Datasheet

groups, provide a combination of audio and text. Multimedia presentations may provide audio information
for people with visual impairments, as well as video information for people who are deaf or hard of
hearing. Multimedia presentations are particularly effective for people with attention deficit disorder.
However, people with certain mental health disabilities may be distracted by visual or audio objects.
The best approach is to communicate the same information with both text and non-text objects. Add
descriptive text to support the images, and add images that support the text.
If text objects begin to overwhelm your report, you may want to provide a complete text-only version in
a separate report or a subreport. For details, see Providing text-only alternatives.
To learn more strategies on how to choose presentation methods that meet the needs of a variety of
audiences, see Designing for flexibility.
27.2.3 Color
The colors you choose for objects in reports can have a significant impact on accessibility for people
with visual impairments, low vision, or color blindness. Ensure that your reports can be understood
when viewed without color.
27.2.3.1 Contrasting colors
Users with limited vision may be unable to distinguish between colors. To test the color contrast in your
report, print or view a black and white copy. You should be able to distinguish between values or fields
displayed in different colors (in a pie chart, for example).
If you cannot distinguish between colors on the report, try different colors or use gray shading. If this
does not resolve the issue, you can change other characteristics.
For text, use the Format Editor to change the font, size, or style. You can add borders, underlining, or
background shading to differentiate text objects from each other.
For charts, use a combination of shading and patterns. You can automatically convert a color chart to
a black and white one using the Chart Expert, or you can select values individually and choose your
own patterns.
27.2.3.2 Using color to convey information
Do not use color as the only identifying characteristic for critical information in a report.
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Creating Accessible Reports