[bcab] Re: Accessibility considerations

Karina, couldn't agree more.  The colour combination you mention sounds 
ridiculous. 

Contrast is indeed an issue, mentioned in many accessibility contexts. 

For example, this is from w3.org's section, "Techniques For Accessibility: 
Evaluation And Repair Tools"

"Checkpoint 2.2 - Ensure that foreground and background color combinations 
provide sufficient contrast when viewed by someone having color deficits or 
when viewed on a black and white screen "

The contrast values can indeed be tested by looking at the numbers or numeric 
equivalents of names used for colors. So it's pretty easy to auto-detect this 
problem. 

I've used the Vision Australia Web Accessibility Toolbar for a long time. One 
of the tests included there is a colour contrast test. It's not difficult to 
carry this out, so really there's no excuse for getting it wrong. It helps if 
you know that the red, green and blue can each range from 0 to 255, and that 
the hex digits for those are 00 and FF. That's about all there is to it.

Sadly, I've come across sites put together by blind people who haven't got it 
anywhere near right. One had a green background (00FF00), red text (FF0000) and 
blue links (0000ff). Well, the FF digits give it away straight away. The text 
would be invisible in black and white, and in colour it would at the very least 
look yucky.

I don't know for sure, but I'd have thought even automated tests like WebXact 
would fail pages with poor colour contrasts.

Of course, it's not as simple as that if you are designing a site for dyslexics 
or people who have eye conditions like M D where they get a lot of glare. the 
contrast values could be fine, but the site could be a pain to read. I know of 
what I speak, believe me.

Vince.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Karina Gregory 
  To: bcab@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Saturday, February 24, 2007 5:50 PM
  Subject: [bcab] Accessibility considerations


  Hi all, 

  I've just come across a website that claims to have WAI - AA and WCAG 1.0 
having a symbol in the corner of ths creen.  The thing that I don't agree with 
is the colour contrast - white text on a light blue background.  My question is 
that when websites are tested by an accessibility website/program for 
accessibility, is colour contrast taken into consideration?  Surely the colour 
schemes to be used can be picked up from the code.  If it isn't already taken 
into consideration, maybe it could be i nthe future by specifying to the 
accessibility tool what is good contrast and what is bad contrast.  Do you 
follow what I'm saying?  For example, if the tool was told that white text on a 
light blue background was not good contrast then it woud be able to reject 
websites that were accessed using this method.  

  I'm interested in hearing the views of others on this topic. 

  Thanks.

  Karina

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