36 CFR Part 1194 - Proposed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines NPRM - Preamble

407.7 Color (Section-by-Section Analysis)

This section proposes to prohibit color-coding from being the only means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. The proposed section is the same as existing 508 Standards § 1195.25(g), and is consistent with 255 Guidelines § 1193.41(c). The use of color is also addressed in existing 508 Standards § 1194.22(c), which requires that Web pages “be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or mark up.” The intent of the proposed section is to address the needs of people who are color blind or have low vision. The proposed prohibition on color-coding represents current practice in the design of electronic content and, therefore, should not result in any additional cost.