Types of Disabilities: Mobility, Flexibility, and Body Structure Disabilities

Question 1

Mobility disabilities

Answer 1

Affect a person’s ability to move independently and purposely.

Question 2

Examples of mobility disabilities

Answer 2

Missing limbs, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, partial or complete paralysis, arthritis

Question 3

Percent of U.S. adults with a mobility disability

Answer 3

3.5%

Question 4

Ambulation

Answer 4

The ability to walk without using an assistive device.

Question 5

Percent of children with ADHD worldwide

Answer 5

3-7%

Question 6

Body size or shape disabilities

Answer 6

Related to a person’s stature, proportions, or shape. Eg. Dwarfism, rheumatoid arthritis, acromegaly (increased bone size), and obesity. A person may experience various related conditions such as muscle weakness and muscle fatigue (extreme exhaustion), hearing loss, vision loss, and diabetes.

Question 7

Percent of world’s population with rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 7

1%

Question 8

Percent of adults with obesity

Answer 8

39-40%

Question 9

Examples of web AT used by people with motor disabilities

Answer 9

• Vertical keyboard with mouth stick
• One-handed keyboard
• Expanded keyboard with raised sections between keys
• Speech recognition

Question 10

Speech Recognition

Answer 10

Speech recognition software translates the user’s spoken words into language that the computer can understand. Can be used to type text, enter data into forms, and navigate web pages using keyboard-style interactions or a mouse emulation mode.

Question 11

ICT Challenge: May be unable to use a mouse due to difficulty or inability to use hands.

Answer 11

Solutions:
1. Alternative keyboards, mouth sticks, single switch devices, speech recognition software, and eye tracking technologies enable users to use a computer without the need for a mouse.
2. Developers and designers can ensure digital content is accessible using keyboard devices.

Question 12

ICT Challenge: May need more time to interact with digital content and interfaces due to slower movements.

Answer 12

Solution: Interface designers and developers can alert users to session timeouts and provide users with a way to adjust the time, extend the time, or turn off the limit.

Question 13

ICT Challenge: May have trouble with interfaces that have small or rightly grouped touch targets.

Answer 13

Solution: Ensure that touch targets are big enough to hit easily and not too close to each other.

Question 14

Architecture and Built Environment Challenge: Wheelchair users are unable to use steps.

Answer 14

Solutions:
1. For building entrances, accessible ramps in addition to steps should be provided, and accessible parking should be provided.
2. For steps within buildings, ensure that ramps and elevators are provided and accessible.
3. Ensure that accessible routes outside and within the building are labelled and clearly identifiable.

Question 15

Architecture and Built Environment Challenge: Wheelchair users may be unable to navigate through tight spaces.

Answer 15

Solutions:
1. Doors, hallways, rooms, and restrooms should be wide enough for everyone, including wheelchair users, to use.
2. All corridors and routes should be unobstructed.

Question 16

Architecture and Built Environment Challenge: May have difficulty using hands or arms to open doors.

Answer 16

Solutions:
1. Provide automatic doors or doors that can be opened using a large button.
2. Equip doors with lever-type handles/doorknobs for easier opening or closing.

Question 17

Architecture and Built Environment Challenge: May encounter seating that is too small or at the wrong height.

Answer 17

Solution: Ensure that seating can accommodate a variety of body sizes.

Question 18

Consumer and Industrial Products Challenge: May be unable to turn pages of books, magazines, information pamphlets, or other printed materials.

Answer 18

Solution: Consider providing printed materials in a digital format that may allow people to use their own assistive technologies; touch screen interfaces may also increase accessibility.

Question 19

General Challenge: May have trouble with tasks that require fine motor skills, accuracy, or strenght.

Answer 19

Solution: If possible, provide alternatives to such tasks (eg. an automatic door in place of having to open a manual one).