This document serves as an introduction to physical disabilities, covering their types, characteristics, and barriers faced by individuals. It discusses assistive technologies available to aid those with physical disabilities and outlines key UX design considerations to improve accessibility and usability. Overall, the guide emphasizes the importance of understanding and accommodating physical disabilities in design and technology.

1. Types, Characteristics, Barriers,
Assistive Tech, and UX Design
Physical
Disabilities
A11Y AND INCLUSIVE DESIGN SERIES
@ALENAHUANG

2. This is an introduction to physical disabilities
(Mobility, Flexibility, and Body Structure
Disabilities). Here we will learn about...
1. What are physical disabilities?
2. Types and characteristics
3. Barriers for people with physical disabilities
4. Assistive Technologies
5. UX Design Considerations
Let’s get started!
What will this guide cover?

3. Physical disabilities are a broad range of
disabilities that include...
• Orthopedic
• Neuromuscular
• Cardiovascular
• Pulmonary disorders
Physical disabilities can be caused by
accident, disease, aging, heredity, and can be
permanent or temporary.
What are Physical Disabilities?

4. Types and
Characteristics
Physical Disabilities

5. There are two main categories for physical
disabilities:
• Traumatic injuries
• Disease and congenital conditions
They are characterized by difficulty
controlling, moving, and/or coordinating body
movements.
Characteristics
TYPES OF PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

6. • Quadriplegia
• Paraplegia
• Cerebral palsy
• Muscular dystrophy
• Muscular sclerosis
• Amputation
Examples of Physical Disabilities
TYPES OF PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

7. • Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Parkinson's Disease
• Arthritis
• Muscle Fatigue
• Body Size or Shape
• Fractures
Mutism (No Speech)
TYPES OF PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

8. Examples of
Barriers
Physical Disabilities

9. Appliances or technologies that
are out of reach and require
touch to utilize them
BARRIER EXAMPLE #1

10. Steps and other obstacles that
prevent entry into a space
BARRIER EXAMPLE #2

11. Websites or apps that require to
hold multiple keys to complete
one task
BARRIER EXAMPLE #3

12. Examples of
Assistive Tech
Physical Disabilities

13. There are various assistive technologies for
those with physical disabilities including...
• Voice recognition software
• Specialized keyboard and mouse
• Activated commands with single
keystrokes
• Pointing devices
• Walkers and canes
• Wheelchairs and scooters
Assistive Technologies (AT)

14. UX Design
Considerations
Physical Disabilities

15. • Make sure the target size around buttons,
links, and other controls are big enough to
avoid missing controls or clicking the wrong
controls
• Make sure all controls are keyboard
accessible
Buttons, Links, and Controls
UX DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

16. • Provide alternatives for users who can’t
press two keys at once, allowing for custom
shortcuts
Shortcut Keys
UX DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS