Universal Design for the Physical World
Learning Goals of This Section
To demonstrate your understanding of universal design for the physical world, you should be able to:
Explain the concept of universal design for the physical world.
Name the seven principles of universal design.
Provide various examples of principles of universal design in the physical world.
Accessibility means recognizing the full range of human physical diversity and making thoughtful design choices that work well for everyone.
How Accessible Is Our World?
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the accessibility of the built environment and the everyday products many of us use. You may start to notice how often our surroundings create barriers for people with disabilities. Those barriers can show up in small frustrations or significant obstacles.
The important thing to remember is this: these barriers did not happen by accident. They are the result of design choices. And that means they can be redesigned.
A man in a wheelchair in an elevator, struggling to reach the buttons that are too high up on the wall
Design Can Create Barriers
Much of the world around us has been designed with a narrow set of assumptions in mind, often centered on people who are young and without disabilities. Designers frequently draw from their own experiences, which can unintentionally shape spaces and products around a limited view of what bodies and abilities are like.
As a result, our natural physical diversity is not always reflected in the way things are built. This is usually not about bad intent. More often, it comes down to awareness. When certain needs are not visible or familiar, they are easier to overlook. The impact, however, is real.
Universal Design in the Physical World
The physical world is all around us. We can immediately grasp the immediacy of the challenges. Some of the examples (like sidewalks, doors, drinking fountains, etc.) may not seem at first to be relevant to web accessibility, but trust us on this one: thinking about these types of situations will help you understand the real nature of the problem. Here’s a list of the things we’ll examine:
In This Section:
Universal Design Principles
Applying Universal Design to Physical Spaces
Sidewalks
Building Entrances
Multi-Level Buildings
Doorways
Bathrooms
Drinking Fountains
Transportation Systems
Taxis
Emergencies
Grocery Stores
Self Check-In/Check-Out
Signs
Printed Materials
Microwaves
Televisions
Movies
ATMs
Mobile Devices
Philosophy of Accessible Design
Universal Design Principles
Background
In 1997, a group of architects led by Ronald Mace at North Carolina State University reexamined how buildings, products, and environments were being designed. They recognized that people are diverse, and that physical spaces and everyday products should adapt to that diversity rather than assume a single “standard” user. From this work, the idea of universal design took shape: environments and products created to work well for as many people as possible.
large push button for opening a door
The Seven Principles of Universal Design
Recognizing that spaces and products should be designed for broad, inclusive use, the group developed seven principles to guide the practice of universal design. Although these principles were originally created for architecture and industrial design, they have since influenced work in many other fields, including education and web design.
Principle 1: Equitable Use
The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. Whenever possible, it should allow everyone to use it in the same way. If that is not feasible, equivalent options should be provided so no one is excluded or segregated.
Provide the same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible, equivalent when not.
Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users.
Privacy, security, and safety should be equally available to all users.
Make the design appealing to all users.
Principle 2: Flexibility in Use
The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. It should offer choices in how it can be used and adapt to different needs.
Provide choice in methods of use.
Accommodate right- or left-handed access and use.
Facilitate the user's accuracy and precision.
Provide adaptability to the user's pace.
Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive Use
The design is easy to understand, regardless of a person’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or concentration level. Its purpose and use should be clear without requiring unnecessary complexity.
Eliminate unnecessary complexity.
Be consistent with user expectations and intuition.
Accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills.
Arrange information consistent with its importance.
Provide effective prompting and feedback during and after task completion.
Principle 4: Perceptible Information
The design clearly communicates important information to everyone. People with different sensory abilities should be able to perceive it. Use multiple ways to convey information so no one misses it.
Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information.
Provide adequate contrast between essential information and its surroundings.
Maximize legibility of essential information.
Differentiate elements in ways that can be described, making it easy to give instructions or directions.
Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations.
Principle 5: Tolerance for Error
The design minimizes hazards and reduces the risk of unintended actions. It anticipates mistakes and helps prevent serious consequences.
Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors: the most used elements should be the most accessible; hazardous elements should be eliminated, isolated, or shielded.
Provide warnings of hazards and errors.
Provide fail-safe features.
Discourage unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance.
Principle 6: Low Physical Effort
The design can be used efficiently and comfortably with minimal fatigue. It should not require excessive strength, sustained effort, or awkward movements.
Allow users to maintain a neutral body position.
Use reasonable operating forces.
Minimize repetitive actions.
Minimize sustained physical effort.
Principle 7: Size and Space for Approach and Use
The design provides appropriate space for approach, reach, and use, regardless of a person’s body size, posture, mobility, or assistive device.
Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user.
Make reaching all components comfortable for any seated or standing user.
Accommodate variations in hand and grip size.
Provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.
Applying Universal Design to Physical Spaces
Example: Designing Spaces for People Who Are Deaf
Universal design means creating spaces that work for everyone. Gallaudet University is a great example. Because many students are deaf, the campus includes wider walkways so people can comfortably converse while moving through them. These thoughtful design choices make the environment easier to navigate and more welcoming for everyone.
Some other design considerations include:
Ramps instead of stairs
Classroom seating organized in semi-circles so that everyone can see each other
Public spaces that have:
Transparent or semi-transparent doorways and passageways
Mirrors to see behind and around to increase perception of the surroundings
Muted blue and green colors for furniture and interior design to contrast with skin tones
The video below further describes how Gallaudet University is enhancing physical spaces for people who are deaf.
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Video Transcript
Skip transcript (669 words)
[Sound of subway announcements]
[Voiceover:] We live in a world built for people who hear.
[Voice coming through a cell phone:] Hello, can you hear me?
[Sounds of many different day-to-day activities]
[Voiceover:] But what would our man-made world look like and feel like if it were designed for those who don’t hear? Gallaudet University in Washington, DC is a school for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and they are redesigning entire buildings based on the sensory experience of those who don’t hear.
[Derrick Behm, from the Office of Campus Design and Planning, communicating through an Interpreter:] We’ve only just begun to challenge ourselves to examine how we could design entire buildings, entire campuses, or even cities, to be aligned with DeafSpace.
[Graphic:] Deaf Space: An approach to architecture and design that is primarily informed by the unique ways in which Deaf people perceive and inhabit space.
[Behm:] Deaf people as a culture have been marginalized largely. We’ve been, as a marginalized community, developing our own culture and that defines what kind of place we call home, how we claim and occupy space. And so we’ve begun to ask ourselves these questions and because of that, gotten a lot more creative, begun to think bigger about how we can find different ways to align our ways of being to our environment.
[Graphic:] Group Space
[Behm:] The classrooms are oriented in a semi-circle or U-shape so that classmates can continually visually connect with other classmates. So if you want to be involved in a discussion, everybody has a front row seat to seeing.
[Graphic:] Walkways
[Behm:] In a wider hallway, two people can walk in parallel signing with each other. But we do have specific distance parameters wherein we can observe the whole body and its signing. Hearing people, though, could disregard that kind of a distance requirement. They can be just next to each other, speaking to each other without that need for the visual field. Stairs also require a great deal more visual attention to your footing and so ramps reduce that. So if you are communicating with somebody while you’re navigating a ramp, you can do so much more easily.
[Graphic:] Visual Range
[Behm:] Within DeafSpace, we have always relied on a heavily visible environment, because we are not getting information auditorily. So if you are sitting at the top of the terrace you can see all the way to the bottom of the terrace. It’s one distinct place that can be unified or have three distinct areas.
[Graphic:] Color & Light
[Behm:] Color and lighting are highly aligned to communication access. Blues and greens will usually contrast with most skin tones enough to reduce eye strain. You may want to have more diffused lighting. A lot of the lighting here is directional so that it can be aligned.
[Graphic:] Reflection
[Behm:] There are mirrors present to allow somebody to know and have a sense of what’s happening behind them. Through the use of that reflection, they can know if somebody is nearing them behind them or if somebody taps them. They look up and that reflective space lets them know who’s there.
[Graphic:] Transparency
[Behm:] Transparency of, say, doorways, so that when a person is in an office, they can either have a transparent doorway or passageway or one that’s opaqued, so that I can see lighting, and shadow, and movement and know somebody is at the door, but not clearly see who’s there.
[Behm:] Very often, people refer to “hearing loss” as an example, which negatively frames the whole approach from the outset. But let’s imagine the Deaf baby who has never heard and yet is still described as experiencing “hearing loss.” And instead we propose a different framing: that of “Deaf gain.” What is it that we gain by the experience of being or becoming Deaf?
[Behm:] DeafSpace, I believe is born of the idea that we have something to offer the world, that being Deaf confers some very interesting perspectives on life.
Sidewalks
Accessible Sidewalk Navigation
Sidewalks might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about universal design and web accessibility, but the comparison is helpful. Both sidewalks and websites are paths people navigate. If either has barriers, people can’t reach their destination.
A basic accessible sidewalk:
Is wide enough for people in wheelchairs to pass comfortably
Is flat enough for easy navigation
Has no obstacles that could trip or block users, including those who are blind
Has clear, predictable boundaries to aid navigation (for example, with a white cane)
Includes curb cuts for smooth transitions to other surfaces
Is relatively straight to prevent confusion for blind users
The image below shows a wide, flat, straight sidewalk that is easy to navigate.
four teenagers walking on a wide sidewalk
Challenges in Sidewalk Navigation
By contrast, the bumpy, broken sidewalk below creates real accessibility challenges. People in wheelchairs may struggle to move over the uneven surface, and blind pedestrians could trip on the cracks and bumps.
Construction along the sidewalk can create serious obstacles, making it difficult or impossible for people with mobility or visual disabilities to pass. These zones can be especially hazardous for blind pedestrians.
A blind man with white cane stepping on a wooden board over a broken sidewalk in a construction area marked by caution tape and cones
Cobblestone surfaces are charming but can be tough to navigate for people using wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or who have other mobility challenges.
cobblestone path in front of the Arch of Constantine in Rome
Universal Design of Sidewalks
Cobblestone surfaces aren’t just challenging for people with disabilities. Wearing high heels, pushing a stroller, or pulling a suitcase on irregular surfaces can be tricky too. Sidewalks designed with universal access in mind make life easier for almost everyone.
two images showing several women wearing heels on cobblestone and a couple pushing two strollers on cobblestone
Accessibility Enhancements for Sidewalks
Curb Cuts
Curb cuts are a fundamental accessibility feature on sidewalks. They are ramps that slope from the sidewalk down to street level, creating a smooth transition for wheeled devices like wheelchairs, strollers, bicycles, and carts.
a curb cut at an intersection with bumpy tiles
Tactile Paving
Tactile paving and ridges along sidewalks or paths help guide blind pedestrians safely. The bumps and grooves can be felt underfoot or with a cane, leading to important destinations like building entrances, elevators, or other key points.
a strip of yellow tactile paving leading to an escalator
yellow tactile paving leading to turnstiles at a subway station
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Sidewalks UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 1, Equitable Use
Wheelchair-accessible sidewalks with curb cuts that also orient people who are blind, support those with motor disabilities, and accommodate carts and strollers
Principle 4, Perceptible Information
Detectable warnings in curb cuts that alert people who are blind to an approaching street
Principle 6,
Low Physical Effort
Smooth, well-maintained sidewalks free of bumps and cracks
Principle 7,
Size and Space for Approach and Use
Sidewalks wide enough to accommodate assistive devices such as rollators and wheelchairs
Building Entrances
If a person can’t get into a building or website, it doesn’t matter how accessible it is inside because the barrier at the entrance makes everything beyond it unreachable.
Steps
Steps pose a major barrier for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Most older buildings have stairs at the entrance.
Scenic view of the United States Capitol Building from the eastern steps of the Senate in Washington, DC
“Unvisitable” Houses
In many Western countries, most single-family homes, townhomes, and row houses have steps leading to the front door. For someone who uses a wheelchair, that often means they can’t enter independently. They may need assistance to get inside. If they use a power wheelchair, which can weigh several hundred pounds, access may not be possible at all.
Pause and consider what that means. If you use a wheelchair, you may not be able to visit many friends in their homes. You might meet at an accessible restaurant or public space instead, but the simple act of going to someone’s house can be out of reach.
It’s a reminder that most homes are not built with universal design in mind.
a suburban door stoop with steps
Universal Design for Entrances
One effective solution is to eliminate steps altogether. Many modern commercial buildings now use step-free entrances, creating access that works for everyone without requiring a separate way in.
a man in a business suit who is pulling a suitcase walks through sliding glass doors with a flat entrance
Ramps
A ramp is another way to make an entrance accessible for wheelchair users. Providing both ramps and steps gives people options for reaching the front door. Ramps require more space and may not feel as streamlined as a level entrance, but they are a practical and widely accepted solution.
steps and a ramp both leading to the entrance of a church
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Building Entrances UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 1, Equitable Use
A single entrance for everyone, rather than separate doors for those who use stairs and those in wheelchairs
Multi-Level Buildings
Stairs
Steps and stairs can be a significant barrier for people who use wheelchairs, and they are also difficult for anyone using strollers, carts, or other wheeled devices. Unlike many building entrances, which can often be redesigned to work well for everyone, stairs are inherently limited in who can use them. On their own, they do not provide universal access.
a man on his phone, walking down stairs inside an office building
two women carrying a toddler in a stroller up stairs
Assistive Technology for Stairs
One response to this challenge has been to design assistive technology that can climb stairs. Dean Kamen’s ibot PMD (Personal Mobility Device) is a power mobility device that can climb stairs by balancing on two wheels at a time and rotating a second set of wheels up to the next step. It can also elevate the user to eye level and navigate uneven terrain.
