Disabled people make up over 16 million people in the UK — yet barriers still exist every day. From mobility challenges and wheelchair access problems to workplaces or websites not built with inclusive design in mind, the reality is that accessibility issues affect nearly every area of life.

Let’s break down the challenges, answer common questions, and highlight accessibility solutions that can help remove these barriers for disabled people.

What is an Accessibility Issue?

An accessibility issue is any barrier that prevents disabled people from accessing places, services, information, or opportunities on an equal basis with others.

This could be:

A shop without step-free access
A website that doesn’t work with screen readers
A lack of captions on videos for Deaf people
A workplace policy that excludes neurodivergent employees

In short: if something stops someone taking part fully because of their disability, that’s an accessibility issue.

Mobility Challenges and Disabled Access

One of the most visible barriers for disabled people is mobility challenges. These can include:

Buildings without ramps or lifts
Narrow doorways that restrict wheelchair access
Public transport without priority seating or step-free boarding
Pavements blocked by street clutter

Despite the Equality Act requiring disabled access, many spaces still fall short — leaving people excluded from everyday activities others take for granted.

What is an Example of Accessibility?

A positive example of accessibility could be:

A bus with a ramp and space for wheelchairs
A shop with wide aisles and automatic doors
A website designed with large text options and full keyboard navigation
A cinema offering captioned screenings

These aren’t just “nice to have” features — they’re essential for making sure disabled people can take part equally.

What are the 4 Types of Accessibility?

Accessibility isn’t just physical. Experts often group it into four main types:

Physical accessibility – wheelchair access, lifts, ramps, step-free design
Digital accessibility – screen reader compatibility, alt text for images, accessible websites and apps
Communication accessibility – captions, BSL interpretation, plain language options
Attitudinal accessibility – tackling stereotypes, stigma, and discrimination that create social barriers

True inclusive design considers all four areas together.

How to Fix Accessibility Issues

Fixing accessibility issues isn’t about adding one-off “quick fixes.” It’s about embedding inclusive design from the start.

Some accessibility solutions include:

Physical spaces: install ramps, widen doors, ensure proper wheelchair access
Digital platforms: follow WCAG standards, add alt text, ensure keyboard-friendly navigation
Workplaces: offer flexible working, quiet spaces, and reasonable adjustments for disabled staff
Communication: provide captions, transcripts, and plain-English resources

Listening to disabled people is the most powerful step — co-designing with lived experience leads to solutions that actually work.

Final Thought

Barriers for disabled people remain — from mobility challenges to digital accessibility issues. But with inclusive design, better disabled access, and a focus on accessibility solutions, society can remove these obstacles and create spaces that work for everyone.

At Purpl, we believe inclusion is non-negotiable. That’s why we’re here to help highlight challenges, share solutions, and support our community with discounts that help offset the extra costs of daily life.

Sammi is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with POTS. She’s passionate about disability advocacy, accessibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. With a sharp sense of humour and a deep love for community, she speaks openly about the realities of being neurodivergent across all of her personal platforms, always aiming to challenge stigma, spark conversations, and remind others they’re not alone.

Other articles, or links, you might find useful:
Breaking Down Accessibility Barriers for Disabled People
Help and Support with Loneliness for Disabled People