How People with Permanent or Temporary Disabilities Interact with the Web: Understanding and Improving Accessibility.

As a web accessibility advocate and a visually impaired, I have had the privilege of speaking with many individuals through various accessibility webinars and personal conversations. Through these interactions, I've learned firsthand about how people with different disabilities—whether permanent or temporary—experience the web. My journey in accessibility has made me realize that digital spaces must be as diverse and flexible as the people who navigate them.

Together, let’s explore how different users interact with the web, the tools they rely on, and how we—as testers, developers, and designers—can build more inclusive experiences for everyone.

Part 1: User Experience with Disabilities

Understanding Diverse Web Experiences

Before we discuss building accessible websites, it's essential to understand how disabilities influence how individuals access and navigate web content. Disabilities can be permanent or temporary, and both types significantly impact user experience.

Visual Impairments (Blindness, Low Vision, Colour Blindness)

As someone with a visual impairment myself, let me explain how visually impaired individuals typically interact with web content. Imagine relying solely on your hearing or touch to explore websites.

• Blind users use screen readers, such as: JAWS NVDA Apple’s Voiceover
• Screen readers read content aloud or display it on Braille devices. They depend heavily on clear, structured content like headings, alternative text (alt text) for images, and logical navigation.
• Users with low vision often rely on: Screen magnification software (like ZoomText) Browser zoom options Adjusted contrast or larger font sizes
• Colourblind users (approximately 8% of men and 0.5% of women) might depend on: Colour-filtering browser extensions or software Clearly labelled visual cues instead of relying on colour alone

Hearing Impairments

For users who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, multimedia content without captions or transcripts can be a significant barrier.

• These users depend on: Closed captions Subtitles Written transcripts for audio and video content

Clearly written text alternatives are essential—not just helpful—for this audience.

Motor Disabilities

Individuals with motor disabilities, such as arthritis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, or tremors, often rely on specialized devices to navigate the web.

• Common assistive technologies include: Voice recognition software (e.g., Dragon NaturallySpeaking) Adaptive keyboards and trackballs Head pointers Switch devices that require minimal physical input

Imagine navigating the web without a mouse or trackpad, relying solely on keyboard commands. Websites not optimized for keyboard navigation become entirely inaccessible to these users.

Cognitive and Neurological Conditions

Web accessibility also greatly affects users with cognitive or neurological conditions, including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or traumatic brain injuries.

• These users benefit from: Simplified content structures Clear navigation Minimal distractions (e.g., auto-playing videos or flashing animations) Customizable features like adjustable reading speeds and simplified page layouts
• Assistive tools used: Readability browser extensions Text-to-speech software "Distraction-free" browsing modes

Temporary Conditions: An Often-Overlooked User Group

Accessibility also significantly helps individuals with temporary disabilities, such as a broken arm, eye strain, concussion, or recovery after surgery.

• Examples include: A person with a broken arm temporarily relying on voice commands or keyboard navigation Someone experiencing severe eye strain using reduced brightness or screen readers temporarily

Inclusive design benefits both temporary and permanent conditions, demonstrating the importance of flexible and adaptable web experiences.

Part 2: Designing Accessible Websites

Now that we understand user needs, let's explore how testers, developers, designers, and tech leaders can create accessible web experiences. Accessibility isn’t about merely checking boxes—it’s about designing inclusive, flexible experiences from the start.

Customizable Experiences: Empowering Users Through Flexibility

One principle I regularly advocate for is providing customizable user experiences. Allowing users to adjust certain settings makes the web more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

• Examples of customizable settings include: Font size adjustments Line spacing and readability options Contrast and colour mode changes Animation and multimedia control (e.g., turning off animations or autoplay) Different navigation methods (keyboard-only, voice commands, etc.)

Imagine someone with low vision easily enlarging fonts or adjusting contrast. Similarly, a user with ADHD could significantly benefit from disabling distracting animations.

Providing customization demonstrates genuine respect for user diversity and autonomy.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): A Vital Roadmap

In my role as an accessibility consultant and tester, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) have been a cornerstone of my testing process. These guidelines, developed by the W3C, help us create universally accessible web content.

WCAG is built around four main principles known as POUR:

• Perceivable: Content must be accessible through senses (sight, sound, touch).
• Operable: Websites must work effectively with different input methods (keyboard, voice, etc.).
• Understandable: Information and navigation must be clear and simple.
• Robust: Websites should be compatible with various current and future technologies, including assistive tools.

By following WCAG guidelines—like providing descriptive alt text, clear navigation paths, and keyboard accessibility—we greatly improve usability and inclusion for all users.

Practical Examples: Bringing Accessibility to Life

Here are practical examples of accessibility in action for various user groups:

• Visual Impairments: Provide descriptive alt text (e.g., "Men's navy blue waterproof jacket, size medium" instead of just "jacket"). Use structured headings and clear labels on buttons and forms.
• Hearing Impairments: Provide accurate closed captions and transcripts for all audio and video content. Manually correct automatic captions (e.g., on YouTube) for clarity and accuracy.
• Motor Disabilities: Ensure complete keyboard navigation. Provide clear visual indicators (focus outlines) for keyboard users.
• Cognitive or Neurological Conditions: Use simplified layouts and clear navigation menus. Offer distraction-free browsing options to minimize cognitive overload.
• Temporary Disabilities: Implement responsive and flexible design, allowing easy use of keyboard or voice navigation during temporary impairments (e.g., broken arm or wrist injury).

Accessibility,DEI,] and Legal Compliance

Accessibility isn't just ethical—it’s now integral to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies and legal compliance. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 highlight accessibility's legal importance. Embedding accessibility into DEI initiatives also creates a genuinely inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.

Call to Action: Building an Inclusive Digital Future

As a web accessibility  consultant I frequently ask myself—and now I invite you to ask as well:

"How can we champion accessibility not as an afterthought, but as a foundational design principle from the start?"

I encourage every tester, developer, designer, and tech leader to reflect on how your work impacts users with disabilities—permanent or temporary. Accessibility shouldn’t be seen as just a requirement but as an essential value shaping every digital experience.

Let’s open a dialogue:

• How has accessibility influenced your work so far?
• What changes can you start advocating for today?

The future of the web is inclusive—let’s build it together.