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Understanding Accessible Color: WCAG and Beyond

Handouts

Scheduled at 11:15 am in Colorado I-J on Wednesday, November 13.

#39464

Speaker(s)

  • Dax Castro, Accessible Document Specialist, Chax Training and Consulting

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 1-hr
  • Format: Lecture
  • Expertise Level: Beginner
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

This session focuses on meeting and exceeding the four key WCAG requirements related to color in accessible digital content. We will explore considerations for accessible color pallets, text color contrast, the use of color as a differentiator, and color contrast of non-text items like maps, charts and graphs.

Abstract

In this session, we will explore practical strategies for ensuring that your digital content is inclusive and usable for those with low vision or color vision deficiencies. Throughout the session, we will focus on four critical WCAG requirements related to color accessibility:

Accessible Color Palettes: We'll discuss how to create and utilize color palettes that are accessible to individuals with various types of color blindness or low vision. You'll learn techniques for selecting colors that provide sufficient contrast and tips for creating brand standards in your organization.

Text and Non-text Color Contrast: Proper contrast between elements and their backgrounds is essential to maximize readability for everyone. We'll delve into the specifics of color contrast ratios for text and non-text items like charts, graphs, and infographics to ensure that content remains clear and legible for all users.

Using Color as a Differentiator: Color is often used to convey meaning or differentiate elements within digital content. We'll explore alternative methods for conveying information typically reliant on color alone, ensuring that all users can understand and interact with your content effectively.

Throughout our discussion, we will emphasize practical techniques and tools that you can implement immediately to enhance the accessibility of your digital content.

This session is designed for content creators, designers, developers, and anyone interested in improving the accessibility of digital materials. No prior knowledge of accessibility guidelines is required – we'll start from the basics and build up to practical implementation strategies.

Keypoints

  1. Understand the importance of color accessibility in digital content and its impact on user experience.
  2. Identify potential accessibility issues related to WCAG guidelines and how to address them effectively.
  3. Utilize tools and resources to evaluate color contrast and ensure compliance with accessibility requirements.

Disability Areas

Cognitive/Learning, Vision

Topic Areas

Alternate Format, Assistive Technology, Other, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Dax Castro

Dax is an Adobe Certified PDF Accessibility Trainer, Accessible Document Specialist and member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals. He has more than 25 years experience creating digital content using InDesign, Acrobat and other creative software. Dax specializes in user-centered accessibility approaches that push the envelope of technology to produce more robust accessible documents that still meet Section 508, WCAG 2.0/2.1 and PDF/UA compliance. Dax is also the co-host of the accessibility podcast Chax Chat streaming on all major podcast platforms.

Handout(s)