Barriers to access

In order to properly address accessibility, understanding its barriers is imperative.

Barriers to access are conditions or obstacles that prevent individuals with disabilities from using or accessing knowledge and resources as effectively as individuals without disabilities. Common types of barriers include:

• Physical: Conditions in any structural environment that prevent or impede an individual with a disability from efficiently navigating the setting
• Media format: Information that is not available in a readable format for individuals with disabilities
• Technology: Software, electronic, or physical technologies that are not adaptable for use with assistive devices
• Systemic: Procedures, protocols, or policies that place undue burdens on individuals with disabilities
• Perception: False expectations that individuals with disabilities are unable to contribute as much as their peers who have no disabilities