Celebrating the Rare Disease Day – when accessibility is truly for all
Digital accessibility often focus on visual impairments, whereas accessibility in the built environment is based on motor impairments. In reality, affected user groups are much wider, many conditions invisible and large user groups have multiple, and varying, access needs.
At the Funka Foundation, we pride ourselves with trying to broaden people’s minds, making sure stammering is taken into account, and persisting in user testing with what some customers would call ”extreme” users. Not to mention cognitive perspectives, where user testing often resemble the famous canary in the coal mine – finding issues that cause problems to all users, much faster. But much more can be done.
On the 28 (or 29) of February, it is time to focus on rare diseases.
A rare disease is a health condition that affects a very small number of people compared with the general population. Although definitions vary by country, a disorder is usually classed as ”rare” when it affects fewer than 1 in 2.000 people (in the EU). Collectively, however, rare diseases are common — there are thousands of different conditions and millions of people living with them worldwide.
Being unique comes with a cost
The causes of rare diseases vary widely, from genetic changes (mutations) over infections, immune system problems or environmental factors – some causes are still unknown.
Despite their differences, people with rare diseases often face common challenges, like:
- Delayed or wrong diagnosis: doctors may never have seen the condition before, so diagnosis can take years.
- Limited treatment options: for many rare diseases there are no cures; care focuses on managing symptoms.
- Fragmented expertise: specialists may be few and geographically scattered.
- Social and practical impacts: difficulties with work, education, access to services, and social isolation.
- High costs: treatments, travel for specialist care and support can be expensive.
Awareness matter! Support users who need accessibility and inclusión from all of us – celebrate the Rare Disease Day 2026.
If you would like to know more about rare diseases: