If using colour for images, documents or content on screen, information can be made more accessible by using colour effectively. For example, people who use braille displays or screen readers, or those with colour vision deficiency, may not be able to access colour. Therefore this list of tips has been compiled to help those creating documents use colour in an accessible way.
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Avoid using colour solely to convey information or as a visual clue for example, on-screen instructions such as 'press the blue button to go back, press the green button to continue.'
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Pattern and textures can be used in charts, graphs and diagrams to separate different areas.
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Dots, dashes or labels can be used to differentiate lines as well as colour.
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Avoid using colour solely for symbols. Ensure different symbols are a different shape and size for easy identification.
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Use scented paper and pens to aid colour discrimination in the classroom.
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Use high colour contrast. Using light or pale colours against dark colours will help features stand out.
The page testing for colour accessibility includes links to online sites which allow you to upload a document and check its colour ratio.