Overview

Accessibility is about best practice guidance for improving access to information and services for a wider range of people, including those with disabilities.

Accessibility is essential for some, useful for all

…is a fundamental concept in user experience (UX) and inclusive design.

A well known example is that of the ‘cut-curb effect’, where lowered curbs are essential for wheelchair users to cross roads. This then benefits many other users, such as those with push-chairs or luggage, cyclists, and delivery workers.

General Accessibility Guidelines

• Guide to making information accessible for neurodivergent people, Leeds Autism AIM
  This covers general guidance and considerations for how information is shared for a variety of conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia:
  • On websites and apps
  • One-to-one communication
  • In print – leaflets, posters, flyers, booklets and newsletters
  • Verbally – call, video or face-to-face

• Designing accessible services, Home Office
  General best practice guidance on designing more accessible services for:
  • Anxiety
  • Autism spectrum
  • Dyslexia
  • Screenreaders
  • Low vision
  • Deaf or hard of hearing
  • Physical or motor disabilities

• Dos and don’ts on designing for accessibility, Accessibility in government blog
  This blog provides links to downloadable posters providing good practice guidance for designing for users of:
  • Autism spectrum
  • Dyslexia
  • Screen readers
  • Low vision
  • Physical or motor disabilities
  • Deaf or hard of hearing

• UKHomeOffice github – Downloadable accessibility posters, including ones for different languages.

• SCULPT for Accessibility, Digital Worcestershire, Worcestershire County Council.
  YouTube: SCULPT for Accessibility
  SCULPT for Accessibility is a beginners guide to raise awareness and skills for accessibility. It was a finalist in four national awards during 2021 and 2022, including the AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards.
  
  It provides an accessible alternative to WCAG and:
  • S stands for structuring a document using headings
  • C stands for colour contrast, colour use, captions and checkers
  • U is for use of images and alt text
  • L refers to links and logical reading order
  • P is plain language and clear fonts
  • T stands for tables and transcripts

WCAG

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provides an international set of guidelines and recommendations to help make content more accessible to a wider range of people, including those with disabilities or impairments.

Although the guidelines are designed primarily for web content, many of the concepts and guidelines are transferrable across other technologies and settings.

• How WCAG benefits everyone: A focus on neurodiversity and accessibility, WCAG
  This article describes common barriers neurodivergent users face online, and describes content design considerations which can benefit everyone, as well as neurodivergent users.

• Cognitive Accessibility Guidance, The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
  Cognitive Accessibility Guidance, grouped in an accessible format.
  E.g.
  • Use Clear and Understandable Content
  • Help Users Focus
  • Ensure Processes Do Not Rely on Memory

Microsoft

• Accessibility at Microsoft is the main location to find information on how to make use of accessibility features across Microsoft products. It also includes information on their annual Ability Summit, which is a free in-person and online event which helps raise awareness of accessibility.
• Accessibility Fundamentals, available from the Microsoft Learn platform, provides an introduction to disability, accessibility and assistive technology which can help support a variety of disabilities and impairments.