{"id":13207,"date":"2026-04-02T13:59:53","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T13:59:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/instruction.austincc.edu\/tledupdates\/?p=13207"},"modified":"2026-04-02T16:08:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T16:08:52","slug":"building-accessible-courses-check-your-color-contrast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/instruction.austincc.edu\/tledupdates\/2026\/04\/02\/building-accessible-courses-check-your-color-contrast\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Accessible Courses: Check Your Color Contrast"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Colorful graphic illustrating someone using a laptop that reads “Building Accessible Courses: Check Your Color Contrast”<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Creating accessible course materials means ensuring that all students can easily read and engage with your content, including those with low vision or color vision deficiencies. One of the most common and impactful accessibility issues is insufficient color contrast between text and background colors. This is especially important as Austin Community College (ACC) approaches the <\/span>April 24 digital accessibility compliance deadline<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this installment of our four-part accessible course materials <\/span>blog post series<\/b><\/a>, we\u2019re highlighting a simple, effective tool to help you evaluate and improve color contrast in your course materials.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Color Contrast Checker?<\/b><\/h3>\n

A color contrast checker helps determine whether the colors used in your materials meet accessibility standards outlined by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines define levels of accessibility compliance (<\/span>Level A, AA, and AAA<\/b>), with <\/span>Level AA<\/b> serving as the required standard for most higher education institutions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using a contrast checker ensures that text is readable against its background, improving clarity for all students and supporting those who rely on accessible visual design. View a comprehensive list of <\/span>15 color checking tools here<\/b><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Featured Tool: WebAIM Contrast Checker<\/b><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>WebAIM Contrast Checker<\/b><\/a> is a free, user-friendly tool that allows you to test whether your color combinations meet WCAG standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

What it does:<\/b><\/p>\n