QR Codes and Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 24 Sep 2016 - Updated: 30 Aug 2026
Publication Type: Informative

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This information provides an overview of QR codes, detailing their origins, technical specifications, and especially their growing significance in enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities. The article explains how QR codes, which can be scanned by most smartphones, offer quick access to information and services, making them particularly valuable for individuals with visual, cognitive, or mobility impairments. Examples include QR-coded audio resources for blind students, wayfinding systems for those with cognitive challenges, and assistive apps that help users identify products or access building information.

The content is authoritative and useful, authored by an experienced editor and disability advocate, and draws on real-world applications and case studies, making it a practical guide for seniors, people with disabilities, educators, and service providers interested in accessible technology solutions.

At a Glance

• 1 - A QR code can store up to 7,089 numeric characters and still works even when partly damaged. It is also omni-directional, so it reads from any angle for fast scanning.
• 2 - Denso Wave invented the QR code in 1994 for a Toyota subsidiary to track parts. It holds the patent but has chosen to make QR code use free of any license.
• 3 - Real accessibility projects include a QR-coded audio periodic table for blind chemistry students. Others cover wayfinding for people with cognitive impairments and fridge food labeling for the blind.
• 4 - In June 2011, 14 million mobile users scanned a QR or barcode, most of them from home. That same month the Royal Dutch Mint issued the first official coin featuring a QR code.

Topic Definition

Quick Response Code

A Quick Response code, better known as a QR code, is a type of two-dimensional matrix barcode made up of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. It was first developed in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Toyota subsidiary, to overcome the limits of the traditional barcode, which could hold only about twenty digits, whereas a QR code can store several thousand characters spanning numeric, alphanumeric, byte or binary, and Kanji data. Anyone with a camera-equipped smartphone and a reader app can scan one to open a web page, save contact details, or retrieve stored information within seconds, without needing any special scanning hardware. Because they read quickly from any direction and keep working even when partially damaged thanks to built-in error correction, QR codes have moved well beyond their industrial origins into education, marketing, payments, and accessibility tools for people with disabilities.

Overview

In simple terms a QR or Quick Response Code is a type of barcode. If your mobile phone has a QR Code Reader application installed you can take a picture of the Codes and they'll link your phone to a webpage or specific content.

QR Code (Quick Response Code) - A trademarked name for a type of matrix barcode originally designed for the automotive industry. Recently, the system has become popular outside of the industry due to fast readability and large storage capacity compared to standard UPC barcodes. QR codes consist of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be made up of four standardized kinds (modes) of data (numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, Kanji), or by extensions supporting virtually any kind of data.

The primary value of Quick Response (QR) codes is in accessing information quickly and easily. All you need to access a QR code is a Smartphone or cell phone (with a camera) and barcode reader (easily available as an app if your phone's not pre-equipped).

QR codes are a two dimensional barcode that stores 7,089 characters (numbers, alphabetic, symbols, binary and/or control codes). QR code was originally created in 1994 at the Toyota subsidiary, Denso-Wave - as the traditional barcode, used in manufacturing to track and inventory parts, had a limitation of storing only 20 digits. QR codes can hold several hundred digits and function even if they are partially damaged. They are also omni-directional, which means they are readable from any direction, ensuring high speed scanning.

QR codes can be read anytime, anywhere with mobile devices. This makes them easy to decode and convenient since special scanners are not required and the camera of mobile phones simply scans and presents the information contained in the codes. One of the largest barriers preventing people from using QR codes is simply a lack of awareness of the technology.

What do you need to recognize QR codes on your phone?

There are various free QR code readers out there including neoreader, kaywa and quickmark. You don't need a particularly high end phone either - but it does need to be equipped with a camera. Many Android, Nokia, and Blackberry handsets come with QR code readers installed. QR reader software is available for most mobile platforms.

• For BlackBerry devices, the App World application can natively scan QR codes and load any recognized Web URLs on the device's Web browser.
• Nokia's Symbian operating system is provided with a barcode scanner, which is able to read QR codes, while mbarcode is a QR code reader for the Maemo operating system.
• For the Apple iOS, a QR code reader is not natively included, but more than fifty paid and free apps are available with reader and metadata browser URI redirection ability.
• QR codes can be utilized in Google's mobile Android operating system via both their own Google Goggles application or 3rd party barcode scanners like ZXing or Kaywa.

Uses for QR Codes

While QR codes have been around in the business world for quite some time the possibilities in the online, educational, and entertainment fields are just being realized. You may find that scanning a QR Code and storing or accessing data directly using your mobile phone is more convenient than taking notes. Students can point their mobile phone cameras at the codes and have instant access to information. In a lecture, students could point their mobiles at a PowerPoint presentation to download it or save urls for later use.

Some of the items QR codes can be used for include: promoting Services, Business Cards, Google Places and/or Google Maps, Contact Information, Email Addresses, Dialing Phone Numbers, SMS to Phone Number, SMS to Short Code, Text, Displaying RSS Feeds.

QR Code Accessibility and Uses for Persons with Disabilities

QR Codes and symbols are proving to be a very interesting approach for persons with disabilities.