The engineering is impressive, but it still has limitations. The stair-climbing function requires the user to hold a stair handrail for stability, which means it is not usable for people with limited hand or arm function. In addition, cost and insurance coverage can make access challenging.
A woman using the ibot PMD to descend stairs
Stair-climbing assistive technologies are an intriguing idea, but in practice they have had limited reach and limited uptake in the marketplace. As a result, the primary goal is not to make stairs themselves usable for everyone. The real objective is to ensure that people can move from one floor to another, regardless of how they get there. For wheelchair users (as well as people with strollers or carts), that access typically comes through elevators.
Elevators
Elevators allow people to move between floors, but using them independently can still be a challenge. People with limited hand function, including some individuals with quadriplegia, may not be able to press standard buttons without help. Blind passengers can enter an elevator, but many older models have flat buttons that are hard to distinguish by touch. Without tactile markers or audible floor announcements, selecting the correct floor can require help. Even if a blind person tried pressing all the buttons to ensure the correct floor was selected, there would still be no way to know when they had arrived. Some elevators announce floors, but many do not, leaving users dependent on others for guidance.
flat elevator buttons without braille
Fortunately, many modern elevators now include raised numbers or tactile braille on the buttons, which allows blind people to use them independently. This is a significant improvement, but it is not completely universal. Some people do not have sufficient fingertip sensitivity to read braille, and not all blind people know braille. Additionally, if more than one button is pressed, the user still cannot be sure which floor they are on unless the elevator provides audible floor announcements. Braille and tactile buttons help many people, but truly universal independent access requires thoughtful design across multiple features.
elevator buttons with braille
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Multi-Level Buildings UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 1,
Equitable Use
Elevators provide convenient access to multiple levels within buildings and are designed to accommodate a wide range of users
Principle 4,
Perceptible Information
Elevator buttons that include tactile features or braille
Visual and auditory cues that announce each floor level
Doorways
Imagine you’ve followed an accessible sidewalk to an accessible building entrance. What kind of door are you met with? Is it easy to open?
If you have limited or no hand function, can you open it independently? The answer depends on the door’s design.
Doorknob Designs
A traditional round doorknob can be difficult or impossible to use for someone with limited grip strength or limited hand function.
a hand reaching to open a round doorknob
Lever-style handles are generally easier for more people to use. They can be operated with a closed fist, elbow, or shoulder, and don’t require a tight grip or twisting motion, making independent access more realistic for many users.
a lever doorknob
That said, levers are not universally accessible. Someone with little or no arm function, such as a person with quadriplegia, may still be unable to operate them independently.
Alternatives to Doorknobs
One solution is an automatic door with a push button. When placed in an accessible location, the button can be activated with a mobility device, allowing someone with quadriplegia to open the door and enter independently.
button with wheelchair symbol that says ‘push to open’
The Universal Design Approach
Another option is to remove the handle entirely and install a motion-activated automatic door that opens as someone approaches. This design does not require any physical effort from the person entering.
automatic sliding glass door
Door Thresholds
Door thresholds can create barriers similar to steps. High thresholds may prevent a wheelchair user from crossing independently and can also pose a tripping hazard for someone who is blind or has low vision.
Lower thresholds reduce the barrier but are still a tripping hazard.
a high doorway threshold
Doorbells
Doorbells can create similar challenges as doorknobs. Someone with quadriplegia may not be able to press them, and people without hands might only be able to use them depending on the design. For someone who is blind, it can be hard to know if a door even has a doorbell, and inconsistent placement means finding it at an unfamiliar door can be a guessing game.
doorbell
What about people who are deaf? If they’re inside, a traditional doorbell won’t alert them at all. One solution is to connect the doorbell to a visual signal instead of a chime, so lights flash when someone presses it. Another modern option is a smart doorbell that sends an alert to a phone or smartwatch, letting the resident know there’s a visitor.
a smartphone alert that reads ‘someone is at your front door’
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Doorways UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 1,
Equitable Use
Doorways with flat thresholds
Principle 4,
Perceptible Information
Doorbells with both visual and audio signals
Doorbells that can send vibration alerts to a device
Principle 6,
Low Physical Effort
Doors with lever handles that are easier to operate
Electronic doors with automatic sensors
Bathrooms
Everyone needs to use the bathroom. For many people, it’s a routine part of daily life that we rarely think about. For someone with quadriplegia, or a person with paraplegia who has limited hand function, many bathrooms can be difficult or impossible to use. That’s just an uncomfortable and stressful reality.
a public bathroom sign that reads ‘unisex’, with male, female, and wheelchair user figures
So what makes a bathroom inaccessible? There are many factors, but some of the main ones include:
Tight corners that make wheelchair navigation difficult or impossible
Sinks without knee clearance for a wheelchair
Faucets that require a strong grip or precise hand use
Toilets that are too high or too low to transfer onto safely
Bathroom stalls too small to accommodate a wheelchair
Stalls without grab bars to assist with transfers
Toilet paper or paper towel dispensers placed too high, too low, or blocked by obstacles
Dispensers that require a strong grip
Fixtures set at heights that are inconvenient for people of shorter stature
This highlights how everyday spaces we take for granted can become serious barriers when they aren’t designed for everyone.
Universal Design of Bathrooms and Fixtures
When designed well, a single bathroom can meet the needs of people with different levels of mobility. The image below shows a spacious layout that accommodates a wheelchair, with grab bars on the walls to assist with transfers onto the toilet.
a bathroom with accessibility features
Here is an accessible sink, designed with open space underneath to accommodate mobility devices like wheelchairs, as well as side bars that provide support and stability.
sink with room underneath for wheelchair and side grab bars
A hands-free faucet allows people to wash their hands without having to grip the faucet handles or levers.
a hand under running water from an automatic sink faucet
Bathroom Labels
Bathroom signs with tactile features or braille make it easier for people who are blind or have low vision to find and use facilities. Not everyone reads braille, but including it is a helpful step toward greater accessibility.
a sign that reads ‘family restroom’ and includes braille
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Bathrooms UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 4,
Perceptible Information
Bathroom signs that combine visual cues with tactile or braille features
Principle 6,
Low Physical Effort
Bathrooms with hands-free faucets, automatic flushing, and support handles
Principle 7,
Size and Space for Approach and Use
Bathrooms with enough space to move comfortably and accommodate mobility devices
Drinking Fountains
Drinking fountains follow many of the same accessibility principles as faucets, sinks, and doors. A fountain should allow a wheelchair to roll underneath, be easy to activate with minimal force or without using hands, and be reachable by shorter individuals, including children or people with dwarfism.
