Tip #13: The How – Text Contrast

TLDR;
Text must have enough contrast with its background to be readable. Low contrast makes content difficult or impossible to read for many users. Strong text contrast is a key part of digital accessibility. This week, review one document or slide deck and check that text stands out clearly from the background. Learn more from NCADEMI’s guidance on Text Contrast.

Hello Team,

Welcome back to our Accessibility Tips & Tricks series!
This week, we wrap up the NCADEMI Accessibility Basics with our final foundational concept: Text Contrast. Contrast plays a critical role in digital accessibility because if users cannot easily see the text, they cannot access the information.

Why Text Contrast Matters

Text contrast refers to the difference in brightness between text and its background. When contrast is too low, text becomes difficult to read, especially for users who:

• have low vision

• experience color blindness

• view content on mobile devices

• work in bright or low-light environments

• experience visual fatigue

Strong contrast improves readability for everyone, not just those with identified visual needs.
Learn more from NCADEMI’s guidance on Text Contrast.

What Makes Contrast Accessible?

Accessible contrast ensures text stands out clearly from the background.

That means:

• Dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background

• Avoiding light gray text on white backgrounds

• Avoiding color combinations that blend together

• Being cautious with text placed over images

As a general rule, if you have to squint, it likely needs stronger contrast.

Common Contrast Mistakes

Watch for these common issues:

• Light gray text used for visual style

• Text placed over busy or patterned images

• Pastel text on pastel backgrounds

• Color combinations that look good aesthetically but lack readability

These choices may look visually appealing but can reduce digital accessibility significantly.

Where Does Contrast Matter?

Text contrast applies to:

• Google Docs and Microsoft Word

• Google Slides and PowerPoint

• Emails and newsletters

• Websites and learning platforms

• PDFs and reports

Anywhere text appears, contrast matters.

Your task for this week

1. Open a presentation, document, or webpage you use regularly.

2. Review headings, body text, and links for strong contrast.

3. Adjust text or background colors if readability is questionable.

4. Avoid placing text over busy images unless contrast is very strong.

5. Bring examples to office hours if you'd like a second set of eyes.

Next week, we’ll shift from foundational practices to practical tools as we explore Accessibility Checkers, including Grackle, which is now available to our staff.

Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening digital accessibility across our organization. These foundational practices set the stage for sustainable, inclusive design moving forward.

ESU 10 Accessibility Implementation and Planning Team