Summary
This article is based on Irina Morozova‘s talk at A11yNYC. She talked about how to make content accessible through thoughtful content and inclusive design for people who aren’t fluent in English. Irina is an accessibility experience designer. She has a linguistics and teaching background.
Irina opens with an ATM example to illustrate how routine tasks can become inaccessible when design and language don’t align with the user’s needs. When you use a familiar ATM in your native language, there’s no one waiting behind you or distractions. But remove just one element, like language familiarity or a clear interface, and the experience quickly shifts from simple to stressful.
For users with limited English proficiency, unclear instructions or poor design can erode independence in critical moments. The ATM turns into a barrier. Irina uses this to emphasize that inclusive design is essential. It preserves dignity and independence in everyday life.
Why language access matters
The main language in New York is English; hence, much of the online content is also English. A Statista graph shows that in February 2025, English was the dominant language, at almost half.
This means the other half of the people in New York do not speak English as a primary language. Therefore, almost half of the people interacting with a digital product don’t have English as their main language. If organizations don’t consider those not fluent in English, they’re potentially losing half of their customers and users.
Users with different language proficiencies vary in their skills. These skills vary by background, exposure, and context. Language speakers are not a homogeneous group. Irina uses “people with limited English proficiency” because it’s descriptive and not judgmental. It’s stating a fact without any assumptions.
Poorly designed content is a barrier for everyone. More so, for people with limited language proficiency. It can cause cognitive overload, stress, and anxiety. How can we make content more accessible and reduce stress for speakers who aren’t fluent in English?
Inclusive content principles
The key is to use plain language written for 7th to 9th grade level. Word choices and sentences are one part of it. How the text is presented also matters. This includes the use of meaningful headings, which improve scannability. They may only be interested in one part of the page. Clear headings allow them to choose the section to read. It minimizes cognitive overload.
For example, you’re planning to go to a café. You want to know if you can bring your laptop. You find the rules, but you don’t want to read the whole page. Headings can help you find the specific section.
Avoid abbreviations and acronyms before spelling them out. For example, APR may be a common abbreviation in the U.S. However, not everyone knows it means annual percentage rate. Before using the abbreviation, spell out the term to help users connect it with the abbreviation or acronym.
Also, avoid using idioms, metaphors, and phrasal verbs. Phrasal verbs are expressions that combine a verb and another element, such as an adverb or a preposition. Instead of “look up,” use “search.” Not everyone knows what “snail mail” means, so using “mail” works better. “Saving for a rainy day” is an idiom. Keep it simple and use “saving.”
Design and multimedia considerations
Structure, short sentences, plain language, and word choices can get a boost when you use consistent flows, icons, and clear task instructions. Users need enough time to process. Even with good headings, the content needs to be in manageable segments.
Inclusive design means planning for error prevention and easy recovery for when a mistake happens. This is why it’s crucial to plan for accessible content and presentation early in the design process.
Like the best practices for content, there are well known rules for audio, video, and other multimedia. These include providing subtitles, captions, and transcripts. Ensure there are pauses between sentences rather than between words in audio. Non-verbal communication also matters.
Be mindful of accent comprehension barriers. Irina gave the example of an elevator’s voice being in a Scottish accent. It made it harder for some people to understand, even if they spoke the same language. Anyone can have an accen,t whether a person’s primary language is English or another language. Accents can potentially add to the cognitive load. Hence, it’s important to pay attention to accents in the media.
Another important recommendation is to avoid background audio, unneeded pop-ups, and autoplaying audio and video. These can stress the user. Focus on calm technology, which means technology needs to simplify complexities, not introduce new ones.
One key to seamless technology is to use the correct language tags. When a website has the wrong language tag, it causes the content to be pronounced incorrectly.
Empowerment through respectful design
Content and digital experiences should bring joy, dignity, and empowerment. Respectful and inclusive design consists of clear and intuitive content. This happens when you plan for accessible content and presentation early in design. Apply accessibility principles, which reduce cognitive load. Think about designing with less noise and more intention.
The resources Irina shared are in the resources section of this article. They Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) that support inclusive design for limited English proficiency. She also shared resources that can help with designing intuitive, inclusive, and respectful content. As you work on designing experience, ask this question: “How can your content reduce stress for your users with limited English proficiency.”
Video Highlights
- Access to digital products is a lifeline
- Tips to create accessible content for limited English proficiency
- Seamless technology use
- Q&A with Irina
Watch the Presentation
Bio
Irina Morozova is a seasoned accessibility experience designer with a background in linguistics, teaching, and UX. Her work highlights the importance of clear communication, cognitive accessibility, and culturally sensitive design that supports users with varying levels of language proficiency.
Her passion for accessible design comes from her own experiences navigating multilingual environments. This personal perspective fuels her commitment to crafting content that not only informs but also empowers users from all backgrounds.
Resources
- Hemingway App
- Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – CEFR Text analyzer
- Flesch Kincaid Calculator
- Readable
- Calm technology
- Federal plain language guidelines
- Designing content for people with limited English
- Writing for an ESL Audience
- Native Speakerism – what is it and why does it matter?
- WCAG 2.2 Guidelines
