Types of limitations

Web accessibility affects everyone. Whether permanently, temporarily, or situationally, everyone can encounter barriers online. We’ll explore the different types of limitations – visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive to better understand the varied needs of users and why inclusive design is essential.

Visual limitations 

Issues affecting the viewing and perception of content. 

• • • Total blindness → Use of screen readers or braille displays
    • Low vision → Need to enlarge text, improve contrasts
    • Color blindness → Difficulty distinguishing certain colors (e.g., red/green)

Solutions: 

• • • Alt text for images
    • High contrast and the ability to enlarge text
    • Avoid conveying information only by color
      

Hearing limitations 

Problems affecting hearing or sound perception. 

• • • Total or partial deafness → Difficulty understanding audio and video content

Solutions: 

• • • Subtitles and transcripts for videos and podcasts
    • Visual indications to replace audible alerts
      

Motor limitations 

Problems with movement and using a mouse or keyboard. 

• • • Difficulty using a mouse → Tremors, paralysis, diseases such as multiple sclerosis
    • Inability to use a keyboard → Reliance on voice commands or other assistive devices

Solutions: 

• • • Keyboard navigation only possible
    • Compatibility with assistive technologies (voice control, trackballs, switches)
    • Sufficient spacing between buttons and links to prevent clicking errors
      

Cognitive limitations 

Difficulties with comprehension, memory or concentration. 

• • • Dyslexia, dysphasia, ADHD → Difficulty reading or understanding texts
    • Autism → Sensitivity to excessive visual or auditory stimuli
    • Memory or learning disorders

Solutions: 

• • • Use of plain language
    • Logical structuring of content with titles and lists
    • Avoid animations that are too fast or distracting

Technological limitations 

Problems related to access to digital tools. 

• • • Slow or no internet connection
    • Using older devices or browsers
    • Lack of digital skills

Solutions: 

• • • Offer lightweight versions of sites and applications
    • Ensure compatibility with multiple browsers and devices
    • Provide guides and tutorials to support users

By designing with these limitations in mind, you will ensure a more inclusive product, available to all.  Accessibility should never be an afterthought, and it should be an integral part of the design process from the start.

With a partner like Ciao, we can you ensure your hitting your accessibility goals. We’d be delighted to help! Talk to us about your project!