The image below shows a vintage style drinking fountain that was designed before accessibility considerations became more common. There is no space for a wheelchair to approach, and the push button requires significant force to operate.
vintage inaccessible water fountain
A newer design, pictured below, features two fountains at different heights, large push buttons at the front that can be reached from a wheelchair, and open space underneath to allow wheelchair maneuvering. The fountain on the right includes an automatic sensor that lets you fill a water bottle without pushing any buttons.
dual height accessible water fountain with automatic sensor
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Drinking Fountains UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 2,
Flexibility in Use
Drinking fountains installed at different heights to suit a variety of users
Principle 6,
Low Physical Effort
Drinking fountains with automatic sensors for hands-free use
Transportation Systems
a smiling girl on a public bus, listening to something on headphones
Transportation systems can be complicated, and the accessibility challenges that come with them can be just as challenging. That said, it’s important to start with something clear: public transportation is incredibly important for many people with disabilities. For many people, it makes travel possible when getting around independently would otherwise be very difficult or simply not possible.
Public transportation isn’t the enemy of accessibility. In many ways, it is one of the strongest tools for making communities more accessible. But that only works when accessibility is built into the design from the start. Without that, much of the system’s potential to help people move around freely is lost.
Another key point is that accessibility has to exist across the entire system. It isn’t enough for just part of the journey to work. For example, imagine you use a wheelchair and your starting station is accessible, but your destination station isn’t. Once you arrive, how do you get out?
Public transportation can include subways, trams, trolleys, light rail, commuter trains, heavy rail, buses, monorails, and other similar systems. Each type has its own challenges, but many accessibility issues appear across several of them.
Buying a Ticket or Farecard
Farecard machines can create a range of challenges for people with disabilities. For example, blind riders cannot read the screens. People who use wheelchairs or people of shorter height may not be able to reach certain parts of the machine. Someone with quadriplegia may not be able to physically interact with the controls. Low contrast between the text and the background can make screens hard to read for people with low vision, and small text can make the problem even worse. Some riders with cognitive disabilities may find the interface confusing or difficult to navigate.
Many of these barriers can be reduced or eliminated with good design. Unfortunately, many transit systems still use machines that lack enough accessibility features to work well for everyone. As a result, some riders may have to rely on help from family members, friends, station staff, or even strangers who are willing to assist.
Today, there are also newer tools that can make paying for transit easier. Contactless options, such as Express Mode in Apple Pay or transit passes stored in Google Wallet, allow many riders to tap and pay quickly without needing to navigate a fare machine.
a young woman buys a metro ticket at a farecard machine
Buy Online Instead
Now we’re getting to something that directly involves web accessibility. Today, many transit systems allow riders to buy tickets or farecards online instead of using a machine at the station. Riders may be able to order a reusable plastic farecard through a website and have it mailed to them, or manage their account online if they already have a card. When the balance runs low, users can usually add money through the website. Many systems also allow automatic reloads from a bank account or payment card so the balance never drops below a set amount.
Moving these options online helps avoid some of the accessibility barriers that come with physical fare machines. For many riders, managing fares through a website or app can be much easier. However, this only works if the website itself is accessible. If it isn’t, the online option won’t actually help riders with disabilities.
Turnstiles and Gates
Once passengers have purchased their farecards, they still need to get through the turnstiles or entry gates. Some turnstiles, such as those used in the New York City subway system (shown below), are very narrow. As a result, passengers with luggage or strollers may not be able to use the main turnstiles at all. Even some larger passengers may find the space uncomfortably tight. But many of the New York City stations now have accessible AutoGates and wide-aisle gates.
New York City commuters pass through subway station turnstiles
The Washington DC Metro system has narrow gates as well, but every exit has at least one wide gate to allow for wheelchairs and other large objects or larger people.
a woman pushing a stroller passes through an accessible gate in the Washington DC metro
Turnstiles like the one shown below are designed to control entry, but they can cause injury if someone gets caught. Wheelchair users also cannot use this type of turnstile.
tall rotating turnstile made of interlocking metal bars forming a narrow cage-like entry
Train Platforms
Train platforms can be risky, even when no train is approaching. To help blind or low-vision riders stay safe, tactile paving (similar to what’s used at sidewalk crossings) can mark the edge of the platform.
thick, yellow tactile stripe along a subway platform edge
Train Arrival Announcements
Many train and subway systems have signs above the platform that tell passengers when the next train will arrive. These displays are helpful for most riders, but they do not work for passengers who are blind or who have low vision. To make the information available to them, the same updates should also be announced over a speaker system.
In many places today, transit apps also provide real-time arrival information. When these apps are accessible and work well with screen readers, they can give riders another way to check train times without relying on platform displays.
an electronic train schedule board in the New York City metro
Train Door Visibility
People with low vision may have trouble finding the doors if they blend in with the rest of the train. In the image below, they are instead painted a bright lime green color to contrast with the rest of the silver train.
a subway train with lime green color doors
Mind the Gap
The London Tube is famous for the phrase “mind the gap.” At many stations, there is a noticeable space between the platform and the train doors. In some places, you have to step up to board. In others, you step down. Sometimes the gap itself is wide enough to pose a risk if someone missteps.
These gaps can be especially difficult for people using wheelchairs or pushing strollers. This issue is not unique to the London Underground. Many older subway and rail systems have similar gaps because they were built long before accessibility became a major focus in public transportation design.
mind the gap sign in the London metro
Route Maps and Guides
Blind people and people with low vision still need ways to understand where stations are and how transit systems are laid out. Traditionally, tactile maps have been one way to provide this information. The example below, from the Hong Kong train system, is a three dimensional map that includes braille guidance.
tactile map of a subway station
Online Access to Routes and Information
Today, much of this information is also available online through transit system websites and mobile apps. While digital versions cannot provide a tactile experience like a physical map, they can still offer detailed route maps, lists of stops, transfer points, and other helpful information.
