Instructions Based on Visual Information
Archived Issue
Current Iteration of Issue
Short Description
Following instructions depends on a user being able to see color, location, shape, etc.
Long Description
- Screen reading software depends on programmatic information to communicate information to a user. Information about color, shape, location etc. ranges from difficult to impossible to determine through screen reading software.
- Information a screen reader user can determine, such as the kind of control and the label, should appear alongside visually based information.
- It is also important to avoid relying solely on color in instructions, because someone who is colorblind, whether or not they use assistive technology, might have difficulty seeing or finding the object.
Example of Issue
Recommendations
- Provide information that is not visually based, such as type of element or name of element, alongside visually based information.
- In order to learn more about what visual information is available to a screen reader, read Making Sure More than Eyes Can Detect an Element on the AUL site.
Related Issues
WCAG Reference
Accessibility/Usability
Accessibility
Usability
Impacted Assistive Technology
Screen Reader
Screen Magnifier
Impacted Type of Device
Computer
Mobile