Barriers for Users with Cognitive Disabilities
Cognitive disabilities affect how people think, learn, remember, and process information. Complex layouts, confusing navigation, time limits, and distracting content create significant barriers for the estimated 16 million Americans with cognitive impairments.
Cognitive Disabilities Include
Learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia), attention disorders (ADHD), memory impairments, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum, traumatic brain injury, and age-related cognitive decline. Each affects web use differently.
Common Cognitive Barriers
Complex Navigation
The Problem: Inconsistent or complicated navigation structures that change between pages.
Impact: Users become disoriented and cannot find content.
Solution: Consistent navigation, clear labels, breadcrumbs, and search functionality.
Time Limits
The Problem: Sessions that time out or content that auto-advances before users can process it.
Impact: Users lose work or miss content they need more time to understand.
Solution: Allow users to extend, adjust, or turn off time limits.
Auto-Playing Media
The Problem: Videos, audio, or animations that play automatically without user control.
Impact: Distracts and overwhelms users, especially those with ADHD or autism.
Solution: Let users control when media plays. Provide pause/stop controls.
Complex Language
The Problem: Content written at high reading levels with jargon and complex sentences.
Impact: Users with reading difficulties cannot understand content.
Solution: Write in plain language. Provide summaries and definitions.
Attention & Focus Barriers
Cluttered Layouts
The Problem: Crowded pages with too much information competing for attention.
Impact: Users with ADHD become overwhelmed and lose focus.
Solution: Use white space, clear visual hierarchy, and progressive disclosure.
Animations & Movement
The Problem: Constant motion, blinking, or scrolling content that cannot be paused.
Impact: Diverts attention and makes it impossible to focus on content.
Solution: Allow users to pause all animation. Respect prefers-reduced-motion.
Memory & Processing Barriers
Multi-Step Processes
The Problem: Complex processes without progress indicators or ability to save progress.
Impact: Users forget where they are and cannot complete tasks.
Solution: Break into clear steps, show progress, allow saving and returning.
Unclear Error Messages
The Problem: Error messages that don't explain what went wrong or how to fix it.
Impact: Users cannot recover from errors without clear guidance.
Solution: Provide specific, actionable error messages with suggestions.
Inconsistent Patterns
The Problem: Similar functions that work differently across pages or components.
Impact: Users cannot apply learned patterns, must re-learn constantly.
Solution: Maintain consistent design patterns and interaction models.
Unexpected Changes
The Problem: Content that changes focus or context without user action.
Impact: Users become confused about where they are and what happened.
Solution: Only change context when user initiates. Warn about changes.
WCAG 2.2 Cognitive Accessibility
WCAG 2.2 added new success criteria specifically addressing cognitive accessibility:
| Criterion | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3.2.6 Consistent Help | A | Help mechanisms in consistent location |
| 3.3.7 Redundant Entry | A | Don't require re-entering previous data |
| 3.3.8 Accessible Authentication | AA | Don't require cognitive tests for login |
| 2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured | AA | Focused element is visible |
| 2.5.7 Dragging Movements | AA | Provide alternative to dragging |
Design Recommendations
Creating Cognitively Accessible Content:
- Simplify: Use plain language, short sentences, and clear headings
- Chunk: Break content into small, digestible sections
- Illustrate: Support text with images, icons, and diagrams
- Guide: Provide clear instructions and helpful error messages
- Control: Let users control timing, animation, and media
- Consistent: Maintain predictable navigation and patterns
- Forgiving: Allow undo, confirmation, and error recovery
Report a Barrier
Encountered an inaccessible website? Help us track compliance issues.
File a ReportStatistics
16M+
Americans with cognitive disabilities