# Cognitive Accessibility Pass

Reduce memory burden, ambiguity, distraction, timing pressure, inconsistent language, hidden consequences, and avoidable complexity in a content journey.

## Usage note

Use this pass on a complete task journey with representative content and states. Cognitive accessibility needs vary; avoid treating one simplified design as universal. Combine established accessibility guidance, specialist review, and user research that includes people with relevant disabilities where appropriate. This worksheet focuses on content and interaction clarity, not diagnosis or full conformance certification.

## How to use this template

1. Define the user task, journey states, required memory, risks, time limits, and interruption points.
2. Walk the route while recording hidden information, inconsistent terms, distractions, and unpredictable changes.
3. Review instructions, labels, examples, errors, confirmations, progress, save, undo, and return paths.
4. Test with keyboard, zoom, reduced motion, assistive technology, and relevant users.
5. Prioritize barriers by consequence and verify improvements across the full resumed journey.

## Blank template

### Journey context

- **Task:** [What the user needs to complete]
- **Audience and access needs:** [Relevant range]
- **Starting and finish states:** [Observable]
- **Steps or stages:** [Number and names]
- **Information to remember:** [Codes, rules, values, decisions]
- **Time limit:** [Duration, reason, extension]
- **Interruption points:** [Sign-in, payment, verification, waiting]
- **High-consequence action:** [Deletion, submission, purchase, other]

### Barrier record

- **Location/state:** [Page, modal, error, email]
- **Barrier:** [Memory, ambiguity, distraction, timing, inconsistency]
- **User consequence:** [Wrong action, abandonment, anxiety, loss]
- **Current support:** [Hint, progress, save, help, none]
- **Revision:** [Visible context, simpler step, stable label, recovery]
- **Alternative control:** [Pause, extend, undo, return, reduced motion]
- **Test evidence:** [Observation and environment]
- **Owner:** [Content, design, engineering, other]

### Pass checks

- [ ] Essential information remains visible at the point of action.
- [ ] Same objects use consistent names.
- [ ] Progress and save state are clear.
- [ ] Formats and errors include usable examples and recovery.
- [ ] Consequences appear before commitment.
- [ ] Motion and interruptions do not dominate the task.
- [ ] Time limits are explained and extensible where possible.
- [ ] A user can resume after interruption without restarting unnecessarily.