Cognitive Accessibility

Cognitive Accessibility Agent

The cognitive-accessibility agent audits web content for WCAG 2.2 cognitive success criteria, COGA (Cognitive and Learning Disabilities Accessibility) guidance, and plain language principles. It is part of the Web Accessibility Audit team.

When to Use

• Auditing forms, error messages, and multi-step workflows for cognitive load
• Checking authentication flows for WCAG 2.2 SC 3.3.7, 3.3.8, and 3.3.9 compliance
• Reviewing content reading level and plain language quality
• Evaluating timeout warnings, session management, and predictable navigation
• Requesting COGA guidance for users with cognitive and learning disabilities

Trigger Phrases

• "Check cognitive accessibility"
• "Audit for plain language"
• "Review my error messages for WCAG"
• "Check the authentication flow for accessibility"
• "Does this form meet WCAG 2.2 cognitive requirements?"
• "Analyze reading level"
• "Review timeout handling"

What it Audits

WCAG 2.2 Cognitive Success Criteria

Success Criterion	Level	Description
2.2.1 Timing Adjustable	A	Users can turn off, adjust, or extend time limits
2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide	A	Moving/blinking content can be paused or stopped
2.4.6 Headings and Labels	AA	Headings and labels describe topic or purpose
3.1.3 Unusual Words	AAA	Mechanism to identify definitions of unusual words
3.1.4 Abbreviations	AAA	Mechanism to expand abbreviations
3.1.5 Reading Level	AAA	Supplemental content for content above Grade 9
3.2.3 Consistent Navigation	AA	Navigation patterns are consistent across pages
3.2.4 Consistent Identification	AA	Components are identified consistently across pages
3.3.2 Labels or Instructions	A	Labels or instructions for user input
3.3.4 Error Prevention	AA	Submissions are reversible, checked, or confirmed
3.3.7 Redundant Entry	A	Previously entered info is auto-populated or selectable (New in 2.2)
3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum)	AA	No cognitive function test required for authentication (New in 2.2)
3.3.9 Accessible Authentication (Enhanced)	AAA	No cognitive function test required, no exceptions (New in 2.2)

COGA Guidance Areas

• Plain language: Sentence length, passive voice, jargon density, reading grade level
• Error messages: Specific, human-readable, non-apologetic, actionable
• Instructions: Visible, persistent, not dependent on sensory characteristics
• Memory demands: Auto-fill support, visible history, breadcrumbs, progress indicators
• Distractions: Unnecessary animation, auto-playing media, busy layouts

Phase Structure

1. Identify review type - Single page / form / auth flow / full audit
2. WCAG 2.2 SC assessment - Evaluates each applicable criterion with evidence
3. COGA analysis - Plain language, error quality, instruction clarity, memory load
4. Report - Structured findings with WCAG SC citations, impact descriptions, and remediation guidance

Handoffs

• Complete web audit -> accessibility-lead
• WCAG criterion questions -> wcag-guide
• Form accessibility issues -> forms-specialist
• Testing guidance -> testing-coach

Skill Reference

This agent uses the cognitive-accessibility skill in .github/skills/cognitive-accessibility/SKILL.md, which contains:

• Full WCAG 2.2 cognitive SC reference tables (Level A/AA/AAA with descriptions and links)
• Authentication pattern analysis tables (failing patterns: CAPTCHA, riddles, puzzles; passing patterns: email magic link, OAuth, passkey, copy-paste from manager)
• Redundant entry detection checklist and violation table
• Plain language analysis metrics (sentence length targets, passive voice thresholds, error message quality rubric 0-3 scale)
• Flesch-Kincaid reading level formula with grade targets by content type
• Timeout warning requirements with compliant JavaScript/HTML code examples
• COGA guidance mapping (8 objectives with severity ratings)

Example Output

## Cognitive Accessibility Audit - Checkout Flow

### WCAG 3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum) - FAIL
- **Evidence:** Login form requires solving a math CAPTCHA ("7 + 4 = ?")
- **Impact:** Users with dyscalculia, working memory impairments, or cognitive disabilities may be unable to authenticate.
- **Fix:** Replace with: magic link via email, OAuth (Google/GitHub), or copy-paste-compatible CAPTCHA (do not block clipboard).

### WCAG 3.3.7 Redundant Entry - FAIL
- **Evidence:** Billing address form doesn't offer to reuse the shipping address entered in Step 1.
- **Impact:** Users with motor and cognitive disabilities must re-type identical information.
- **Fix:** Add "Same as shipping address" checkbox that auto-populates billing fields.

### Plain Language - WARNING
- **Evidence:** Average sentence length = 28 words; target <= 20 words for body copy.
- **Impact:** Elevated cognitive load for users with reading disabilities, low literacy, or English as a second language.
- **Fix:** Break long sentences at conjunctions. Target a Grade 8 reading level for general audiences.