Accessible Content for People with Limited English Proficiency - Equal Entry

"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."

"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."

An ATM example illustrates how routine tasks become inaccessible when design and language do not match user needs. Familiar interfaces and native language reduce stress and enable efficient completion of tasks; removing language familiarity or a clear interface turns simple experiences into stressful barriers. Limited English proficiency can erode independence during critical moments, transforming helpful services into obstacles. In New York nearly half of residents do not speak English as a primary language, so digital products must account for diverse language proficiencies. Poorly designed content increases cognitive load, stress, and anxiety. Inclusive content and design preserve dignity, independence, and user access.

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