Contrast (Enhanced)
Summary:
WCAG 1.4.6, titled "Contrast (Enhanced)," takes accessibility a step further by setting a higher standard for text contrast. This criterion is crucial for individuals with severely impaired vision, ensuring that textual content stands out distinctly against its background.
What:
This guideline specifies a higher contrast ratio of at least 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text. These ratios ensure that text is much more legible against its background, which is particularly beneficial for users with low vision and those who struggle with less distinct color differences.
Why:
Higher contrast ratios cater to users with visual impairments that make it difficult to read text with lower contrast. By adhering to this standard, content creators can make their text accessible to a broader audience, including those with more significant vision challenges.
Examples and Scenarios:
- Detailed Reports: In dense, text-heavy documents like academic reports or research papers, high contrast is key for readability.
- User Interfaces: Software and web applications should ensure that all text, including labels, buttons, and menu items, meets this enhanced contrast ratio.
- Instructional Materials: Educational content, especially in digital formats, needs to be accessible to students with low vision, requiring enhanced contrast for all textual information.
How to Comply:
- Websites: Use CSS to set text and background colors that meet or exceed the 7:1 contrast ratio for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text.
- Mobile Apps: Design interfaces with these contrast standards in mind, ensuring that all textual content is easily readable under these guidelines.
- Software Applications: Implement design choices that favor high contrast in text, especially for key informational and navigational elements.
Exceptions:
- Logotypes: As with other contrast requirements, text that is part of a logo or brand name is exempt.
- Incidental Text: Text that is part of an inactive user interface component, purely decorative, or not visible to users does not need to meet these contrast requirements.