What is Neurodivergence? The current concept of neurodiversity has a basis in science. Neurodiversity is the term used to describe natural variations in the human brain. We know from brain-imaging studies that there are some differences in thinking, learning, mood, attention, sociability, and other mental functions. Those differences appear in how the brain is “wired” and how it functions to support thinking and learning. @amygracewells #HEWeb21
The Neurodivergent Spectrum The conditions of ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia generally make up Neurodiversity, but this is expanding as more is understood. @amygracewells #HEWeb21
More Neurodivergent Challenges Easily overwhelmed Working memory Decision paralysis Reading comprehension Processing on-screen information Communication @amygracewells #HEWeb21
Cognitive Accessibility in W3C Standards Existing and developing standards from the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) address many aspects of cognitive accessibility. These include: ● Guideline 1.3 Adaptable: Create content that can be presented in different ways (for example simpler layout) without losing information or structure. ● Guideline 1.4 Distinguishable: Make it easier for users to see and hear content including separating foreground from background. ● Guideline 2.2 Enough Time: Provide users enough time to read and use content. ● Guideline 2.4 Navigable: Provide ways to help users navigate, find content, and determine where they are. ● Guideline 3.1 Readable: Make text content readable and understandable. ● Guideline 3.2 Predictable: Make Web pages appear and operate in predictable ways. ● Guideline 3.3 Input Assistance: Help users avoid and correct mistakes. https://www.w3.org/WAI/cognitive/ @amygracewells #HEWeb21
Supplemental Guidance: Content Usable The “Making Content Usable for People with Cognitive and Learning Disabilities” document is an informative Working Group Note (not a W3C standard). It provides “supplemental guidance” beyond the requirements of WCAG 2. It is not required for conformance to WCAG. https://www.w3.org/TR/coga-usable/ @amygracewells #HEWeb21
Recruit Neurodiverse Users Provide a question or space for them to self-identify as neurodivergent. Define the term, but don’t ask for specific diagnosis unless absolutely required. @amygracewells #HEWeb21
Recruit Neurodiverse Users Don’t single out their neurodivergence/ disability during the test, but ask questions about: ○ Were there areas/steps that tested their focus and attention? Was anything distracting? ○ Was anything difficult to understand or process? ○ Did anything require them to use memory to complete? (i.e. info from previous steps or external communications like email) @amygracewells #HEWeb21
Easier ways to log in ● Ensure there are multiple ways to get any 2FA ● Think about how many password requirements there are or time-based password updates ● Make sure password fields support pasting ● Use accessible CAPTCHAs ● Support magic link functionality or SSO @amygracewells #HEWeb21
Set Expectations early and often ● Add required documents or information needed in list form before they must commit. Bonus if it can be a downloadable checklist. ● Provide time estimates and how many steps/pages are required. ● Communicate the “why” along the way. @amygracewells #HEWeb21
Reconsider Time Limits ● Allow users to extend time for things like event registrations with limited time to complete. ● Consider automatic log-off or inactive alerts to prevent distractions. @amygracewells #HEWeb21
Provide ability to save progress and return later ● Particularly for long or multi-step tasks. ● Even better if the system could email them a link to pick up where they left off. @amygracewells #HEWeb21
Make decision making easier ● Limit options to decrease the likelihood of cognitive overload. ● Provide context or helper text to help users differentiate between or better understand options. ● Make calls-to-action clear and unmistakable. @amygracewells #HEWeb21
Avoid distractions ● Use one-column layouts to limit sidebar distractions. ● Don’t introduce related content or additional steps/options until the current task is complete.
Always provide feedback for actions ● Always provide success or feedback messages for tasks. ● Help users avoid and fix mistakes. @amygracewells #HEWeb21
Ask about communication preferences and honor them ● Allow users multiple ways to get updates including text, physical mail and alternate emails. ● Provide contact information in email or physical mail. @amygracewells #HEWeb21
Make it easy to get help and support ● Sometimes it may be easier to talk through a task or do it in a location with another person. ● Make it easy for them to reach an actual human. Provide prompt numbers if needed. ● Communicate with staff on how they can support accessibility and neurodiversity if they receive a call. @amygracewells #HEWeb21
amygracewells
hiro93n
aguringo
dmitry_tolonen
linewofficial
mkasumi
juliantruitt
uxaustralia
excitejp
vivion
solmetts
greensmile
akmur
malarkey
shlominoach
mojombo
rasmusluckow
lara
swwweet
reverentgeek
geoffreycrofte
chriscoyier
shpigford
keavy