Let's start with a quote from an unknown author: “There is always someone who looks at the world differently.”
What are we talking about? We don't all see the same. For people with disabilities, in particular those with low vision, access to content on the sites may be difficult. Therefore, creating a version for the visually impaired becomes not just an additional option, but a necessity. And for websites of government organizations, it is mandatory by law to have a version for the visually impaired.
How to make information accessible to everyone? Who needs to have a visually impaired version on their websites? What does the version for the visually impaired include? And how we helped the company quickly implement a version for the visually impaired - we suggest you find out in our article.
What is the version for the visually impaired?
Version for the visually impaired (VDS) is a special site display mode designed to make it more convenient for people with visual impairments. This is typically achieved by increasing the font size, changing the color scheme (increasing contrast), and disabling or simplifying design elements that may be difficult to understand, as well as special markup for voice-reading applications.
For which organizations is it important to have VDS on their websites?
In Russia, the presence of GVA on the website is regulated by a group of laws. The main one is Federal Law No. 181-FZ “On the social protection of people with disabilities in the Russian Federation.” Others supplement it or clarify it at certain points. These documents require government agencies to ensure that their resources are accessible to people with disabilities. Creating a visually impaired version of your website is an important step toward inclusivity, compliance, and improved user experience. For whom it is important:
1. Government agencies and large companies
Government agencies, municipal institutions, large corporations and companies with a wide audience are required to ensure the accessibility of their websites. This is not only a matter of compliance with the law, but also a manifestation of social responsibility.
2. Educational and medical institutions
Accessibility for students, patients and their relatives is important - so that everyone can get the information they need without barriers.
3. Small businesses and online stores
Although the requirements may be less stringent, having a version of the site for the visually impaired significantly expands the audience and improves the company's reputation.
VDS target audience:
- People with visual impairments: these can be either completely blind or visually impaired users who use special programs and devices to access the Internet.
- Users with temporary visual impairments: for example, after eye surgery or eye fatigue.
- People with dyslexia: Some people have difficulty reading due to their ability to process information. A version for the visually impaired may help them understand the text better.
What must be part of the GVA on the site?
In order for the visually impaired version to be effective, it must meet certain requirements:
Responsive Design:
the version should be displayed correctly on various devices and screens, including mobile phones and tablets.
Color Contrast:
It is important to provide sufficient contrast between the text and the background so that visually impaired users can easily read the information.
Black and white version of illustrations:
All images should be able to be converted to black and white or turned off.
Font scalability:
users should be able to increase font size without losing site functionality.
Alternative text for images:
All images must have alternative text that can be read by visually impaired software.
Screen reader support:
the site must be compatible with programs that read screen content for blind and visually impaired users.
Ease of navigation:
Menus and other controls should be intuitive and easy to access.
Using ARIA attributes:
these attributes help visually impaired programs better understand the structure and content of a site.
Let’s imagine: a visually impaired person wants to order goods from an online store. Thanks to the version for the visually impaired, he can easily navigate the site using an on-screen reader. The contrasting design and scalable font allow it to comfortably read product descriptions, and convenient navigation helps you quickly find the sections you need. Alt text for images provides a way to understand what a product looks like, even if the user can't see it. Thus, the version for the visually impaired makes the purchasing process as convenient and accessible as for people with normal vision.
Situation from our experience
One day we received an important document from one of the customers - amendments to the legislation regarding the version of the site for visually impaired users. The client understood the significance of the document, but did not know what exactly needed to be done with the site to make it comply with the law.
First of all, we immediately carefully studied the document. We sorted out all the new requirements and recommendations that needed to be taken into account when adapting the site.
Then we conducted a detailed audit of the client’s website: we checked the current state of the site for compliance with new accessibility standards, and identified blocks that required improvement.
After the audit, we compiled a detailed report with recommendations for improving the site. It included specific steps that need to be taken to bring the site into proper shape.
The client approved the report, gave us the go-ahead, and we started changing the site.
Work plan, implementation of solutions. Here we tweaked the design, improved contrast, added zoom capabilities, updated alt text for images, and provided support for e-readers.
Tested: everything works correctly. Launched.
Everything ended well. The client was pleased with the results, and we received feedback that the site had become more convenient and accessible for all users, including the visually impaired. And according to the law, everything is now correct.
And finally, or check yourself using our checklist
Let us once again highlight the basic requirements for websites for the visually impaired. Look and note what you have and what you don’t:
Gradually, versions of websites for the visually impaired appear not only on government resources. Many commercial companies also care about people with disabilities, expanding their audience.
We hope the information was useful to you, you checked the GVA on your website or planned to create one.
What about us?
We keep our finger on the pulse, carefully study all the laws for you, conduct audits and are ready at any time to help you adapt your site to new requirements.