Cognitive

Learning Disability

Persona: Tomasz

Tomasz, 19, white, lives with his parents in a rural area. Recently started a part-time job and is setting up direct deposit for the first time.

About This Condition

Learning disabilities span a wide range of conditions affecting reading, numeracy, sequencing, or processing speed. Interfaces that assume a standard pace, use jargon without explanation, or require multi-step reasoning without visual support can make routine financial tasks feel insurmountable.

Digital Challenges

Unexplained financial terminology, multi-column layouts, and processes requiring users to track several steps simultaneously all increase difficulty. People with learning disabilities benefit from one task at a time, plain language, and visual cues that reinforce what to do next.

Assistive Technologies

  • Text-to-speech
  • symbol-based communication tools
  • screen magnifiers

Design Considerations

Break tasks into single steps with one question or action per screen. Use short field labels with helper text for context. Never rely on layout alone to convey meaning and avoid timed sessions entirely.

Clinical Examples

Dyscalculia, processing speed disorder, intellectual disability, non-verbal learning disability