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.
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- 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:
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- 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.
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- Total or partial deafness → Difficulty understanding audio and video content
Solutions:
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- Subtitles and transcripts for videos and podcasts
- Visual indications to replace audible alerts
Motor limitations
Problems with movement and using a mouse or keyboard.
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- 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:
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- 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.
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- Dyslexia, dysphasia, ADHD → Difficulty reading or understanding texts
- Autism → Sensitivity to excessive visual or auditory stimuli
- Memory or learning disorders
Solutions:
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- 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.
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- Slow or no internet connection
- Using older devices or browsers
- Lack of digital skills
Solutions:
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- 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!