Guidelines to cater for visually impaired users

A significant proportion of users of the Internet are visually impaired to some or other degree. As stated numerous times before on this site, we all want as many visitors to our sites as possible. We cannot afford to leave any group of people out of our design equation. The following are some basic guidelines that if implemented, will allow access to your site for many of the visually impaired.

photo credit: Brian Indrelunas

Visually impaired users

Never use graphics to replace text.
Never use Flash to replace text.
Use non-serif fonts if at all possible.
Use simple and uncomplicated layouts.
Do not use only color to convey important information (e.g. links).
Do not clutter your pages with too much information all in one place.
If it is possible, make a high-contrast version of your site available (I am still trying to figure this one out for this site).

Blind users

Graphics to have proper alternative text specified.
Warn users if you are opening any links in ‘new’ windows.
Make use of the ‘title’ attributes so that users know what is happening.
Users must also be warned if you are using links to non-standard files (e.g. ZIP or PDF files).
Provide accessible alternatives to all Flash content.
Use Javascript sparingly. It is only to be used if it actually assists those who can use it but at the same time its use should not hamper those who cannot use it.

This is just a shortened version of the applicable accessibility standards which will definitely make things a lot easier for the visually impaired.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. When you consider changes to your site, please consider those who struggle to read the articles you make available.

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