Visual Basic.NET How to Program (PDF)

Chapter 24 Accessibility 1215
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Fig. 24.11 Console windows with tabs and without tabs.
24.7 Accessibility in Visual Basic
We now discuss options that Visual Basic programmers have for designing applications to be
more accessible to people with disabilities. It is important that applications be geared toward
not only the average user—with some modifications, it is possible to reach a variety of users
with disabilities. Some general guidelines for designing accessible applications follow.
1. Use larger-sized fonts—this aids people with visual impairments see the text.
2. Create flexible applications that provide keyboard shortcuts for all features within
the application—this allows users to use the application without a mouse.
3. Allow information to be conveyed to the user both in a visual and in an audio manner.
4. Use graphics and images whenever helpful—visual cues may provide help to people
who have trouble reading text on the screen.
5. Never signal information through sound only—someone accessing the information
might not have speakers or might be hearing impaired. 1
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