{"id":21448,"date":"2026-10-30T14:46:57","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T20:46:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/?p=21448"},"modified":"2026-10-30T14:46:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T20:46:57","slug":"accessibility-tip-color-and-contrast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sehd.ucdenver.edu\/impact\/2026\/10\/30\/accessibility-tip-color-and-contrast\/","title":{"rendered":"Accessibility Tip: Color and Contrast"},"content":{"rendered":"

Strong contrast<\/span> helps readers see your message. Pair color with words or symbols so everyone can understand the information.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Color<\/a><\/p>\n

Graphic concept and direction by Rosanna Miiller Salas. Created with OpenAI image generation tools using custom prompts.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Infographic recap: Use text that stands out from its background. Aim for at least 4.5:1 contrast for regular text and 3:1 for large text (18 pt or 14 pt bold and larger). Add labels or symbols, such as a check mark with \u201cComplete,\u201d instead of relying on color alone.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Readable text and clear visual cues support people with low vision or color vision differences. They also help when readers encounter glare, dim screens, or unfamiliar color conventions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Check text and background colors with a contrast checker. Use at least 4.5:1 for regular text and 3:1 for large text. Add words, symbols, or patterns to color-coded information, and underline links so color is not their only cue.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Avoid:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Avoid pale text on light backgrounds, text over busy images, and directions such as \u201cselect the green option\u201d without another identifier. A color combination that looks clear to you may still need adjustment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Try it this week!<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Choose one Canvas page, slide, or newsletter. Test one text and background combination, adjust it if needed, and add a label to any information communicated only through color.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Resources<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n