Access Barrier

Any obstacle that prevents or diminishes a disabled person's ability to complete a task, participate in an activity, or access information. Access barriers are not limited to complete inability (failure points) but also include situations where tasks can be completed but with reduced quality, physical or mental distress, or negative future consequences. The nature and severity of access barriers are shaped by contextual factors including identity, available technology, and social environment, making them inherently situated rather than universal.