1. Advancing Digital Accessibility at UL Lafayette
  2. Training & Resources
  3. Disability Types & Assistive Technologies

Disability Types & Assistive Technologies

Creating a universal digital experience starts with understanding your users and their needs. 

People with disabilities interact with websites and digital tools in a wide range of ways. Ensuring accessibility means ensuring everyone—regardless of ability—can access, understand, and interact with your content.

Accessibility helps more people than you expect. An estimated 26% of U.S. adults have some form of disability. Many use assistive technology you may not be aware of — and many others benefit from accessible design without identifying as disabled, including older users, people using mobile devices in bright sunlight, and anyone with a situational limitation like a broken arm.

Below is a guide to the major types of disabilities to consider when designing and developing digital assets, along with the tools commonly used by individuals in each group.

Accessibility Requirements by Disability Type

Visual disabilities include full blindness, low vision, and color blindness. Users may be unable to see content or distinguish certain colors or elements on the page.

Common tools and assistive technologies

  • Screen Readers: JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack
  • Screen Magnifiers: ZoomText, Windows Magnifier
  • Braille Displays: Refreshable braille output devices
  • High Contrast or Color Filters: Windows High Contrast mode, browser-based extensions
  • Text-to-Speech Software: Read&Write, Kurzweil 3000

Requirements

  • All content must be fully navigable and operable via keyboard.
  • Images must include descriptive and accurate alternative text (alt attributes).
  • Color must not be the only method used to convey meaning (use patterns, text labels, etc.).
  • Sufficient color contrast between text and background (WCAG AA/AAA contrast ratios).
  • Use semantic HTML and proper heading structures to support screen reader navigation.
  • Do not embed text images (unless accompanied by alt text or a text alternative).
  • Support screen magnification and responsive scaling without content loss.

Videos

Hearing disabilities include partial or complete hearing loss, affecting a user’s ability to perceive spoken content or audio cues.

Common tools and assistive technologies

  • Captions: Closed captions on videos (YouTube, Vimeo, Kaltura, etc.)
  • Transcripts: Full-text versions of audio or video content
  • Visual Notifications: Flashing alerts or on-screen indicators instead of audio
  • Assistive Listening Devices: Used in live or hybrid events

Requirements

  • Provide accurate, synchronized captions for all pre-recorded and live video content.
  • Include transcripts for audio and video files, including podcasts and webinars.
  • Ensure alerts and notifications are presented visually (not just audibly).
  • Avoid relying on background audio or music to convey important information.

Motor disabilities may affect mobility or dexterity, including tremors, paralysis, or the inability to use a mouse or keyboard in typical ways.

Common tools and assistive technologies

  • Keyboard-Only Navigation: Tab, Enter, and arrow keys
  • Voice Recognition Software: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Windows Speech Recognition
  • Alternative Input Devices: Eye-tracking, head pointers, sip-and-puff switches
  • Adaptive Keyboards and Switches: Hardware tailored to limited motion

Requirements

  • All interactive elements must be operable via keyboard alone (no mouse required).
  • Maintain a logical tab order and visible focus indicators.
  • Avoid requiring complex gestures (e.g., dragging, swiping) without alternatives.
  • Provide sufficient clickable areas (minimum target size).
  • Allow enough time for completing tasks, with options to extend session time.
  • Avoid timed interactions unless essential, or give warning and control to the user.

Cognitive and learning disabilities include dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, memory impairments, and processing disorders. These may affect attention, comprehension, or navigation.

Common tools and assistive technologies

  • Text-to-Speech Tools: NaturalReader, Read&Write
  • Simplified Content Viewers: Browser extensions that strip complex formatting
  • Focus Aids: Timers, reminders, and scheduling apps
  • Distraction Reduction Tools: Read mode, focus assist features in browsers or devices

Requirements

  • Use clear, simple language and consistent navigation and layout.
  • Provide plain language summaries, headings, and content chunking.
  • Avoid or minimize distractions (blinking content, auto-playing video/audio).
  • Ensure forms have clear labels, instructions, and error prevention.
  • Support use of screen readers and text-to-speech tools through semantic HTML.
  • Avoid long blocks of text—use bulleted lists and meaningful subheadings.

Speech disabilities affect the ability to speak clearly or at all, impacting voice-based interactions such as voice assistants or video conferencing.

Common tools and assistive technologies

  • Text-Based Communication Options: Live chat, contact forms, email
  • AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Devices: Proloquo2Go, TouchChat
  • Speech-to-Text Alternatives: Live captions, transcription services

Requirements

  • Provide text-based alternatives to voice interactions (e.g., chat, email, forms).
  • Ensure that no action is required to be completed using voice input only.
  • Support keyboard access for any voice-based features or commands.

Photosensitive epilepsy and other seizure disorders can be triggered by flashing or flickering visual content, especially between 2 to 55 Hz.

Common tools and assistive technologies

  • Motion Reduction Settings: “Reduce Motion” settings in operating systems and browsers
  • Flicker-Free Design Guidelines: Avoiding blinking or flashing content
  • User-Controlled Media: Play/pause controls for animations and videos

Requirements

  • Avoid content that flashes more than three times per second.
  • Do not use flashing animations or auto-playing motion without user control.
  • Provide users the option to disable animations or motion effects (respects prefers-reduced-motion media query).
  • Ensure third-party embeds (videos, ads) meet flashing and motion criteria.