These include, but are not limited to, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual/learning disabilities (e.g. Down syndrome), mental health disabilities, memory impairments, multiple sclerosis and seizure disorders.
Summary of Best Practices
- Use images and diagrams, audio and video to support textual content
- Avoid using bright contrasting colors against each other
- Provide descriptive and informative headings
- Provide descriptive and informative links
- Follow a linear and logical layout; don’t create busy layouts
- Use proper semantics (e.g. paragraphs, headings, lists, tables)
- Keep text aligned to the left
- Don’t underline non-links
- Don’t write in all uppercase
- Keep content short, clear and simple; use simple sentences and lists
- Use plain English, not figures of speech or idioms; define your jargon first
References
Usage & Assistive Technologies
- WAI: How People with Disabilities Use the Web – Cognitive and neurological
- Web AIM: Seizure Disorders
- Web AIM: Cognitive Disabilities
- Web AIM: Cognitive Disabilities – Design Considerations
- Reading Rockets: Assistive Technology for Kids with Learning Disabilities: An Overview
- Understood for Learning & Attention Issues: Assistive Technology in the Classroom
- University of Michigan: Dyslexia Help – Software & Assistive Technology