One advantage of online access is convenience. Riders can review routes, plan trips, and explore the system from anywhere, rather than traveling to a station to find a physical map. When these websites and apps are designed to work well with screen readers and other assistive technology, they can provide an important source of information for blind and low-vision riders.
However, availability and accessibility still vary. Some transit systems provide excellent digital tools, while others offer limited information or websites that are not fully accessible.
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Transportation Systems UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 4,
Perceptible Information
Audible and visual arrival announcements
Mobile alerts for schedules and system updates
High-contrast door markings to make doors easy to see
Tactile and enlarged route maps and guides that are simple to understand
Detectable warnings and lights along platform edges
Principle 7,
Size and Space for Approach and Use
Turnstiles and gates wide enough for passengers of all sizes and abilities and for mobility devices
Taxis
Most taxis are not accessible to wheelchair users, making them difficult or impossible for some people to use. But some cities do offer wheelchair-accessible taxis, which allow passengers to enter via a side or rear ramp that extends from the vehicle to the street or sidewalk. The example shown below is from New York City, where more than half of the active yellow taxi fleet is now wheelchair accessible, a significant milestone for accessibility in a major urban center.
an accessible New York City taxi van with wheelchair ramp
Fare Counters and Touchscreens
Fare counters in taxis have traditionally relied on visual displays, which puts blind and low-vision riders at a disadvantage because they cannot independently verify the fare. Riders have historically had to rely on the driver to communicate the correct amount.
Today, some taxis are equipped with touchscreens that can provide fare information. When designed for accessibility, these systems offer audio feedback and simple gestures that allow blind and low-vision riders to navigate the screen independently. For example, a user might tap the screen multiple times to activate an audio menu, which then announces the fare and guides them through basic functions.
The adoption of accessible touchscreens is still limited, and not all systems provide fully usable audio interfaces, but they represent a growing tool to improve independence for blind and low-vision passengers.
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Taxis UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 1,
Equitable Use
Wheelchair-accessible taxis
Principle 2,
Flexibility in Use
Credit card and cash payment options
Principle 4,
Perceptible Information
Audio interfaces for blind and low-vision riders to access fare information
Principle 5,
Tolerance for Error
Touchscreens with larger buttons and fonts that reduce errors and help users recover from mistakes
See Also
News story: "A New Ride for the City Blind" (about New York taxi touchscreens): http://nypress.com/a-new-ride-for-the-city-blind/ opens in a new window
Emergencies
fire fighters putting out a fire
What happens to people with disabilities in an emergency? How do they even find out that something is happening? Without alerts they can see, hear, or access in another way, they might not know there’s an emergency or understand what to do to stay safe.
Fire
If a smoke detector goes off in a house, it makes a loud, attention-grabbing alarm. People who can hear it immediately notice. But people who are deaf cannot hear it at all. They need a visual way to be alerted to the emergency.
One solution is smoke detectors with bright flashing lights. These can alert deaf people, as long as the light is in the same room. In larger spaces, multiple lights may be needed.
a fire alarm with light
Blind people can usually hear alarms without a problem, unless they are also deaf. In that case, a mobile device that vibrates when a smoke or fire alarm goes off can provide an alert.
Blind people face another challenge: finding fire extinguishers. Even if a unit is right in front of them, it may be hard to locate, especially if it is built into the wall. A fire extinguisher can save a life, but only if a person can actually find it.
two red fire extinguishers hung on a wall
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Emergencies UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 1,
Equitable Use
Accessible emergency exit routes for everyone
Principle 4,
Perceptible Information
Smoke detectors and other alarm systems that have flashing lights and audio sounds
Grocery Stores
Food is something we all need, but getting it can be a challenge if the grocery store isn’t accessible. How does someone with quadriplegia do their grocery shopping?
Physical Access
Even if someone can get into the store, shopping itself can still be inaccessible. It involves grabbing items, placing them in a cart, and putting them on the checkout counter. A person with quadriplegia cannot do these tasks on their own.
A person with paraplegia can use their hands but often cannot reach items on higher shelves. In theory, lower shelves would allow independent shopping, but grocery stores aren’t designed that way. Even the bottom shelves are often hard to access. Only a small middle range of shelves is usually within reach for someone in a wheelchair.
a grocery store aisle
Access for People with Visual Disabilities
A person who is blind or has low vision may have trouble navigating the store and finding items. Even if they could reach the shelves, most products don’t have braille labels, and feeling every label to find the right item would take an exceptionally long time.
Imagine trying to tell the difference between several identically shaped boxes or cans without being able to see them. Finding a specific brand or product would be extremely difficult. For many people with different disabilities, grocery shopping is simply not very accessible.
grocery store aisle showing rows of chip bags that are the same size and shape
Buying Groceries Online
In some cities, grocery stores offer online ordering and delivery. With the right assistive technology, people with quadriplegia, paraplegia, blindness, or low vision can order food independently, without needing help from anyone. This is a big step forward for accessibility and independence, especially for those who have difficulty leaving the house.
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Grocery Stores UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 1,
Equitable Use
Product information, labels, and prices accessible via mobile devices
In-store orientation and guidance to help all shoppers find items
Principle 7,
Size and Space for Approach and Use
Stocking commonly purchased and essential items within the middle range of shelves
Wide aisles with enough space for wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices to move and turn comfortably
Self Check-In/Check-Out
Self check-in systems at airports can speed up the journey from the entrance to the boarding gate and make check-in easier for many travelers. For people with disabilities, however, these systems can create new accessibility challenges.
a smiling woman using a self-serve kiosk at the airport
Physical Access
Kiosks are usually placed at a height convenient for most people, but that may not work for wheelchair users. Placing kiosks at different heights can help accommodate a wider range of travelers.
a wheelchair user using an accessible check in kiosk at a Canadian airport
Touchscreens
Touchscreens can be challenging for people who are blind or have low vision. But they can be made accessible, as seen with blind-friendly touchscreens in taxis, phones, and tablets. Designers need to build with accessibility in mind, including features like audio instructions, large clickable areas, and gesture controls.
People without the use of their hands, or with no hands, may not be able to use a touchscreen kiosk at all.
Text Size, Button Size, Color, and Contrast
Some parts of the screen may be hard for people with low vision to read. For example, small text at the top of the screen, like the date and time, can be difficult to see, and weak color contrast makes it even harder. Offering a magnified interface or increasing font size and contrast for everyone can solve the problem.
People with tremors, limited dexterity, or no fingers may struggle to click small buttons. While a large “Start” button is easier to use, smaller buttons, like the language options at the bottom, can be challenging. Making all buttons large and easy to tap helps make the interface more accessible for everyone.
