It’s not the user who has a disability, it’s the software

Many companies are finally realising that their digital products and services should be usable by all people. This means there is more and more attention for people with disabilities. And that’s a good thing.

Yet, isn’t it peculiar that when we speak of disabilities, it refers to characteristics of the user, not of the software?

We could just as well speak of “software with disabilities”. Because when software fails to be usable by people who are blind, dyslexic, autistic or have tremors, then we could also say the software is disabled. It is not able to provide a good experience for everyone.

In a few years, there will be European legislation forcing companies to make their digital services accessible. Wouldn’t it be interesting if by then we don’t have cookie banners anymore, but instead, a different banner tells us if the website or app has any limitations?

“This website has some disabilities. It can be difficult to use by:

• People with a visual impairment
• People who are dyslexic

[ Proceed ] [ Leave ]”