How to Make Data Visualizations More Accessible: A Practical Guide

A screenshot of a computer monitor displaying statistics with total deaths at 156,400, total recovered at 5,833, and other related numbers. The monitor features a flat panel display.

In our increasingly data-driven world, the ability to visualize information clearly and meaningfully is more important than ever. But while beautifully crafted charts, graphs, and infographics can make complex ideas easier to grasp, they often leave out a critical audience: people with disabilities.

Accessible data visualizations aren’t just a nice-to-have — they’re a vital part of inclusive digital design. Whether you’re presenting sales performance, public health trends, or social impact metrics, making sure your visual content works for everyone is both a legal obligation and a business opportunity.

In this post, we'll walk through practical steps to improve the accessibility of your data visualizations — and how we can help your organization lead in digital accessibility.

Why Data Visualization Accessibility Matters

Roughly 1 in 5 people experience some form of disability, and that includes barriers to accessing visual information. Blind or low-vision users, people with color vision deficiencies, those using screen readers, and people with cognitive disabilities may struggle to interpret traditional data visualizations.

If your charts and dashboards aren’t accessible, you risk:

Excluding valuable audience segments
Failing to meet accessibility compliance standards (like WCAG 2.2 and AODA)
Damaging your organization’s brand reputation
Accessible design isn’t about limiting creativity — it’s about expanding clarity and inclusion.

6 Ways to Make Data Visualizations More Accessible

Here’s how you can start improving your data visualizations right now:

1. Use High-Contrast Colors and Patterns

Avoid relying on color alone to convey meaning. Combine colors with textures, patterns, or symbols so users with color blindness or low vision can still differentiate data points.
Pro tip: Use color contrast checkers like WebAIM Contrast Checker when designing visuals.

2. Provide Text Alternatives (Alt Text and Descriptions)

Always include alternative text descriptions for charts and graphs, summarizing the key message and data trends. For complex data, offer a long description or accompanying data table that can be read by assistive technology.

3. Label Everything Clearly

Ensure every axis, data point, legend, and label is clear, concise, and descriptive. Avoid ambiguous or jargon-heavy labels.

4. Offer Data in Multiple Formats

Supplement visual data with accessible data tables or CSV downloads so users can access the raw numbers in the format that works best for them.

5. Optimize for Screen Readers

Ensure your visualization platform or web framework outputs semantic HTML and ARIA labels where appropriate. SVG graphics, for example, should be properly tagged or supplemented with descriptive text.

6. Test with Real Users and Assistive Tech

Automated tools are helpful, but nothing replaces testing with actual users who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers or magnifiers. At WillPower Consulting, we routinely conduct usability audits with diverse users to identify barriers others miss.

Why Partner with WillPower Consulting?

A diverse group of people engaged in a meeting indoors, seated around a table with office supplies and computers on it. They are focused on a whiteboard, likely discussing ideas or collaborating on a project within an office setting.

At WillPower Consulting, we believe accessibility is a business advantage — not just a compliance checkbox. Our digital accessibility consulting services help organizations create content, websites, and data visualizations that work for everyone.

Here’s how we can support you:

Accessibility Audits of existing dashboards and reports
Training sessions on accessible data visualization best practices
Remediation support for WCAG 2.2 and AODA compliance
User testing with people with disabilities
Accessible design system development for your internal teams

Whether you’re a nonprofit, tech startup, or large enterprise, our mission is to help you deliver inclusive, accessible digital experiences that reflect your brand values and reach your entire audience.

Let’s Make Your Data Speak to Everyone

Accessible data visualizations don’t just improve usability — they amplify your message and demonstrate your commitment to digital inclusion.

If you're ready to elevate your data accessibility strategy, book a free consultation with WillPower Consulting today.

Let’s build a digital world where no one is left out.