Audio Interface
Some kiosks include a built-in audio interface that speaks to customers. This can help people with low vision and blind users, as long as the touchscreen or interactive components are designed to work with audio access.
Online Check-In
Many airlines offer online check-in. Customers can log in, confirm flight details, and print their boarding pass from home. When the website is accessible, people with disabilities can complete the process independently without needing outside help.
Delta airlines online check-in screen
Mobile Check-In
In addition to regular online check-in, many airlines offer mobile check-in through apps on smartphones or tablets. As with any technology, it only helps people with disabilities if the app is designed with accessibility in mind.
Delta Airlines mobile app check-in screen
Grocery Store Self Check-Out
Many of the same issues with airport check-in kiosks also apply to self-checkout kiosks in grocery stores and other retail outlets. Physical access can be a challenge, as many touchscreens are placed high or behind the counter, making them hard or impossible to reach from a wheelchair or for shorter users.
a self checkout kiosk at a grocery store
Touchscreens need audio interfaces for people who are blind or have low vision, and the controls must accommodate visual disabilities. Small buttons that are close together and options that look similar can make it difficult or impossible for these users to navigate.
To improve accessibility, screens should be divided into larger areas with audio instructions guiding users on which section to touch for each function.
Online Grocery Shopping
Some grocery stores offer online shopping, which can make it easier for people with disabilities to shop independently, without needing help from others.
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Self Check-in/Check-out UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 4,
Perceptible Information
Kiosks with both audio and visual interfaces, designed for blind and low-vision users
Principle 7,
Size and Space for Approach and Use
Kiosks placed at different heights to accommodate a range of users
Principle 5,
Tolerance for Error
Larger buttons and fonts to help users with visual or motor disabilities avoid mistakes and recover
Signs
Warning Signs
Signs can warn people to stay out of dangerous areas.
a bright yellow sign that reads ‘warning high voltage’
Some people with cognitive disabilities, including those who have difficulty reading, benefit from signs that use clear visual depictions of the hazard. The more visually intuitive a sign is, the easier it is for people to quickly understand the risk.
a sign that reads ‘caution wet floor’ with an image of a person slipping
Informational and Instructional Signs
Signs can communicate simple but important information, such as whether a business is open or closed.
a sign that reads ‘sorry we’re closed’
Informational signs may not include any text at all.
a sign with a cigarette with a red line through it, to signify no smoking
Or they may include text explaining how to do something.
a sign that reads ‘please wait here until called to step forward; we appreciate your cooperation’
People who are blind cannot access information on signs that rely only on text or images, so the information needs to be available in other formats, such as audio or braille.
a person reading a braille sign in a public space
Signs as Labels
Signs can label stores and offices, helping people know where things are and what they are called.
front of a Home Depot store with a prominent orange letter sign
Signs can also help distinguish between similar items, such as regular and decaf coffee.
two coffee pots in an office, one labeled ‘regular’ and one labeled ‘decaf’
Signs as Advertisements
Signs can draw our attention away from our surroundings, encouraging us to buy something or consider an idea we hadn’t thought about before.
a billboard in a residential area, advertising a steak and shrimp dish at Panda Express
The question is whether this is a good idea. Advertisers design billboards and other ads to deliberately capture our attention, but being distracted isn’t always harmless. Distracted driving can be deadly, and even in everyday life, distractions can reduce productivity, pulling us away from important tasks.
People with attention deficit disorder or certain cognitive disabilities may be especially sensitive to distractions, making it harder to focus and complete tasks.
QR Codes
QR codes are graphics that can be scanned with a mobile device camera, often storing URLs or other information for quick access. They can benefit people with dyslexia, low vision, memory difficulties, other disabilities, and even those with no disabilities.
a smiling woman checking into a venue using her smartphone and a QR code
However, QR codes can also present challenges. Not everyone knows what a QR code is or how to use it. Someone with uncontrolled muscle movements may have difficulty capturing the code with their camera. Blind users who aren’t using tools like VIP Code Reader (which provides sound guidance) may not know if their camera is correctly positioned or even that the code exists.
QR codes can be made more accessible by:
Providing brief, simple instructions for use.
Using strong color contrast so the code is clearly visible.
Offering an alternative way to access the same information, such as including the URL physically or an accessible link digitally.
Adding a Braille label with instructions, e.g., "Scan me with your phone."
Including descriptive alt text for digital QR codes, explaining what the code is and what it does.
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Signs UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 3,
Simple and Intuitive Use
Standardized signs with intuitive visuals that convey key information clearly
Principle 4,
Perceptible Information
Signs that provide the same information in audio and braille
Enlarged signs with high-contrast colors
Printed Materials
Overview
a woman flipping through a magazine in a bookstore
“Print disabilities” is a term used for a range of conditions that make reading difficult or impossible. This can include people who are blind, have very low vision, have cognitive disabilities, or face other challenges with reading.
Printed materials can be difficult or even entirely unusable for people with print disabilities. Because print is everywhere, it is easy to overlook how much of the world is inaccessible. Print appears on:
Books, magazines, and brochures
Business cards, signs, and mail
Packaging, clothing labels, and money
Television captions and slide presentations
Consumer products of all kinds
Government and official documents
Roads, websites, and many other places
Books
two friends studying in a coffee shop with many books in front of them
Books are an important source of information, learning, and collective knowledge. Making books accessible to people with print disabilities should be a high priority.
Today, many books are available in digital formats, including e-readers, online platforms, and other electronic formats. Digital books offer new opportunities for independent learning and enjoyment. They can be read by screen readers, enlarged with screen magnifiers, or adjusted in color, font, and contrast to support readers with low vision.
Using digital formats can reduce many of the barriers associated with print materials. However, not all e-readers and digital platforms are fully accessible. Some older devices and apps had restrictions that limited screen reader access or visual customization, and while many improvements have been made, accessibility can still vary. Choosing platforms and formats that prioritize accessibility ensures the best experience for all readers.
Braille
Some people who are blind can read braille, so it can be an effective alternative for them, though not everyone can use it. Braille has limitations; it is costly to produce, requires thick paper, and results in books that are large and heavy. For example, converting a long book like Les Miserables (about 1,488 pages in paperback) into Braille could fill an entire wall with volumes.
An alternative is pairing an accessible e-reader with a refreshable braille display, allowing blind users to read digital books in braille. While many of these devices remain expensive, with prices in the thousands of dollars, more affordable options have become available in recent years.
closeup of a person reading braille
Business Cards
Business cards can be made more accessible for people who read braille by adding embossed braille text. The card shown below was produced by BrailleWorks. Although that company no longer makes braille cards, many others still do. These cards typically have print on one side and braille on the other.
a business card with written text and braille
People with low vision may still have difficulty reading such cards. To improve accessibility, the print should be much larger, and a separate version without braille may be preferable, since the raised dots can interfere with readability.
