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Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) - influence on digital accessibility
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are an indispensable tool for modern, accessible web design. They enable developers to design the visual appearance of websites and at the same time improve accessibility for all users.
Importance of CSS for accessibility
CSS plays a central role in the design of accessible websites:
Separation of content and design: CSS enables the separation of structure (HTML) and presentation, which increases the flexibility and customisability of websites.
Adaptability: Users can create their own stylesheets to adapt colour schemes and other visual aspects to their needs.
Responsive design: CSS allows layouts to be optimised for different devices and screen sizes, improving accessibility on mobile devices.
Key elements for accessibility in CSS font and font size
Use easy-to-read fonts and allow the font size to be adjusted.
Use relative units such as em or rem to ensure scalability.
Colour and contrast
Ensure sufficient colour contrast between text and background (at least 4.5:1 for normal text).
Avoid using colour alone to convey information.
Focus indicators
Design clear visual focus indicators for keyboard operation.
Example: :focus { outline: 2px solid #4A90E2; }
Layout and visual organisation
Use CSS Grid or Flexbox for flexible, responsive layouts.
Make sure that the visual order of the elements corresponds to the logical structure.
Best practices for accessible CSS
Avoid background graphics for important content: Background graphics are often not displayed in contrast mode.
Use of the content property: Use content in conjunction with pseudo-attributes such as :before and :after for decorative elements.
Responsive typography: Use vw (viewport width) units for fluid font sizes.
Focus management: Implement clear focus styles for interactive elements.
Media-specific stylesheets: Create separate stylesheets for different output devices (e.g. print, screen).
Conclusion
CSS is a powerful tool for improving the accessibility of websites. Through the proper application of CSS techniques, developers can create inclusive, accessible and aesthetically pleasing web designs that benefit all users. With the Accessibility Enhancement Act coming into force on 28 June 2025, the implementation of these practices will not only be recommended, but legally mandatory for many websites and digital offerings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can CSS alone make a website accessible?
While CSS is a critical component of web accessibility, other aspects such as HTML semantics and interactive ARIA labels must also be considered to achieve full accessibility.
How does CSS affect users without disabilities?
Good CSS design improves the user experience for all visitors to a website, regardless of their physical abilities, by creating a clear, consistent and engaging visual environment.
Are CSS customisations difficult to implement?
CSS is a powerful language, and while basic customisation is relatively simple, more complex designs and accessible features may require a deeper knowledge of CSS and accessibility guidelines.
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