Distinguishable:
Understanding Guideline 1.4

Intent of Guideline 1.4

While some guidelines are focused on making information available in a form that can be presented in alternate formats, this guideline is concerned with making the default presentation as easy to perceive as possible to people with disabilities. The primary focus is on making it easier for users to separate foreground information from the background. For visual presentations this involves making sure that information presented on top of a background contrasts sufficiently with the background. For audio presentations this involves making sure that foreground sounds are sufficiently louder than the background sounds. Individuals with visual and hearing disabilities have much greater difficulty separating foreground and background information.

Advisory Techniques for Guideline 1.4 (not success criteria specific)

• Using readable fonts (future link)

• Making sure any text in images of text is at least 14 points and has good contrast (future link)

• Providing a highly visible highlighting mechanism for links or controls when they receive keyboard focus (future link)