Tips for Creating Better Web Accessibility

As a designer I spend quite a bit of my time thinking about accessibility.  Here’s a few thing’s I’ve picked up that make my life a little bit easier on the web and on my mobile devices.

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Although the standard font size for written documentation is 12p, a 16p font works best on a desktop if you have standard 20/20 vision.

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Why the difference?  Because your desktop is much farther away from your eyes than a book or magazine.  Add the extra distance and a 16p font on your desktop reads like the 12p in your novel.

This tip will save you eyestrain at the end of the day.  If feels strange at first but you get used to it fast.  For people prone to migraines, this can be a lifesaver.

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There’s an app for that!

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When I encounter a problem, a quick Google search usually turns up dozens of remedies that are often both cheap and accessible.

For Android users that struggle with tiny keyboards, try the Big Button Keyboard.  Icons on your screen too small to see easily?  Try Giganticon and super size them.

If the person you support is struggling with an aspect of a system, odds are a work around has already been built.  The two apps I mentioned are particularly useful for people who have challenges with their eye-hand coordination or eyesight.

Not familiar with how apps work?  Read the how to guide in your app store.  Most developers make it easy to install and download apps.  Read user reviews in your app store to find the app that will work best.

Still struggling with a paralyzing fear of technology?  Use my favorite tech support cheat sheet.  Preferably with someone who appreciates good humour 😉

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Renovate your internet space by making it more accessible with widgets and plug-ins.

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If you have a blog or website, widgets and plugins can help make your site more accessible.  You can add the ability to customize the size of your font, add the option to have text electronically converted to be read aloud for visually impaired visitors, and countless others options.

Speaking of website accessibility, right now we’re in the process of improving our blog’s accessibility.  To celebrate MAAW, Manitoba Access Awareness Week, we’ve followed our own advice by adding the ability to change font size on the blog.

If you visit our blog page, check out the upper right hand side of the screen.  See where the world inclusion is written in various sizes?  Click on the size you prefer and voila!  A more accessible post.

What do you guys like to use to improve accessibility?  What ideas have you come across?  Share them with me in the comments below!