designing for Accessibility

Disabilities

A person in a wheelchair has an obvious, visible disability.

In fact, it is the international symbol of access.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

The Accessible Icon

There are efforts to update that symbol. MOMA has already added the Accessible Icon to its permanent collection.

Not All Disabilities Are Visible

However, there are many types of disabilities.

Image: Ellen From Now On

Types of Disabilities

They are often categorized by limitations with

• sight
• hearing
• movement
• thinking

Image: University of Omaha
Also, check out the 2019 Disability Awareness Month and Observance Calendar.

VIsual

• Blindness
• Low Vision
• Color Blindness

Image: Global Reach

Auditory

• Deafness
• Hearing Loss

Image: Global Reach

Physical or Motor

• Damage of Limbs
• Paralysis
• Tremor
• Muscle Pain or Stiffness

Image: Global Reach

Cognitive

• Attention Deficit
• Memory Deficit
• Problem Solving Deficit
• Learning Disabilities

Image: Global Reach

Disabilities Are Context Dependent

Permanent

• Legally blind
• Aging

Temporary

• Broken leg
• Recovering from a concussion

Situational

• Looking at a phone screen in bright sunlight
• Watching a video without headphones

Image: Microsoft Inclusive 101 Toolkit | View larger version

Comparing Similar Disabilities in Context

Examples where a person is limited to using only one arm:

• Permanent: Have one arm
• Temporary: Have a broken arm
• Situational: New parent carrying baby with one arm

Image: Microsoft Inclusive 101 Toolkit

Accessibility Preferences

Look for this type of icon to get to a device's or web site's accessibility information.

Image: WikiProject Accessibility