How can you make data visualizations accessible to people with disabilities?

1 Use alt text and captions

Alt text is a short description of an image that screen readers can read aloud to people with visual impairments. Captions are text overlays that explain the main points of a video or audio. Both alt text and captions can help you convey the essential information and context of your data visualizations. When writing alt text and captions, be concise, clear, and accurate. Avoid using jargon, acronyms, or vague terms. Include the title, source, and key findings of your data visualization.

2 Choose colors and fonts wisely

Colors and fonts can enhance the aesthetics and readability of your data visualizations. But they can also create problems for people with color blindness, low vision, dyslexia, or other cognitive impairments. To avoid these issues, use colors and fonts that contrast well, are easy to distinguish, and are consistent throughout your presentation. Avoid using color alone to convey meaning or categories. Use labels, symbols, or patterns instead. Use fonts that are simple, large, and sans serif.

3 Provide multiple formats and options

Some people may prefer to access your data visualizations in different formats or options. For example, some may want to see the raw data behind your charts, graphs, or maps. Others may want to interact with your data visualizations by zooming, filtering, or sorting. Still others may want to hear a narration or a summary of your data visualizations. Providing multiple formats and options can help you accommodate diverse preferences and needs. You can use tools like tableau , power bi , or google data studio to create interactive and accessible data visualizations.

4 Test and evaluate your data visualizations

The best way to ensure that your data visualizations are accessible and inclusive is to test and evaluate them with real users. You can use tools like webaim , wave , or axe to check for accessibility issues and errors. You can also ask for feedback from people with disabilities or experts in accessibility. They can help you identify and fix any problems or gaps in your data visualizations. Testing and evaluating your data visualizations can help you improve their quality and usability.

5 Follow accessibility guidelines and standards

Finally, you can follow accessibility guidelines and standards to make your data visualizations more accessible and inclusive. There are several resources and frameworks that can help you design and present your data visualizations in a way that meets the needs of people with disabilities. Some examples are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA), and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL). These guidelines and standards can help you apply best practices and principles to your data visualizations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?