Transform your digital content into an inclusive experience with proven accessibility features that benefit everyone. From healthcare apps to wellness platforms, digital health tools must accommodate diverse user needs to truly serve their purpose. Implement high-contrast color schemes and adjustable text sizes to support vision-impaired users. Add descriptive alt text to images and provide closed captions for videos to ensure information reaches all audience members. Enable keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility to make your digital content accessible to users with mobility challenges.
These practical accessibility features don’t just comply with standards—they create better experiences for everyone, including seniors managing chronic conditions, busy professionals accessing health information on-the-go, and individuals using assistive technologies. By incorporating these elements, your digital content becomes a powerful tool for promoting health literacy and wellness across all ability levels.
Making Health Information Clear and Readable
Text Size and Contrast Features
Modern health apps are becoming increasingly accessible through thoughtful text and contrast features. Many apps now offer adjustable text sizes, allowing users to increase font size without losing functionality. For example, the Alberta Health app includes a text slider that lets you adjust sizes from 12pt to 24pt, making it easier for users with visual impairments to read important health information.
Proper color contrast is equally important. The best health apps maintain a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 between text and background colors. Look for apps that offer high-contrast modes, where dark text appears clearly against light backgrounds or vice versa. Some apps even provide alternative color schemes for users with color vision deficiencies.
These features are particularly helpful when viewing lab results, medication instructions, or appointment details. For instance, many diabetes management apps now include options to increase the size of blood sugar readings and use distinct color coding that remains visible even to users with color blindness. Remember, good text visibility isn’t just about size – it’s about creating a comfortable reading experience for everyone, regardless of their visual abilities.
Plain Language in Action
Here’s how complex medical information can be transformed into clear, understandable language that everyone can grasp. For example, instead of saying “myocardial infarction with elevated ST segments,” a health website might say “heart attack with specific test results showing blocked arteries.” This makes it easier for patients to find trustworthy health information they can understand and act on.
Another great example is replacing “maintain adequate hydration” with “drink enough water throughout the day.” When discussing diabetes management, rather than using “glycemic control,” websites can say “keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range.”
Local health clinics in Alberta are leading the way with patient-friendly language. Instead of “contraindicated,” they say “not recommended.” Rather than “hypertension,” they use “high blood pressure.” These simple changes help people better understand their health conditions and treatment options, leading to better health outcomes for our community.
Navigation That Works for Everyone
Screen Reader Compatibility
Screen readers are essential tools for many Albertans with visual impairments, and several health resources in our community have embraced this technology effectively. The Alberta Health Services patient portal demonstrates excellent screen reader compatibility by using proper heading structures and descriptive alt text for all images. When accessing lab results or booking appointments, the portal’s clear labeling ensures screen readers can navigate seamlessly through the interface.
The University of Alberta Hospital’s online medication management system is another standout example. Each medication entry includes properly structured text that screen readers can interpret accurately, with important details like dosage and timing clearly distinguished. The system also provides keyboard shortcuts that work well with screen readers, making it easier for visually impaired patients to manage their prescriptions independently.
Local pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall have updated their prescription refill apps to include ARIA labels and proper form controls. These features allow screen readers to accurately convey important medication information and interaction warnings. The apps also include skip navigation links, enabling users to jump directly to key content without having to tab through every menu item.
Remember, good screen reader compatibility isn’t just about technical compliance – it’s about creating an inclusive experience that gives everyone equal access to vital health information.
Keyboard-Friendly Design
Alberta Health Services’ MyHealth website demonstrates excellent keyboard navigation, allowing users to access all features without a mouse. You can use the Tab key to move between links and buttons, while Enter activates them. The site clearly highlights which element is currently selected, making it easy to track your position on the page.
Another great example is the Diabetes Care Community portal, which uses consistent keyboard shortcuts throughout. Press the spacebar to expand dropdown menus, arrow keys to navigate between options, and Escape to close popups. The site also provides a “Skip to Main Content” link that appears when you first press Tab, helping keyboard users bypass repetitive navigation menus.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s website shows how form accessibility should work. All form fields can be completed using just a keyboard, with logical tab ordering and clear focus indicators. When you encounter error messages, they’re automatically read by screen readers and can be navigated to using the keyboard.
