Multimorbidity

Multimorbidity is the presence of two or more chronic health conditions or long-term impairments in a single individual. It is especially prevalent among older adults and is a major factor in the complexity of accessibility needs. Research shows that multimorbidity is the norm rather than the exception for disabled people — the majority live with more than one type of impairment, and these combinations create unique accessibility challenges that cannot be addressed by solutions designed for single conditions. Understanding multimorbidity is important for accessibility practitioners because it means users are likely navigating multiple intersecting barriers simultaneously.