ANSI/RESNA CA-1:2018—Cognitive Accessibility Of Products

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 27% of American adults live with some form of disability. Of that group, 12.8% live with a cognitive disability. By configuring technological products to make them inclusive for all users, people with cognitive impairments will be able to more readily access them. ANSI/RESNA CA-1:2018— American National Standard For Cognitive Accessibility – Volume 1: Universal Criteria For Reporting The Cognitive Accessibility Of Products And Technologies is intended to help people with cognitive impairments select products for usability in order to reduce impairment and increase function.

What Is Cognitive Accessibility?

Many people may take for granted how easily they can use products like a computer, phone, or microwave. However, many still cannot consume web content or use these products due to cognitive disabilities. Cognitive accessibility is the process of making digital environments accessible and inclusive to people with cognitive and learning disabilities. For example, images, icons, and graphic content can greatly assist users with cognitive impairments. The goal of cognitive accessibility is to create an environment that accommodates those who may require different modes of instruction and engagement.

Cognitive Disability

Cognitive disability or impairment refers to serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions. Some examples of cognitive disability include:

Intellectual disability
Autism spectrum disorders
Parkinson’s disease
Cerebral Palsy
Down’s syndrome
Severe, persistent mental illness
Brain injury
Stroke
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
ADHD
Dyslexia
Down Syndrome
Fragile X syndrome

RESNA standards like ANSI/RESNA CA-1:2018 are created to help people with cognitive impairments.

What Is ANSI/RESNA CA-1?

ANSI/RESNA CA-1:2018 establishes disclosure criteria for the universal design of products used by people with cognitive impairments in all conditions. This American National Standard addresses the accessibility of technologies identified as priorities for people with cognitive impairments, which includes cell phones, microwave ovens, and fire extinguishers.

This standard specifies features, measurement methods, and documentation for reporting the universal design specifications that support inclusion of individuals with cognitive impairment. ANSI/RESNA CA-1:2018 covers requirements for disclosing design and performance criteria related to cognition. Moreover, this standard aims to increase access to a variety of products for people with cognitive impairments.

This standard does not apply to: (1) software or (2) web page design.

How To Make Products and Technologies More Accessible

To help meet the needs of people with cognitive and learning disabilities, here are some key topics to ingrate in products and technologies:

Common behavior and design patterns: use icons, symbols, terms, and design patterns that are already familiar to users so that they do not have to learn new ones.
Easy navigation of the system: use a clear and easy-to-follow layout with visual cues, such as icons, clear headings, boundaries, and regions in the design of the product or technology.
Simple, clear design: easy words, short sentences, blocks of text, clear images, and easy to understand video makes errors less likely.
Re-orient the user: try to avoid distraction when using the product, but if the user does get distracted, headings, and breadcrumbs can help orientate the user and restore the context.
Assistive technology: avoid disabling add-ons and extensions because users can receive extra support through personalization, enabling the user to select preferred personalized options from a set of alternatives.
Easier Options: make sure there are easier options for people who need it—meaning memory barriers like long passwords to log in, complicated reCAPTCHA’s, and voice menus that involve remembering a specific number or term can stop people with cognitive disabilities from using content.

ANSI/RESNA CA-1:2018— American National Standard For Cognitive Accessibility – Volume 1: Universal Criteria For Reporting The Cognitive Accessibility Of Products And Technologies is available on the ANSI Webstore.