Ava is inquisitive and meticulous and enjoys surfing the web—shopping, reading, or discovering more about anything. However, from the perspective of a low-vision person, I know most websites have unnecessary barriers. Small text, low contrast, and complicated layouts can easily make what was supposed to be a pleasant experience quite frustrating.
Ava makes use of screen magnifiers and alike assistive technologies; she thus prefers websites designed with accessibility in mind-large font, high contrast, and easy navigation. Such guidelines allow Ava to access and enjoy her online experience with ease and not feel left out when websites follow.
Critical Challenges for Ava:
- Small text and hard-to-read fonts: If text is too small or cramped, Ava struggles to read it without zooming in, which can be inconvenient.
- Low contrast: Websites with poor contrast between text and background make reading more difficult for Ava, especially when the color combinations are too similar.
- Over-designing: Once there's too much information or pictures on the same page, Ava usually gets confused and starts having trouble searching for what she wants.
- Images without descriptions: When proper alternative texts are not provided for images or captions, Ava skips the main context or content.
What Works for Ava:
- Adjustable, larger fonts: Websites that allow Ava to increase the font size quickly or use larger fonts make reading content smoother.
- High-contrast color schemes: Strong contrast between text and background (like dark text on a light background) makes it easier for Ava to focus and read comfortably.
- Simplified, clean layouts: Websites with a clean design, white space, and simple navigation make it easier for Ava to navigate and find what she needs.
- Descriptive alt text and captions: Well-described images help Ava understand the visual content she can't see clearly.
Fun Fact:
Ava is a lifelong learner! She's always discovering something new online, whether signing up for a course or reading about the latest travel destinations. Accessible websites help her stay connected to the world without barriers.
Why Low-Vision Web Accessibility Matters to Everyone
Making web content accessible to low-vision users benefits everyone. Clear fonts, strong contrast, and clean layouts help users like Ava and further improve readability and navigation for all visitors.
Ava's Must-Do Checklist for Low-Vision-Friendly Websites
(WCAG Focus: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable)
- Use Adjustable, large fonts (WCAG 1.4.4): Ensure text can be resized without breaking the layout, allowing Ava to increase the font size comfortably.
- Ensure High Contrast (WCAG 1.4.3): To make content more readable, maintain a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 between text and background.
- Design Simple Layouts (WCAG 1.3.1): Use a clean layout with plenty of white space and a clear structure to avoid overwhelming Ava with too much visual clutter.
- Write Descriptive Alt Text (WCAG 1.1.1): Provide clear, detailed alt text for images so Ava can understand visual content through her screen reader.
- Offer Keyboard Navigation (WCAG 2.1.1): Ensure navigation using a keyboard or assistive technology without relying on a mouse is easy.
