Multiple or compound disabilities refer to situations where a person experiences more than one disability at the same time.
For example, a person may have:
- Low vision and limited mobility
- Hearing loss and cognitive processing differences
- A motor disability and a learning disability
- A combination of sensory, physical, or cognitive conditions
Disabilities do not exist in isolation. Many people experience intersecting needs that influence how they use digital services.
The combined effect is not simply additive. The interaction between disabilities can create unique accessibility challenges.
How this can create barriers online
Digital services are often designed with a single disability category in mind. This can unintentionally create barriers for people with combined needs.
Examples include:
- Providing captions but no screen reader support (inaccessible to some deaf-blind users)
- Designing keyboard accessibility but using complex language (challenging for users with motor and cognitive disabilities)
- Supporting screen magnification but requiring precise mouse interaction
- Offering transcripts that are difficult to understand due to unclear structure
Accessibility solutions that address only one dimension may fail when disabilities intersect.
Common accessibility solutions
Designing for multiple disabilities requires layered accessibility rather than single-feature fixes.
Effective approaches include:
- Ensuring content works across multiple input and output methods
- Using semantic, well-structured markup
- Providing clear language and predictable interaction patterns
- Avoiding reliance on a single sensory channel
- Testing with assistive technologies in combination
- Considering cognitive load alongside technical accessibility
Robust, flexible design supports diverse and intersecting needs.
Assistive technologies and strategies
People with multiple disabilities may use combinations of assistive technologies, such as:
- Screen readers with refreshable braille displays
- Screen magnification with keyboard navigation
- Voice control combined with simplified layouts
- Alternative input devices alongside reading support tools
Some users may rely heavily on structured, sequential content that can be accessed through more than one channel.
No single solution fits all users.
Design considerations
When designing for intersecting disabilities:
- Avoid solving one barrier in a way that creates another.
- Ensure accessibility solutions are compatible with each other.
- Test with different combinations of assistive technologies.
- Maintain consistent, predictable interaction patterns.
- Provide flexibility wherever possible.
Accessibility should be considered holistically, not as isolated checkboxes.
Things to avoid
Avoid:
- Designing only for a single disability category
- Assuming one accessibility feature solves all problems
- Adding accessibility “overlays” that interfere with assistive technology
- Creating complex alternative interfaces that increase cognitive load
- Over-customised solutions that break standard behaviour
Accessibility features should work together — not compete.
Key takeaway
Multiple and compound disabilities highlight why accessibility must be robust, flexible, and holistic. Designing for one barrier at a time is not enough. True accessibility considers how different needs intersect — and ensures that solutions support one another.