Accessibility scanner
Evaluates web content for common errors such as color contrast, heading structure and touch target size. Find our recommendations in the Tool Box.
Alternative text
Brief textual description added to images in web content. It serves as a replacement for visual content, providing context and accessibility for users with visual disabilities or those who do not load the image due to device or app settings, internet connection or preference.
Captions (Video)
Textual reproduction and descriptions of visual content. Key requirements include accuracy, logical formatting and proper grammar.
Color contrast
Refers to the difference between text color and background color. Aim for a minimum of 4.5:1 ratio for written content and 3:1 for large text, icons and functional elements. Use our Tool Box to calculate color contrast ratios.
Complex images
Diagrams, infographics, art and graphs, are examples of images that contain detailed or abstract information for which alternative text may fail to adequately describe. In such cases, alternatives like long descriptions, captions and data tables for graphs or charts enable users to access the same information in a non-visual way.
Descriptive link text
Descriptive link text is the clickable text in a hyperlink that informs users about the content of the linked page. It should be concise, contextually meaningful and accurately represent the linked page’s content, avoiding generic phrases like “click here” or “read more.”
Fonts
Accessible fonts have distinct shapes for each character, avoid unnecessary embellishments, have larger letter spacing and maintain a consistent stroke width. Examples include Arial, Verdana, Tahoma and specialized fonts like OpenDyslexic and Dyslexie. These fonts aim to reduce visual stress and improve reading speed and comprehension. It’s important to note that font size and color contrast also play a significant role in text accessibility.
Image description
A written narrative that conveys the essential elements of an image. The description should be concise, capturing key details like scene, objects, actions and any relevant text or mood. Most often, image descriptions are used for complex and abstract images when alternative text would be inadequate.
PDF Accessibility
Implementing features such as tagged PDFs, alternative text for images, proper reading order, and navigational aids to ensure compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers and braille displays. Use our PDF Accessibility Checklist for guidance.
Readability
How easily a user can understand text, including its presentation and organization, ensuring that the content is clear, understandable and digestible for diverse audiences. Considering factors such as font choice, font size, line spacing, color contrast and the complexity of the language used.
Remediation
The process of identifying and fixing barriers in digital content. This process involves auditing the content for conformance with standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and then addressing the identified issues in websites, applications and digital documents.
Top 10 tips
List of the most essential elements to consider when creating digital content that meets accessibility guidelines: Headings, Consistent Layout, Keep it Text, Text size and spacing, Plain language (Readability), Descriptive Link Text, Color Contrast, Alternative Text, Captions and Transcripts and Ask the DAO.
Transcripts
Written version of the spoken words, sounds and relevant non-verbal information in an audio file. They should be synchronized with the media, include speaker identification and non-speech sounds and be available in a format compatible with assistive technologies. Additionally, providing options for adjusting the text size, color contrast and line spacing can enhance readability for users with visual impairments.
WCAG 2.2 AA
Guidelines and success criteria that define how to make web content more accessible. WCAG 2.2 AA addresses mobile accessibility, low vision, hearing and cognitive disabilities. Level AA is the minimum for UNC content as described in our Digital Accessibility Standards.
Word Accessibility
Using semantic structure through built-in heading styles, alternative text for non-text elements, proper table markup with designated header rows, and the Accessibility Checker to identify and resolve issues, ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers and braille displays. Use our Word Accessibility Checklist for guidance.