Physical Disability
Physical disabilities are those that result in limitations in movement. Physical disabilities or motor impairments can result from traumatic injuries or diseases and congenital conditions.
Examples of traumatic injuries include:
- Spinal cord injury
- Loss or damage of limb(s)
Examples of diseases and congenital conditions include:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Spina Bifida
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)
- Arthritis
- Parkinson's Disease
(WebAIM. Motor Disabilities Introduction)
Statistics
More than thirty-one million people over the age of 18 reportedly have some type of physical functioning difficulty based on 2004 survey data from the National Center for Health Statistics (Lethbridge-Cejku, Rose, & Vickerie, 2006).
Accessibility and Physical Disabilities
Physical or motor disabilities affect Web usage when there is an impact on dexterity. Users may need larger areas to click with a mouse or may be using assistive technology.
The areas to consider in Web accessibility for people with physical disabilities include:
- not being able to use the mouse
- difficulty controlling a mouse or keyboard
- the need to use voice activated software
- having limited energy to complete tasks
(WebAIM. Motor Disabilities Types)
Resources
For more information on physical disabilities:
- Lethbridge-Cejku, M., Rose, D. & Vickerie, J. (2006). Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2004. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital and Health Statistics 10 (228). Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_228.pdf
- WebAIM. Motor Disabilities Introduction. Available at http://www.webaim.org/articles/motor/
- WebAIM. Motor Disabilities Types of Motor Disabilities. Available at http://www.webaim.org/articles/motor/motordisabilities.php
