About the study

The specific objectives of the study were to:

• Provide a comprehensive overview of existing research/studies in Europe regarding the autonomy and participation of persons with cognitive disabilities in the digital domain;
• Identify barriers to autonomy and participation of persons with cognitive disabilities in the digital domain;
• Propose practical solutions to remove barriers and increase independent and inclusive access to the digital domain for persons with cognitive disabilities.

Scope of the study

The study covers all main cognitive disability types (such as, ADHD, dementia, traumatic brain injury, autism, dyslexia, and other types of cognitive disabilities affecting memory, perception, orientation, attention, communication, problem solving, and comprehension).

The geographical scope of the study includes qualitative and quantitative data from all EU Member States, as well as data from third countries (including USA, Canada, Australia). The study also collected more extensive data from 3 EU countries (Germany, Spain, and Sweden), as important research on web accessibility for persons with cognitive disabilities was conducted in these countries.

Study’s research questions

1. What are the existing research/studies in Europe on the autonomy and participation of persons with cognitive disabilities in the digital environment?
2. How many people are affected from the inaccessibility of digital environments by persons with cognitive disabilities?
3. What are the main barriers of accessibility of digital environments by persons with cognitive disabilities and how can they be classified?
4. What are the consequences of accessibility obstacles to persons with cognitive disabilities?
5. What actions have been taken to remove accessibility obstacles for persons with cognitive disabilities?
6. What were the results of actions/policies to remove accessibility obstacles for persons with cognitive disabilities?
7. What are gaps identified in research and in the web accessibility requirements regarding persons with cognitive disabilities?
8. What are potential solutions to improve disability accessibility for persons with cognitive disabilities?

Study’s data collection tools

The study team conducted both desk research and direct consultations with key stakeholders to answer the research questions for the study.

The literature review of relevant research and policy covered legislative and policy actions (including standardisation) to remove obstacles to web accessibility for persons with cognitive disabilities. Specifically, it explored the following issues:

• The situation of web accessibility of persons with cognitive disabilities (including their autonomy and participation in digital environments),
• The obstacles persons with cognitive disabilities face when seeking to access digital environments,
• Actions taken to remove obstacles for persons with cognitive disabilities accessing digital environments and the result(s) of such actions.

The review covered all EU Member States and third countries (such as USA and Canada). The languages covered were English, German, Spanish and Swedish.

The programme of stakeholder consultation included a survey, in-depth interviews, and workshops. The consultations collected qualitative and quantitative information to respond to the study’s research questions. The stakeholder consultations targeted: persons with cognitive disabilities and organisations representing them, public sector bodies, relevant industry players (suppliers), academic experts and professionals, and private organisations covered by European Accessibility Act.

New interesting investigation about cognitive accessibility in digital interfaces