Visual communication is the most commonly used method of communicating information. However, we should not limit ourselves to visual communication alone, because not all users have equal visual abilities.
Even with the use of aids and reading in the correct light, it’s difficult for vision impaired people to distinguish fonts and ends of sentences, which makes reading longer texts and signs a difficult task for them. Reading a poorly laid out text with similar fonts is tiring for ordinary users as well. A good design for vision impaired users is a good design for most other users. Texts on signs and printed materials should be written clearly using big letters.
In order to check the accessibility of visual information media, they should be photographed and the photos put into black and white. This should reveal whether the colours are in sufficient contrast with each other.
In addition to printed material, alternative information media should always be provided as well (large print, audio clip, Braille or file types readable with a digital speech synthesizer).
Digital materials should be in .rtf, .doc, or txt format. In the case of the .pdf format, you should make sure that the file is created and saved in such a way that the information is accessible to speech synthesizer users as well. Videos and other audiovisual material should be with audio description?
Websites must comply with WCAG 2.0 requirements so that they can also be used by vision impaired people. Read more about WCAG 2.0 requirements https://www.mkm.ee/et/wcag-20-rakendusjuhised
If you feel that you’ve been treated unequally, please contact the Equality Commissioner by e-mail at avaldus@volinik.ee or telephone +372 626 9059. The anonymity of the person is guaranteed when contacting the Commissioner.
