Module 2: Motor
Typically, when we think about the barriers to accessibility encountered by users with motor disabilities, the first thing that comes to mind are the barriers to wheelchair access that are presented by navigating the physical environment. In fact, the term "universal design" was coined by Ronald Mace, an architect, in the context of building design.
However, motor disabilities can have a large impact on users' ability to access web-based information. Tasks that many users take for granted--for example, typing on a keyboard or clicking a mouse--may be difficult or impossible for users with some motor disabilities.
In addition to the mobility devices we're all familiar with, assistive technologies like eye trackers and specialized keyboards are also used by people with motor disabilities.
Motor disabilities may be temporary or permanent, and include cerebral palsy Links to an external site., RSI (repetitive strain injury) Links to an external site., muscular dystrophy Links to an external site., multiple sclerosis Links to an external site., and Parkinson's disease Links to an external site..
Watch
(Here's another excellent, very humorous take on what it's like to be a woman in a wheelchair
Links to an external site.
but it does contain some adult language and humor, so viewer discretion is advised.)
Challenges and Solutions
|
Challenges |
Solutions |
|---|---|
| Users may not be able to use the mouse. | Make sure that all functions are available from the keyboard (try tabbing from link to link). Make sure that the tab order is logical. |
| Users may become fatigued when using "puff-and-sip" or similar adaptive technologies. | Provide a method for skipping over long lists of redundant links or other lengthy content. |
| Users may be using voice activated software. | Voice activated software generally cannot replicate mouse movement as effectively as it can replicate keyboard usage, so make sure that all functions are available from the keyboard. |