Types of Disabilities

Vibe Check – Why Accessibility is More Than Just a Checkbox

Accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s about making the world more inclusive for everyone. Disabilities come in many forms, some visible and others unseen, but every experience is valid. Imagine trying to browse a website without a mouse, watch a video without sound, or read an article with blurry text. These challenges are everyday realities for millions of people.

This guide provides an overview to help you build awareness, rethink design choices, and recognize the impact of accessibility. As you go through this, challenge yourself to see things from different perspectives. How can you be part of the change?

Let’s dive in and Vibe Up Accessibility! In this guide, we’ll explore different types of disabilities, including visual impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive and neurodivergent disabilities, motor and mobility impairments, speech and communication disabilities, and chronic illnesses, mental health, and invisible disabilities. Additionally, we'll engage in self-reflection questions, hands-on practical applications, and action plans to help you turn knowledge into impact. Each section will provide insights into the challenges faced and ways to improve accessibility. Disabilities can impact mobility, communication, cognition, and sensory perception, but accessibility makes a difference for everyone. Ready to vibe up your knowledge? Let’s go!

Elevate the Vibe – Understanding Different Types of Disabilities

Visual Disabilities

Disabilities affecting sight range from mild vision loss to complete blindness.

Low Vision: Difficulty seeing even with corrective lenses.
Blindness: Little to no sight.
Color Blindness: Trouble distinguishing certain colors, impacting readability.
Glaucoma: Gradual vision loss due to optic nerve damage.
Macular Degeneration: Affects central vision, making reading difficult.
Retinitis Pigmentosa: Causes peripheral and night vision loss.

Accessibility Boost: Use alt text, high contrast, and screen-reader-friendly content. Ensure content is structured with proper headings and labels, provide zoom functionality, and avoid using images of text unless necessary.‍

Hearing Disabilities

Ranges from mild loss to profound deafness.

Hard of Hearing: Some residual hearing but difficulty understanding speech.
Deafness: Little to no hearing ability.
Tinnitus: Persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Meniere’s Disease: Causes vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing.
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Difficulty processing and understanding sounds.

Accessibility Boost: Provide captions, transcripts, and visual alerts instead of sound-only cues. Offer sign language interpretation where possible, ensure volume controls are accessible, and avoid auto-playing audio without user control.‍

Cognitive & Neurodivergent Disabilities

These impact memory, focus, comprehension, and problem-solving.

Dyslexia: Reading and text processing challenges.
ADHD: Difficulties with focus and impulse control.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Differences in communication and sensory processing.
Dyscalculia: Challenges with numbers and math.
Dysgraphia: Writing and fine motor skill difficulties.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Cognitive challenges from head trauma.

Accessibility Boost: Use plain language, clear navigation, and multiple content formats. Minimize distractions, provide content summaries, and allow users to customize their reading experience with adjustable text spacing and font choices.‍

Motor & Mobility Disabilities

These affect movement, coordination, and dexterity.

Cerebral Palsy: Impacts muscle coordination.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Can cause weakness and tremors.
Paralysis: Loss of muscle function.
Muscular Dystrophy: Progressive muscle weakness.
Parkinson’s Disease: Affects movement and coordination.
Amputation: Limb loss affecting mobility.

Accessibility Boost: Ensure keyboard navigability, speech recognition, and adaptive device support. Design with touch-friendly elements, avoid time-sensitive interactions, and provide alternatives for complex gestures.

Speech & Communication Disabilities

These impact a person’s ability to speak or understand language.

Stuttering: Challenges with fluent speech.
Non-verbal Communication: Individuals who rely on assistive devices.
Aphasia: Language difficulties due to brain injury.
Apraxia of Speech: Difficulty coordinating speech movements.
Selective Mutism: Inability to speak in certain social situations.

Accessibility Boost: Offer text-based communication options and avoid voice-only interactions. Implement real-time chat options, support alternative input methods, and ensure digital forms are accessible with clear labels and instructions.

Chronic Illnesses, Mental Health & Invisible Disabilities

Not all disabilities are visible, but they still impact daily life.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Persistent exhaustion.
Fibromyalgia: Widespread pain and cognitive difficulties.
Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS): Joint instability and chronic pain.
Lupus: Autoimmune disease causing pain and fatigue.
Crohn’s Disease: Affects digestion and energy levels.

Accessibility Boost: Allow flexible deadlines, offer quiet spaces, and support mental well-being. Encourage mindfulness breaks, create content that respects cognitive load, and provide resources for stress management and mental health support.

Vibe Up – Experiencing Accessibility Barriers Firsthand

Want to experience digital accessibility firsthand? Try these quick challenges:

Navigate your favorite website using only a keyboard—can you access everything?
Watch a video with captions off—how much can you understand without sound?
Increase your screen’s contrast—does the text become easier to read?

Self-Reflection – Evaluating Your Accessibility Awareness

Take a moment to reflect on these questions:

What’s one accessibility feature you think is often overlooked but could make a big impact?
Have you ever faced a barrier that made it difficult to access information or services? How did you handle it?
If you were designing a product or website, what steps would you take to ensure it's accessible to all?
How can you advocate for better accessibility in your everyday life?

Write down your thoughts or discuss them with someone to deepen your understanding of accessibility!

Vibe Up – Action Plan for Making Accessibility a Daily Practice

Now that you’ve explored different disabilities and accessibility challenges, take the next step.

Choose at least one of the following actions to reinforce your learning and contribute to accessibility:

1. Apply What You’ve Learned

Identify one accessibility improvement you can make in your daily work, school, or digital space.
Review your own website, document, or social media post—does it meet basic accessibility guidelines?

2. Share the Knowledge

Teach a friend or colleague something new about accessibility.
Post one accessibility tip on social media to spread awareness.

3. Take It Further

Start following an accessibility advocate, podcast, or blog.
Attend a webinar or training session on digital accessibility.