Cognitive disabilities
Cognitive disabilities change how people think, understand, remember and share information. They include many kinds of disabilities and are often the least helped by regular accessibility efforts.
Intellectual disabilities
Intellectual disabilities cause big challenges with thinking and daily skills. They affect learning, reasoning, solving problems and doing everyday tasks on your own.
Example
A person with an intellectual disability using a government benefits website may have trouble with hard sentences, difficult words, or many steps. Using simple words, clear instructions and easy steps helps them get access more easily.
Key point
“Intellectual disability” is the better term to use now instead of older words like the “R” word (look it up). The words we use have changed a lot, and it is important to be accurate.
Reading and dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it hard to read and spell words correctly and smoothly. It happens because of how the brain works, is not connected to how smart someone is, and can affect people of all different thinking levels.
Example
A very smart adult with dyslexia may read slowly, often lose their place or mix up letters that look alike. Tools like text-to-speech, adjustable line spacing and special fonts for dyslexia make reading easier.
Key point
Dyslexia is not a problem with your eyes. Letters are not actually moving or flipped around. It is a difference in how the brain handles phonemes that makes it harder to turn written letters into spoken words.
Math and calculation problems (Dyscalculia)
Dyscalculia is a learning disability that makes it hard to understand numbers, do math problems and learn math ideas. It is like dyslexia but for numbers.
Example
A person with dyscalculia might not be able to tell which of two prices is bigger or have trouble counting change at a checkout. Showing totals clearly and not depending on mental math makes it easier for them.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD means having ongoing problems with paying attention, being very active and acting without thinking. These problems make it hard to focus, plan tasks and control behaviour.
Example
Someone with ADHD filling out a long online form might lose focus halfway, miss important fields or get distracted by animations and moving content. Reducing distractions and saving progress automatically helps them finish the task.
Key point
ADHD shows up in different ways in different people and situations. The type without hyperactivity, called inattentive ADHD, is often missed, especially in women and girls. People might think they are just not interested or not trying hard.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorders affect how people communicate, process senses and change their behaviour. These effects can be very different for each person. Problems with access are often related to senses or communication, not just thinking skills.
Example
A person with autism might feel upset by sounds that play automatically, flashing pictures or sudden changes on the screen. Using a design that is steady and easy to predict, and letting users control these sensory features, helps reduce stress and makes it easier to use.
Key point
Autism is a spectrum. Some autistic people need a lot of help, while others can live on their own. The term “High-functioning” is debated in the autistic community because it often ignores the need for support while hiding true ability.
Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD)
NVLD makes it hard to understand things without words, like space and shapes, patterns, facial expressions, tone of voice and tasks that involve seeing and using space.
Example
Someone with NVLD might be good at reading and talking but have trouble with maps, diagrams or understanding charts. Using clear verbal explanations instead of or along with pictures helps them understand better.
Key point
NVLD is often called the “inverse of dyslexia”. Strong talking and reading skills can hide the disability, so it is often missed, especially when doing well in verbal school subjects makes it seem like there is no problem.