Variety of color selections

When color customization is supported, provide a variety of color selections capable of producing a range of contrast levels.

When software enables users to customize colors, this checkpoint requires the software to provide more than just a variety of color choices. The color choices must provide different levels of contrast. Someone with low vision needs high contrast between text and the background to read information on the screen. Someone with another vision impairment may be sensitive to bright displays and cannot focus on a bright screen. They would need color choices that provide a softer background and appropriate foreground color. Because there is a wide variety of needs, software that supports color customization must provide a variety of color and contrast settings. Note: This checkpoint does not apply to software that does not provide an option for users to adjust screen colors.

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The following techniques are the minimum required to meet Checkpoint 4.4 from the IBM Software Accessibility Checklist:

• Provide at least three color choices that provide high contrast. White on black, black on white, and yellow on black are examples of high contrast settings.
• Provide the ability for the user to customize color selections for background and foreground. Provide choices with a range of high contrast colors.

The techniques above are required; the following techniques are recommended to enhance accessibility.

• Avoid using reds and greens together.
• Use colors that meet the guidelines for effective color contrast (link resides outside of ibm.com) provided by Lighthouse International.

Test the software to ensure that it complies with accessibility requirements.

Tools

There are no tools required to test this checkpoint.

Techniques

The following techniques are required to verify this checkpoint: