Supporting Neurodiversity in Digital Products

Scheduled at 11:30 in Independence on Thursday, November 19.

Speaker(s)

• Courtney Fleeger, Quality Assurance Accessibility Engineer, University of Illinois System

Session Details

• Length of Session: 1-hr
• Format: Lecture
• Expertise Level: Beginner
• Type of session: General Conference

Summary

Neurodiversity brings unique perspectives and needs to digital experiences. This session explores how we can support these users through inclusive design strategies grounded in research. Learn how to apply cognitive-friendly design patterns and create interfaces that reduce friction and foster engagement. Whether you’re new to accessibility or deep in inclusive design, you’ll leave with actionable insights to make your work more empathetic and effective.

Abstract

Supporting Neurodiversity in Digital Products explores how cognitive accessibility can be meaningfully integrated into the design and development of digital experiences. Grounded in the work of the W3C Cognitive and Learning Disabilities Accessibility Task Force (COGA), this presentation introduces key concepts such as neurodiversity versus neurodivergence and explains why cognitive accessibility benefits everyone, not only people with diagnosed disabilities. I am autistic, have ADHD, and have OCD, so I use my own real-world examples to demonstrate COGA's eight objectives, including helping users focus, reducing reliance on memory, preventing errors, and supporting personalization. The session emphasizes practical, actionable strategies designers, developers, and product teams can apply to reduce cognitive load, improve usability, and create more inclusive digital products.

Keypoints

1. Cognitive accessibility reduces mental load and improves usability for disabled people and situational needs.
2. COGA’s eight objectives offer practical, evidence?based strategies teams can use to design clearer products.
3. Neurodiversity?informed design reduces errors, supports focus, and creates more inclusive digital experiences.

Disability Areas

Cognitive/Learning, Psychological

Topic Areas

Other, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Courtney Fleeger

Courtney is a Quality Assurance Accessibility Engineer for Administrative Information Technology Services (AITS) at the University of Illinois System. She specializes in accessibility and user experience design, with a passion for creating meaningful and intuitive experiences that empower all users. She is deeply committed to causes that matter, including disability, reproductive, LGBTQ+, trans, immigrant, and human rights. These values not only shape her personal life but also influence her design philosophy; one that champions inclusivity and accessibility in every project.