Addressing the Tensions between Accessible and Visual Design

Abstract:

Research and experience tells us that an accessible website is more usable for all people, whether they have disabilities or not. However, there is still a great deal of tension in the intersection of accessibility and visual design, especially when it comes to working with faculty to create online instructional materials. How can you, the average accessibility advocate, combat the harmful rhetoric that accessible design only works for students with disabilities? This presentation will address several common design myths, and give you some tools to challenge the idea that accessibility can’t be engaging.

What you’ll learn:

• An overview of the research around accessible visual (and non-visual) design.
• Common design myths around accessibility.
• Talking points for discussions with faculty.