Accessibility Equivalents for Data Analysis Outputs
Applies to: charts, tables, notebooks, reports, and course pages
Purpose
Charts are useful, but not every learner or reader can access visual details in the same way. Every important chart needs a text or table equivalent so the analysis remains understandable.
Chart equivalent standard
For each important chart, include:
- chart title;
- chart type;
- data used;
- main pattern;
- important values or ranges;
- limitation or caution;
- source or dataset note.
Text equivalent template
Chart title:
Chart type:
What it shows:
Main pattern:
Important values:
Limit:
Table equivalent template
| Item | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
Color and contrast
- Do not use color as the only way to communicate meaning.
- Use labels, legends, markers, or line styles where useful.
- Avoid low-contrast text.
- Avoid too many similar colors in one chart.
- For categorical charts, keep palette choices consistent inside a report.
Notebook requirements
- Important charts must be followed by a short interpretation.
- Important summary tables should have clear column names.
- Avoid screenshots of tables when real tables are possible.
- Keep long tables summarized and provide the full table only when useful.
Course page requirements
- Decorative images need concise alt text or can be marked decorative by implementation.
- Instructional charts need meaningful alt text.
- If a chart is central to the lesson, include the key values or interpretation in nearby text.