A simple alternative is to share contact information via email or text, which can be more accessible and convenient for everyone.
Money
Money can be challenging for people who are blind or have low vision, especially in the United States, where all bills are the same size and texture. Blind users cannot easily distinguish denominations, though smartphone apps or folding bills in specific ways can help. Braille can also be added to cash using a small embosser. Often, blind people must rely on the honesty of others when handling cash, such as receiving change.
United States money bills
United States money bills shown very blurry, simulating what a low vision person might see
People with low vision also struggle to tell bills apart. Older U.S. currency had nearly identical designs, making them difficult to distinguish when details were blurred. Low-vision users often needed magnifying glasses or assistance to identify bills. More recent designs include added colors and other visual features, which help differentiate denominations. While these changes were primarily intended to prevent counterfeiting, they also make bills easier for people with low vision to use. These features, however, provide little benefit for people who are fully blind.
Magnification and Assistive Tools
People with low vision often use magnification to read printed materials. For some, a simple magnifying glass is enough.
a woman reading her smartphone through a magnifying glass
Others need the more powerful capabilities of an electronic magnifier connected to a computer monitor.
a woman reading a book using an electronic desktop magnifier
Screen magnifiers work in a similar way, enlarging the output on a computer screen to make text and images easier to see.
text on a computer monitor, greatly enlarged by the tool ZoomText
Modern devices have built-in zoom, high-contrast modes, and accessibility apps that can magnify text, read it aloud, or enhance images, often replacing the need for separate devices.
Smart glasses (such as the Envision glasses shown below) and app-based tools use artificial intelligence to interpret the environment, read text aloud, recognize objects, and provide audio guidance, expanding assistive capabilities beyond magnifiers and screen readers.
a woman using AI-powered Envision glasses designed for people who are blind or have low vision
Audio
For many blind people, audio is the preferred way to access printed materials, especially on a computer. Screen readers offer options such as adjusting reading speed or navigating between sections.
To create audio from printed materials, the text can be recorded by a person or converted using text-to-speech or OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software, producing digital text that a screen reader can read aloud.
closeup of a woman wearing earbuds
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Printed Materials UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 1, Equitable Use
Digital books can be adjusted in font, color, and contrast to provide an equivalent experience for users with low vision
Principle 3,
Simple and Intuitive Use
Printed materials include visuals that reinforce the information
Printed materials use language accessible to a wide range of users
Principle 4,
Perceptible Information
Alternatives such as braille, large print, and digital formats are provided
Microwaves
Touchscreen Interfaces
Most modern microwaves have flat touchscreen interfaces designed for sighted users, with no tactile buttons or dials. These interfaces are difficult to use for people who are blind or have low vision. Some people add raised stickers to the controls, which helps identify button locations, though they still need to memorize each button’s function.
a sleek microwave with digital interface
Tactile Interfaces
Older microwaves often had dials, which were easier for people who are blind to use. Some models with dials are still available, but they are harder to find today. Even with dials, a blind user may still need assistance to know the settings, so these models are not fully accessible.
an older style microwave with dials
Accessible Alternatives
Microwaves can be made more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. Options include an audio interface or a blind-friendly touchscreen, similar to those used in New York City taxis.
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Microwaves UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 2,
Flexibility in Use
Microwaves with tactile interfaces, such as dials, or with touchscreens and larger buttons
Principle 4,
Perceptible Information
Microwaves that provide visual and audio feedback and have tactile markers
Televisions
Televisions introduce multimedia accessibility challenges. They combine audio and video content, menu systems for changing settings, and the accessibility of the hardware itself.
Television accessibility involves both the hardware used to control the device and the software interfaces used to navigate content and settings. These controls need to work for people who are blind, have low vision, or have motor, cognitive, or auditory disabilities.
Older televisions often had large physical dials for power, volume, and channel selection. These dials could be difficult for some people with motor disabilities to grip or turn. However, blind users could often learn the dial positions and memorize which channels corresponded to each position.
a vintage television with manual dials
Modern televisions are typically controlled with remote controls, and many have few or no buttons on the TV itself. This sleek design reduces the need to reach or grasp the television, but it also means that most interaction now happens through a remote control or on-screen interface.
a woman operating a modern television with a remote control
Remote controls can solve some accessibility challenges. For example, a person with limited reach may be able to operate the remote from a wheelchair, and some people with motor disabilities can press buttons using tools such as a mouth stick. However, many remotes include dozens of small buttons that look and feel similar, which can make them difficult to use for people with low vision, tremors, or cognitive disabilities.
close up of a hand holding a remote control
Blind users may be able to learn the layout of a remote through touch. Many remotes include tactile markers, such as a raised dot on the number 5 or on important navigation buttons, which helps with orientation. Some televisions and streaming devices also support simplified remotes with fewer buttons.
A major accessibility challenge for blind users and people with low vision is the on-screen menu system. Modern televisions often rely on visual menus for changing settings, browsing content, scheduling recordings, and managing apps. Without a built-in screen reader or audio guidance, these menus may be impossible for a blind user to navigate. People with low vision may also have difficulty if the interface does not allow sufficient text size or contrast adjustments.
a smart tv menu, showing streaming options
Newer technologies are improving accessibility. Many smart TVs and streaming devices now include screen reader features, voice guidance, and voice control through built-in assistants or connected devices. These features can allow users to change channels, search for content, or adjust settings using speech instead of visual menus or small buttons.
a smart tv menu, showing accessibility settings
People who are deaf or hard of hearing generally do not face the same barriers when operating the television hardware. However, they rely on accessibility features such as captions and visual alerts to access the audio content of programs.
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Televisions UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 2,
Flexibility in Use
Televisions with tactile controls and larger, easy-to-distinguish buttons
Televisions that support assistive devices or voice control for operating the hardware
Principle 3,
Simple and Intuitive Use
Remote controls with fewer buttons to simplify navigation and menu use
Principle 4, Perceptible Information
Televisions with clear visuals, larger text, and audio guidance for on-screen menus
Televisions that allow users to enable captions and audio descriptions
Movies
audience in a movie theater, laughing and eating popcorn
Movies in theaters present many of the same accessibility challenges as television. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may miss important dialogue without captions. People who are blind or have low vision may miss visual details such as facial expressions or other nonverbal cues. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices also need accessible seating and enough space to maneuver.
