Thoughtful color use helps students notice patterns and understand information. Accessible color choices ensure that meaning is not lost for learners who can’t perceive certain colors, are viewing on a projector/low‑contrast screen, or are using assistive technologies.
Relying on color alone to convey meaning (e.g., green = correct, red = incorrect) excludes students with color‑vision differences and those viewing in poor lighting. Clear, contrast‑friendly palettes with redundant cues (labels, patterns, icons) support all learners and align with schools’ accessibility responsibilities (e.g., ADA/Section 504).
Don’t use color alone to convey meaning: Add text labels, icons, patterns, or shapes.
Meet contrast targets: aim for 4.5:1 (normal text), 3:1 (large text—18pt or 14pt bold), and 3:1 for important UI elements and graphics
(e.g., chart bars, lines, icons).
Keep palettes consistent across slides, handouts, and LMS so students learn your visual system.
Underline links (or use another non‑color cue) and ensure focus/hover states are more than color only.
Avoid red/green‑only encodings; prefer pairings like blue/orange and add labels.
Test your colors on different displays (projector, Chromebook) and with a simulator for color‑vision differences.
Meaning isn’t conveyed by color alone (labels, icons, patterns present).
Contrast meets: 4.5:1 normal text; 3:1 large text; 3:1 for key UI/graphics.
Links are underlined (or have another non‑color cue) and visible focus styles.
Charts/graphs use distinct hues and markers or labels; legend useswords, not just color chips.
Background images behind text are toned down or removed; text sits on a solid/high‑contrast surface.
Consistent palette across materials; avoid neon‑on‑white or light‑on‑light combos.
Tested with a color‑vision simulator and a contrast checker.
Google Slides/Docs: Use Theme colors and test with a contrast checker. Underline links. For text over images, add a semi‑opaque shape behind text.
Canvas (LMS): Use the Rich Content Editor’s Accessibility Checker to catch contrast and list issues; avoid customizing theme colors to low‑contrast combinations.
Color Use & Accessibility — UC Berkeley Digital Accessibility Program
This guide discusses how and why color should be used carefully, including rules about contrast, avoiding color-only cues, and tips for testing and designing color schemes that work for all users.
This online tool makes it easy to test the contrast between foreground and background colors to ensure they meet WCAG standards for readability.
This page adapts and builds on content from the Nebraska ESU Coordinating Council's Accessibility in Schools site and related resources, and is shared under a Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 4.0) license.