When discussing accessibility and inclusive design, it is important to recognize that besides permanent disabilities, there are also temporary and situational disabilities that can also affect a large number of our users.

Temporary disabilities are short-term impairments that can limit a person's abilities in their daily life, like having a broken bone or suffering from short-term illnesses. These can cause physical limitations until the condition no longer affects the individual.

Situational disabilities are impairments that arise from specific situations or environments and are not caused by a person's medical condition or physical or mental limitations. Instead, they are caused by external factors such as situational or environmental barriers. For instance, an individual in a noisy bar or restaurant may experience difficulty hearing in that environment.

So, how can we ensure we account for all types of disabilities when designing? By designing for permanent disabilities, we can also accommodate various situational and temporary limitations. For example, adding a ramp to access a building for people in wheelchairs can also help people with strollers and luggage.

If you're looking for resources on inclusive design best practices, we highly recommend checking out Microsoft's Inclusive Design website.

For help with making sure your websites and apps are as accessible and inclusive as possible, contact our Human-Centered Design studio today for a consultation. ◆