Accessible Communication using Infographics, Charts and Graphs
taught by: Chad Hester
Session Summary
Infographics, Charts and Graphs are powerful tools for visual storytelling, but they often exclude people with disabilities. This session will explore key accessibility challenges and solutions, covering design principles, color contrast, typography, alt text, and alternative access methods. Attendees will leave with practical techniques to create infographics that are both engaging and inclusive.
Description
Infographics, Charts and Graphs are widely used to convey complex information quickly and visually. However, these visual elements often present significant accessibility barriers, excluding users who rely on screen readers, magnification, or alternative navigation methods. This session will explore the challenges of making infographics accessible and provide practical strategies for ensuring inclusivity.
Attendees will learn how to apply accessible design principles, such as appropriate color contrast, meaningful labeling, and structured layouts that work for all users. The session will also cover best practices for writing alternative text descriptions, providing structured data versions, and leveraging technology like accessible SVGs and HTML-based infographics.
Through exposure to real-world examples and interactive discussions, participants will gain insights into common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Whether you're a designer, developer, content creator, or accessibility professional, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to create infographics that are both visually compelling and accessible to everyone. By following these techniques and adhering to accessibility guidelines, you can design visual content that is inclusive, informative, and understandable to all users, regardless of their abilities.
Practical Skills
- Identify Barriers to Accessibility in Infographics, Charts and Graphs – Understand the common accessibility challenges faced by people with disabilities when interacting with infographics.
- Apply Best Practices for Creating Accessible Infographics, Charts and Graphs – Learn how to design infographics with clear structure, effective color contrast, and inclusive labeling to enhance accessibility.
- Implement Alternative Access Methods – Discover strategies for providing alternative formats, such as text descriptions, structured HTML versions, and accessible SVGs to ensure content is usable by everyone.