Accessibility Needs by Disability Type
Categorization, barriers, and solutions
#accessibility
#visual
#hearing
#physical
#neuro
#disability
#barriers
#category
#discovery
Summary

Research presents a structured analysis of secondary data focused on understanding the needs of users with disabilities in digital environments. Disabilities were categorized into six primary groups: visual, auditory, speech, physical/motor, cognitive/neurodivergent, and age-related impairments.
Each category contains its characteristics, common digital accessibility barriers, and user-centered design solutions.The focus is on situational and overlapping impairments, as well as demographic data to support prioritization.ň

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Conducted in February 2023.

Key takeaways
  • Disability types must be treated functionally, not medically
  • Some disabilities are under-supported in design
  • Neurodivergent users have the broadest range of needs
  • Old age is a cross-functional accessibility category
  • Assistive technologies are not enough without design support
  • Situational impairments are real and frequent
Scope and goals
  • Research investigates how different categories of disabilities translate into specific user needs, barriers, and design strategies
  • Goal: Provide a framework that connects disability types with actionable design considerations
Methods
  • Methodology: Analysis of secondary data using peer-reviewed articles, government statistics, and accessibility standards (e.g. WCAG)
  • Additional focus: Situational impairments (e.g., temporary injuries, caregiving, aging), and overlapping disabilities
  • Demographic data was collected where available to guide prioritization
Results

Disability Categories and Barriers

  • Visual: Requires text alternatives, screen reader compatibility, adjustable contrast/fonts, reflowable layouts
  • Auditory: Needs transcripts, captions, visual cues, and alternatives to voice-only interaction
  • Speech: Barriers include phone-only support and voice-dependent systems; needs text-based communication
  • Physical: Requires keyboard access, large touch targets, voice/eye tracking support, and minimal timed responses
  • Cognitive/Neuro: Needs clear structure, predictable navigation, reduced visual clutter, and multimodal content
  • Old Age: Overlaps with other categories; needs readability, simplified interaction, and CAPTCHA alternatives


Demographic Patterns (RBI region estimates)

  • Auditory impairments: ~20% of population
  • Visual impairments: ~16%
  • Neuro/cognitive: ~15%
  • Speech impairments: ~1%
  • Physical and age-related impairments: widespread but harder to quantify due to overlap

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Sources
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