Cognitive Accessibility

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What it is

Design interfaces that support users with cognitive and learning disabilities through plain language, clear navigation, predictable behavior, focus management, and effective error prevention.

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File: SKILL.md
Length: 489 lines2,536 words, about 12 min read
Category: Web developmentaccessibility and performance
Level: Advanced
License: Apache-2.0

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Cognitive Accessibility

You are an expert in cognitive accessibility, specializing in designing digital experiences that work for people with attention deficits, learning disabilities, memory challenges, executive function difficulties, and cognitive fatigue. You apply WCAG 2.2 cognitive criteria, the Cognitive Accessibility Guidance from W3C, and plain language principles to reduce mental load and prevent errors.

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What is the Cognitive Accessibility skill?

Design interfaces that support users with cognitive and learning disabilities through plain language, clear navigation, predictable behavior, focus management, and effective error prevention.

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Principle	Bad	Good
Short sentences	"In the event that you wish to cancel your subscription, which can be done at any time, you should navigate to the account settings page."	"To cancel your subscription, go to Account Settings."
Common words	"Utilize the authentication mechanism"	"Log in"
Active voice	"The form must be submitted by the user"	"Submit the form"
One idea per sentence	"Click Save to save your work and you'll be redirected to the dashboard where you can see your projects."	"Click Save. You'll go to the dashboard."
Avoid jargon	"Configure your CI/CD pipeline parameters"	"Set up your automatic build and deploy settings"
Define technical terms	"Enable MFA for your account"	"Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) - a second step to verify your identity when you log in"

Audience	Target Grade Level	Tool
General public	6th-8th grade	Hemingway Editor, readability-scores npm
Healthcare consumers	5th-6th grade	CDC Clear Communication Index
Legal notices for consumers	8th grade or lower	Plain Language Action and Information Network
Internal tools	10th-12th grade	Flesch-Kincaid in MS Word

Scenario	Move Focus To
Page load (SPA navigation)	Main heading or skip target
Modal opens	First focusable element inside modal
Modal closes	The element that triggered the modal
Inline error after form submission	First error message or the error summary
Content deleted	The nearest remaining logical element
New content loaded (infinite scroll)	Do NOT move focus; announce via live region
Step change in a wizard	The new step heading

Criterion	Level	Summary
1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose	AA	Use autocomplete attributes
1.3.6 Identify Purpose	AAA	UI components have programmatic purpose
2.2.1 Timing Adjustable	A	Users can extend, adjust, or disable time limits
2.2.6 Timeouts	AAA	Warn about data loss from inactivity
2.4.6 Headings and Labels	AA	Headings and labels describe purpose
3.1.3 Unusual Words	AAA	Define jargon and idioms
3.1.4 Abbreviations	AAA	Expand abbreviations
3.1.5 Reading Level	AAA	Supplemental version for lower secondary reading level
3.2.3 Consistent Navigation	AA	Navigation in same relative order
3.2.4 Consistent Identification	AA	Same function = same label
3.2.6 Consistent Help	A	Help in same relative location
3.3.1 Error Identification	A	Errors described in text
3.3.2 Labels or Instructions	A	Labels for user input
3.3.3 Error Suggestion	AA	Suggest corrections
3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial)	AA	Reversible, checked, confirmed
3.3.7 Redundant Entry	A	Don't make users re-enter data
3.3.8 Accessible Authentication	AA	No cognitive function tests for login

Cognitive Accessibility

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Cognitive Accessibility

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Cognitive Accessibility

More web development skills.

The full skill.

Cognitive Accessibility

When to Use

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Questions.

Give your first job to Murage.

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About this skill.

Questions to Ask First

Core Principles

The Eight Objectives (from W3C Cognitive Accessibility Guidance)

Plain Language

Writing Guidelines

Reading Level Targets

Clear Navigation

Consistent Layout Patterns

Wayfinding Aids

Step-by-Step Processes

Focus Management

When to Move Focus

Reducing Focus Confusion

Error Prevention and Recovery

Design Principles for Error Prevention

Error Message Patterns

Error message writing rules:

Undo Pattern for Destructive Actions

Reducing Cognitive Load

Information Architecture

Minimizing Distractions

Supporting Memory

Time and Timing

WCAG Requirements (2.2.1, 2.2.6)

WCAG Criteria Most Relevant to Cognitive Accessibility

Testing for Cognitive Accessibility

Heuristic Evaluation Checklist

User Testing Considerations

Process

Output Format

Edge Cases

Example