What Does ‘Barrier-Free’ or ‘Accessible’ Mean?
The term 'barrier-free' in the context of websites and applications refers to designs that are usable by people with disabilities. According to the Duden dictionary, it means that these digital products can be operated without difficulty by individuals with disabilities, such as by adjusting the font size.
Key Design Considerations
Colour and Contrast:
Choose colours that are distinguishable for people with colour vision deficiencies. Ensure strong contrasts to make content easily readable.
Typography:
Use clear, legible typefaces to aid readability for all users.
Avoid Distracting Elements:
Refrain from using fast animations, abrupt feedback, or strong colour changes that could trigger epileptic seizures or create difficulties for users with cognitive impairments.
Testing for Accessibility
Once the elements are developed, thorough testing is essential:
Automated Tools:
Use tools that can test accessibility semi-automatically, checking for common issues like color contrast and keyboard navigation.
Developer Tools:
Utilize browser developer tools to verify the tab sequence and ensure that all interactive elements are accessible without a mouse.
- Screen Reader Compatibility:
- Make sure all relevant elements are recognized and correctly read by the most commonly used screen readers, including NVDA and JAWs. Also, ensure that the tab sequence includes all interactive elements.
Conclusion
Accessibility in software development is essential to ensure that all people, regardless of their individual limitations, have access to digital products. Through conscious design choices, the use of valid HTML and ARIA labels, and thorough testing, we can develop software that is truly inclusive. By integrating these practices into the development process, we not only comply with legal standards but also contribute to a more inclusive digital world where everyone can participate equally.
