Mismatched human interactions

The concept of disability has evolved significantly from its medical-focused definition in 1980. Modern understanding recognizes disability as a mismatch between human characteristics and environmental design, rather than a personal health condition. This shift emphasizes how design choices can either create or eliminate barriers.

The World Health Organization introduced the term "mismatched interaction" in 2001 to describe situations where environments or products fail to accommodate diverse human abilities. This concept highlights that disability often results from design decisions rather than individual limitations. Environmental barriers create these mismatches, preventing people from participating fully in daily activities.

The solution lies in changing how we design our world, not expecting people to adapt to inaccessible designs. Creating inclusive environments and products that work for diverse human characteristics reduces mismatched interactions and promotes universal participation.