Grand Challenges Home > Drive Innovation > Data Visualization Toolkit > Accessibility

The recommendations throughout this toolkit are designed to support users with a variety of accessibility needs. The topics below provide a high-level overview; detailed guidance and examples are available throughout the Accessibility section of the toolkit. 

Vision & Color

• Don't rely on color alone.

• Use contrast, labels, shapes, or patterns.

Magnification & Small Screens

• Use readable fonts and responsive layouts.

• Support zoom and mobile viewing.

Motor Accessibility

• Support keyboard navigation.

• Use visible focus indicators and large interactive elements. 

Reading & Language

• Use plain language, familiar terminology, and clear labels.

• Keep text concise and scannable. 

Cognitive Accessibility

• Reduce clutter and unnecessary complexity. 

• Use consistent design patterns and highlight key takeaways.

Screen Readers

• Provide meaningful alternative text.

• Ensure key information is available without relying on visual cues.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are built on four core principles, commonly known as POUR. Accessible visualizations should be:

• Perceivable – Information can be seen or heard in multiple ways.

• Operable – Users can navigate and interact with content.

• Understandable – Content is clear, predictable, and easy to interpret.

• Robust – Content works across devices, browsers, and assistive technologies.

These principles provide the foundation for the best practices, navigation guidance, and tool-specific recommendations throughout this toolkit.

The accessibility guidance in this toolkit is organized around the four WCAG principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). Each section includes practical recommendations, common pitfalls to avoid, before-and-after examples, quick tests, and resources.

The Accessibility section also includes supporting resources to help you design, implement, and evaluate accessible visualizations:

• Platform Guidance – Accessibility recommendations for Excel, Power BI and Tableau.

• Accessibility Resources – Standards, testing tools, checklists, and additional references.