This powerful quote from WCAG for Designers: Accessibility Reference Manual reminds us that disability is not about the person—it's about how the world is (or isn’t) designed to accommodate them.
Understanding Disability: More Than Meets the Eye
Disability comes in many forms, whether you identify as having one or not. It can be:
- Congenital: Present from birth (e.g., blindness, ADHD).
- Acquired: Developed over time (e.g., arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease).
- Temporary: Short-term conditions (e.g., a broken arm, torn ACL).
- Situational: Environmental factors that create temporary barriers (e.g., struggling to hear in a loud concert, reading a dim screen in sunlight).
Disabilities Can Be Visible or Invisible
It’s important to recognize that not all disabilities look the same. Some are apparent, while others are not immediately visible:
- Apparent disabilities: Blindness, paralysis, seizures, amputations.
- Non-apparent disabilities: Dyslexia, PTSD, depression, ADHD.
- Permanent disabilities: Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis.
- Temporary disabilities: Broken leg, severe migraines.
- Situational disabilities: Noisy environments making it difficult to hear, bright sunlight affecting screen visibility.
Why Does This Matter for Accessibility?
At some point in life, everyone will experience a disability—whether permanently, temporarily, or situationally. Designing with accessibility in mind ensures that digital experiences remain usable for all individuals, regardless of ability or circumstance.
Inclusive design isn’t just about accommodating a small group of people—it’s about creating a world that works for all of us.
Learn More About Inclusive Design
For a deeper dive into designing with accessibility in mind, check out W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) (opens in a new tab).
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Author
Crystal Scott, CPWA
Web Accessibility Engineer