Universally Accessible Web Sites

Color coding should not be used as the only way to convey information. Information conveyed through color alone can be difficult for people with color deficiencies. For example, when asking for input from users, do not write "Please select an item from those listed in green." Instead, ensure that information is available through other style effects (e.g. a font effect) and through context (e.g. comprehensive text links).

Use bold effect for fonts instead of color alone to call attention to important text.
Underline all hyperlinks instead of just relying on color difference.
Contrast is good. Test color contrast by printing pages in grayscale.
If color is used to convey important information, include an alternative indicator such as an asterisk (*) or other symbol.

To Test:

To test whether your document still works without colors, examine it with a monochrome monitor or browser colors turned off. Also, try setting up a color scheme in your browser that only uses black, white, and the four browser-safe greys and see how your page holds up. To test whether color contrast is sufficient to be read by people with color deficiencies or by those with low resolution monitors, print pages on a black and white printer (with backgrounds and colors appearing in grayscale).