For those new to keyboard navigation, try pressing Tab on any of these sites – you’ll notice a visible outline moving between clickable elements. This simple test helps you understand how accessible a website truly is for people who can’t use a mouse.
Making Health Videos Work Better
Captions and Transcripts
Health videos with proper captions ensure everyone can access important medical information, regardless of hearing ability. For example, Alberta Health Services’ “Living Well with Diabetes” video series includes accurate closed captions that match the spoken content perfectly. These captions are clear, properly timed, and include speaker identification when multiple people are talking.
Transcripts take accessibility a step further by providing the complete text of video content. The “Heart Health Basics” educational series offers downloadable transcripts that include detailed descriptions of visual elements, making the content accessible to those using screen readers. These transcripts are available in both HTML and PDF formats for maximum compatibility.
Local community health centers have adopted these practices in their virtual education programs. The Edmonton Community Health Hub’s wellness videos feature both auto-generated and professionally reviewed captions, with transcripts available in multiple languages. They’ve also included audio descriptions of important on-screen graphics and charts, ensuring visually impaired viewers don’t miss crucial information.
Remember to place transcript links in prominent locations, ideally near the video player, making them easy to find and access.
Audio Descriptions
Audio descriptions add an extra layer of narration to videos, making visual content accessible to people with vision impairments. For example, our “Living Well with Diabetes” video series includes detailed descriptions of important visual elements, like how to properly check blood sugar levels or prepare healthy meals. When showing exercise demonstrations, the audio track describes proper form and positioning, ensuring everyone can follow along safely.
Another great example is our “Heart Health Basics” videos, where audio descriptions explain medical diagrams, lifestyle modifications, and warning signs through clear, conversational narration. These descriptions go beyond just stating what’s on screen – they provide context about colors, movements, and spatial relationships that might be crucial for understanding the content.
We’ve also incorporated audio descriptions in our mental health awareness series, where facial expressions and body language play an important role in understanding emotional cues. The narration thoughtfully describes these visual elements while maintaining a respectful, supportive tone that aligns with the sensitive nature of the content.
Mobile-Friendly Health Tools
In today’s digital world, accessing health information on the go is crucial for managing our well-being. Alberta Health Services’ MyHealth Records app exemplifies mobile accessibility done right, with features like adjustable text size, voice commands, and a simplified navigation menu that works smoothly on both phones and tablets.
The Alberta Healthy Living app showcases another excellent approach to mobile accessibility. Its responsive design automatically adjusts to different screen sizes, while maintaining easy-to-tap buttons and clear, readable text. The app includes offline access to important health resources and synchronizes seamlessly when internet connection is restored.
Local pharmacies have also embraced mobile accessibility through their prescription management apps. These tools feature high-contrast color schemes for better visibility, voice-guided refill instructions, and simplified medication schedules that are easy to read on smaller screens. The ability to zoom in on medication labels and instructions without losing clarity is particularly helpful for seniors and those with visual impairments.
For those interested in understanding health data, the Alberta Health Calculator app provides an excellent example of accessible data visualization. Charts and graphs automatically resize for different devices while maintaining their readability, and interactive elements are spaced appropriately for touch navigation.
These mobile-friendly tools demonstrate how thoughtful design can make health information accessible to everyone, regardless of the device they’re using. The focus on intuitive navigation, clear visuals, and flexible display options ensures that managing health information remains straightforward and stress-free for all users.
Making digital health tools accessible benefits everyone in our community, not just those with specific needs. When we embrace accessible design, we create a more inclusive healthcare environment that empowers all Albertans to take control of their health journey. From clear, readable text and proper color contrast to keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility, these features make health information and services available to everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.
By implementing these accessibility features, healthcare providers and organizations can reach a wider audience, improve user satisfaction, and ensure that vital health information is available to all community members. This isn’t just about compliance – it’s about creating meaningful connections and ensuring that everyone has equal access to the tools and resources they need to maintain their health and well-being.
Remember, small changes can make a big difference. Whether you’re developing a new health app or updating an existing website, considering accessibility from the start will create a more inclusive and effective digital health experience for all Albertans. Let’s work together to make digital health accessibility a standard practice, not just an afterthought.