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Movies UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 1,
Equitable Use
Movie theaters with integrated and accessible seating
Principle 4,
Perceptible Information
Movie theaters that provide assistive devices for amplified audio, audio description, or captions
Principle 7,
Size and Space for Approach and Use
Movie theaters with wide aisles and seating for people who use mobility devices
ATMs
In the past, many ATMs failed to meet accessibility requirements for blind users, even after regulations were introduced. Modern ATMs are more likely to include features such as tactile keypads, braille instructions, and voice guidance through a headphone jack. Even so, accessibility challenges remain. The height, reach range, and screen design of some machines can make them difficult for people who use wheelchairs or who have limited upper-body mobility. ATM design often reflects a balance between physical space constraints, security requirements, and accessibility needs.
Physical Access
People who use electric wheelchairs and have limited upper-body mobility may face challenges using many ATMs. Most machines do not provide space underneath for a wheelchair, and the controls may be difficult or impossible to reach. In the image below, the woman in the wheelchair has upper-body movement to use the ATM, though she must position the chair sideways since there is no space underneath.
a woman in a wheelchair using an ATM
Voice-activated ATMs or mobile interfaces can help some users, but they may compromise privacy, since account information or PINs could be overheard.
For many people with limited upper-body mobility, assistance from a friend or family member is still necessary. True independent access typically requires a redesign of the ATM interface, including lower placement and enough clearance for a wheelchair. In some cases, if the user can position the wheelchair properly, tools such as a mouth stick or head wand may allow operation, but few ATMs are currently designed this way.
Manual wheelchair users with full upper-body mobility generally have fewer difficulties, provided the controls are within reach.
Access for Blind Users
Many modern ATMs include a headphone jack that allows blind users to connect headphones and receive audio instructions. Through this audio interface, users can navigate the ATM and complete transactions independently. Headphones are not provided with the machine, so users must bring their own, but this feature significantly improves accessibility.
audio jack on an ATM machine
Many ATMs also include braille on the keypad, allowing blind users to enter their PIN and other information accurately.
keypad with braille on an ATM machine
Access for Low Vision Users
Some ATM screens are difficult to read because of low contrast between the text and the background. Even people with perfect vision may struggle to read the screen if sunlight reflects off it. High-contrast displays benefit everyone, not just people with low vision.
Online and Mobile Banking
Online banking helps address some of the challenges that people with disabilities may face when using ATMs or visiting bank branches. Users can transfer funds, check balances, review account statements, and deposit checks using mobile apps that allow a photo of the check to be submitted remotely. With accessible tools and some practice, even blind users can complete tasks such as mobile check deposits independently.
But these benefits depend on the accessibility of the bank’s website and mobile app. If these tools are not accessible, they can create additional barriers instead of improving access.
a smiling woman holding her phone in one hand and a credit card in the other
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to ATMs UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 2,
Flexibility in Use
ATMs with tactile controls, such as dials, or touchscreens with larger buttons
ATMs that support secure interaction through a user’s mobile banking app
Principle 4,
Perceptible Information
ATMs that provide visual, tactile, and audio feedback, with high-contrast displays for clearer visibility
Principle 7,
Size and Space for Approach and Use
ATMs installed at accessible heights and designed for wheelchair access
Mobile Devices
Hardware Accessibility
Mobile devices put computing power and the Internet at our fingertips, but not everyone can use their hands or fingers, which creates accessibility challenges.
Voice Recognition
Voice recognition technology can help people with motor disabilities operate mobile devices by allowing them to speak commands instead of using touch. Many devices now include basic speech recognition. This works best when the user’s voice can be clearly understood. People with speech disabilities, such as some individuals with cerebral palsy, may find it difficult to use voice recognition reliably.
a young woman using voice assistant on her smartphone
Keypads
Early cell phones had a few large, physical buttons, making them easier for people with visual disabilities to use. As phones evolved into compact, full-featured keyboards for texting and emailing, the keys became small and closely spaced, making accurate typing more difficult.
Touchscreen Phones and Tablets
The shift to touchscreen phones eliminated physical keypads, leaving almost all functions on the screen. Early touchscreen interfaces were largely inaccessible to blind users.
Today, touchscreen phones and tablets provide a wide range of accessibility options. Users can enable audio output and use modified gestures and tapping to navigate effectively without sight.
iPhone devices include many accessibility features. People who are blind or have low vision can use VoiceOver to hear what’s on the screen, zoom in with Magnifier, adjust text size and contrast, and even get alerts through sound recognition. iOS also offers shortcuts and gestures that make navigating the device easier for all kinds of users.
Android devices offer similar tools. TalkBack provides spoken feedback and gesture navigation, while magnification, contrast settings, and braille support help users with visual disabilities. Android also has features like voice access and live transcription to make interacting with the device easier without relying on touch.
This is not a comprehensive list of all accessibility features available but is meant to give you a general idea of the types of tools available.
screenshots of iOS and Android devices, showing various accessibility features
Universal Design Principles and Examples
UD Principles and Examples that Apply to Mobile Devices UD Principle Examples of Principle
Principle 2,
Flexibility in Use
Mobile devices that offer multiple ways to operate, including screen readers, modified gestures, zoom, and high-contrast settings
Principle 4,
Perceptible Information
Mobile devices that let users access information through adjustable audio, captions, and other sensory options
Philosophy of Accessible Design
From signs and printed materials to appliances and public spaces, the physical world presents countless opportunities to either include or exclude people with disabilities, and the principles of universal design are the key to getting it right.
an architect wearing a hard hat reviews building plans inside a building under construction
Accessibility Is Good Design
Accessible design is not about making exceptions or compromises; it is about good design. When accessibility is considered from the beginning of the design process, it tends to produce environments, products, and services that work better for everyone, not just people with disabilities.
Design with Accessibility in Mind from the Start
Universal design principles are most effective when they are built into the initial stages of a project. Retrofitting accessibility into an environment or product that was not designed with it in mind is often more difficult, more disruptive, and more costly than getting it right from the start. A building that requires an elevator to be added after construction, or a product that needs a separate accessible version to be manufactured, reflects a missed opportunity in the original design process.
Good Universal Design Is Often Invisible
A well-placed ramp, a door that opens automatically, or a sign with clear visual contrast may not draw attention to itself, but it simply works for the widest range of people possible. This is the goal: not a design that signals accommodation, but one that includes everyone naturally.
Accessibility Is an Investment
Thinking about accessibility from the start reduces the need for costly individual accommodations later, broadens the audience for a product or environment, and reflects a commitment to treating all people with equal dignity and respect.