Web Accessibility for Epilepsy

Sophie lives with epilepsy, a condition affecting around 3.4 million people in the US, and she's among the approximately 3% of people with epilepsy who experience photosensitivity. For her, flashing lights and rapid animations on websites aren't just distracting—they're dangerous. Scrolling through a page with unexpected flashing elements or sudden visual changes can quickly become a high-stakes experience.

When Sophie browses the web, she appreciates websites prioritizing safety through calm, stable design. Websites incorporating thoughtful, epilepsy-friendly features allow Sophie to fully engage with the content without fearing sudden triggers.

How Epilepsy Affects Web Accessibility

Photosensitive epilepsy is triggered by specific visual stimuli, wildly flashing lights, or high-contrast patterns moving at particular frequencies. While Sophie has developed strategies to manage her exposure, she relies on website creators to take precautions to keep her browsing experience safe.

Without an epilepsy-aware design, Sophie might encounter issues such as:

• Sudden Flashes: Even short flashes (more than 3 per second) can trigger seizures for some users with epilepsy.
• High-Contrast Animations: Quick or intense visual changes, especially with contrasting patterns, can create a visual environment that increases her seizure risk.
• Auto-Playing Content: Moving images or videos that play automatically can be unexpected and jarring, making Sophie feel unsafe while navigating a site.

Web Accessibility Tips for Users Like Sophie

To make websites accessible and safe for people with photosensitive epilepsy, like Sophie, consider implementing these design adjustments:

• Limit Flashing and Strobe Effects: Ensure animations avoid flashing more than three times per second. If flashing content is necessary, provide clear warnings before users encounter it and allow them to skip it.
• Use Gentle Transitions: Replace quick animations or sudden changes with soft fade-ins or slide transitions. These smoother movements help Sophie engage with content safely without fearing unexpected visual shocks.
• Enable User Control for Media: Let users control when and how animations or videos play. This includes disabling autoplay on videos or offering a "Disable Animations" setting so Sophie can browse comfortably and confidently.
• Check with PEAT: Use the Photosensitive Epilepsy Analysis Tool (PEAT) to evaluate the safety of visual elements on your website. This can help you identify potentially triggering content before users like Sophie encounter it.

Why It Matters

Designing for users with epilepsy is about more than just avoiding seizures—it's about building a safer, more inclusive web for everyone. For Sophie, navigating a website without worrying about visual triggers means she can fully engage, interact, and enjoy the web. Implementing these minor but meaningful adjustments will help create a space where people with epilepsy can browse confidently and without worry.

Related Resources:

• Accessible Animation for the Web: The Joy of Movement Without the Motion Sickness‍
• Epilepsy Foundation - Safety on the Internet‍
• Photosensitive Epilepsy Analysis Tool (PEAT)‍
• World Health Organization - Epilepsy