• Wayfinding Systems Based on Geo-coded QR Codes and Social Computing for Individuals with Cognitive Impairments - In this paper a wayfinding prototype system based on QR codes and social computing for individuals with cognitive impairments is presented.
• QR-Coded Audio Periodic Table of the Elements - A quick response coded audio periodic table of the elements (QR-APTE) was developed using free online resources. The potential of QR-APTE was tested using a smart phone and is envisaged to become a truly powerful tool to teach chemistry to blind and visually impaired students under a mobile-learning environment.
• Chartiy Uses QR Codes for Donations - City Harvest is reaching donors with an innovative advertising campaign that uses QR technology in print, phone kiosks, transit shelters, and on Facebook.
• Purdue University - Use a QR code allowing students to access the Disability Resource Center information through their mobile devices and store a customize map with information about buildings accessible for students with disabilities. The QR code stores a URL address, and users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader application can scan the image of the QR code to display text or open a Web page in the phone's browser.
• Symbol Surfing - Project at The Rix center is looking at symbol recognition software on computers that can benefit people with learning disabilities.
• QR Codes as an Assistive Technology - Digit-Eyes article describing different ways QR labels can be used to help the blind determine the age of food in the fridge without popping the lid and leaving audio messages that can be played back on their iPhone.

QR-Code Business Card Creator

Create business cards with this free online QR Code business card generator. Choose one of the business card templates or enter your business details, including website and email address, and print out the PDF document containing your business card images.

QR-Code Readers

There are several apps that help to read QR codes on mobile phones, with some specific ones available exclusively for the Blackberry, iPhone and other smart phones. Most of these apps can be downloaded free of cost.

Future of QR Codes

The future success will not be attributed to simply linking to url's. The real enterprise solutions are where the codes will be monetized and customization for business and commercial use will be at the forefront of intelligent and professional use, examples of which are; e-government, tourism, advertising and targeted marketing, packaging, supply chain management, brand management and brand protection, logistics, track and trace, anti-counterfeit or smuggling, id & passports, transport and ticketing, parking, disability, crm, cross media campaigns, m-ticketing, m-payments, e-learning, complete integration of localization, personalization, objects and other data.

QR Codes Facts and Statistics

• During the month of June 2011, according to one study, 14 million mobile users scanned a QR code or a barcode. Some 58% of those users scanned a QR or barcode from their homes, while 39% scanned from retail stores; 53% of the 14 million users were men between the ages of 18 and 34.
• The QR code system was invented in 1994 by Denso Wave. Denso Wave owns the patent rights on QR codes, but has chosen not to exercise them. Therefore the use of QR codes is free of any license. The QR code is clearly defined and published as an ISO standard.
• In June 2011, The Royal Dutch Mint (Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt) issued the world's first official coin with a QR code to celebrate the centenary of its current building and premises.
• The symbol versions of QR Code range from Version 1 to Version 40. Each version has a different module configuration or number of modules.
• QR Code system consists of 2 parts, software and printer to generate QR Codes and a scanner and application program to read them.
• QR Code has error correction capability to restore data if the code is dirty or damaged. The error correction capability depends on the amount of data to be corrected.
• QR Code Model 2 can encode up to 7,089 numerals with its maximum version being 40 (177 x 177 modules).
• QR Code can hold a greater amount of information than the traditional QR Code. An iQR Code of the same size as an existing QR Code can hold 80% more information than the latter. If the same amount is stored, an iQR Code can be made 30% smaller (compared to the regular QR Code).
• QR codes can be used to store bank account information or credit card information, or they can be specifically designed to work with particular payment provider applications.
• SQRC is a type of QR Code equipped with reading restricting function. This can be used to store private information. Data for SQRC consists of public part and private part. With SQRC, it is possible to store 2 control levels of information in one code.
• LogoQ is a new type of QR Code created to enhance visual recognizability by combining it with letters and pictures in full color.

NOTE: Please contact Disabled World if you use or know of other current QR code use for persons with disabilities - including projects in development. Or if you can suggest an application where QR code use would be of benefit to the disabled.

QR Code, iQR Code and SQRC are registered trademarks of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED in Japan and in other countries

Frequently Asked Questions

Do QR codes cost anything to create or use

No, Denso Wave holds the patent but does not enforce it, so QR code use is free of any license under a published ISO standard.

What devices can scan a QR code

Any smartphone or cell phone with a camera and a reader app can scan a QR code, and no special scanner hardware is required.

Can a damaged QR code still be read

Yes, QR codes include error correction that can restore data even when the code is dirty or partially damaged.

How much data can a QR code hold

A QR Code Model 2 can encode up to 7,089 numerals at its maximum version, far more than a traditional barcode.

What is the difference between a QR code and a barcode

A traditional barcode is one dimensional and holds about 20 digits, while a QR code is two dimensional and stores thousands of characters.

Are QR codes safe for storing private information

A special type called SQRC adds a reading restriction function, letting a single code hold both public and private data levels.

What is an iQR code

An iQR code is a variant that holds about 80 percent more data at the same size, or can be made 30 percent smaller for the same data.

What is the biggest barrier to QR code adoption

One of the largest barriers is simply a lack of public awareness of the technology and how easily it can be used.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: As technology continues to evolve, the integration of QR codes into everyday environments stands out as a promising step toward greater inclusion. While awareness and adoption are still growing, the versatility and ease of use offered by QR codes can bridge information gaps and reduce barriers for many, especially those navigating accessibility challenges. Continued innovation and thoughtful implementation will be key to ensuring that these digital tools reach their full potential in supporting independence and participation for all.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability, a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.