Why do use Accessibility Checkers?
We use an Accessibility Checker to identify and fix issues that may prevent people with disabilities from accessing and using digital content effectively. It helps ensure that our reports, documents, and websites are inclusive, comply with legal standards like Section 508, and provide equal access to information for all users.

Power BI does not have a dedicated “Accessibility Checker” provided by Microsoft specifically for Power BI reports. However, you can ensure and assess the accessibility of your Power BI reports by utilizing built-in features, following best practices, and using general accessibility tools.

Here’s how you can do that:
1. Utilize Built-in Accessibility Features in Power BI
Power BI offers several features to help make your reports more accessible:

a. Add Alt Text to Visuals

  • Purpose: Helps screen readers describe visuals to users with visual impairments.
  • How to Add:
    • Select the visual you want to add alt text to.
    • In the Visualizations pane, go to the Format tab.
    • Expand the General section and find Alt Text.
    • Enter a descriptive text in the Title and Description fields.

b. Define Logical Tab Order

  • Purpose: Ensures users navigating via keyboard can move through visuals in a logical sequence.
  • How to Set:
    • In Power BI Desktop, go to the View tab.
    • Click on Selection Pane.
    • Arrange the order of visuals by dragging them into the desired sequence.

c. Use High Contrast Themes

  • Purpose: Improves readability for users with visual impairments.
  • How to Apply:
    • In Power BI Desktop, go to the View tab.
    • Click on High Contrast Colors and choose a suitable theme.

d. Ensure Keyboard Accessibility

  • Purpose: Allows users to navigate and interact with reports without a mouse.
  • Best Practices:
    • Test navigating through your report using only the keyboard.
    • Ensure all interactive elements (buttons, slicers) are reachable and operable via keyboard.

2. Follow Accessibility Best Practices
Adhering to established best practices enhances the overall accessibility of your reports:

a. Use Sufficient Color Contrast

  • Guidelines: Ensure text and important visuals have enough contrast against their backgrounds.
  • Tools to Use:
  • WebAIM Contrast Checker: Link
  • Accessible Colors: Link

b. Avoid Relying Solely on Color

  • Recommendation: Use text labels, patterns, or shapes in addition to color to convey information.
  • Example: When creating charts, use different patterns or markers along with colors to differentiate data series.

c. Provide Clear and Descriptive Labels

  • Importance: Helps all users understand the data being presented.
  • Implementation:
    • Use meaningful titles and labels for all visuals.
    • Ensure that tooltips provide additional context where necessary.

d. Structure Content Clearly

  • Strategy: Organize your report in a logical and consistent layout.
  • Tips:
    • Group related information together.
    • Use whitespace effectively to separate different sections.

3. Conduct Manual Accessibility Testing
Manual testing is crucial to identify and fix accessibility issues:

a. Test with Screen Readers

  • Popular Screen Readers:
    • NVDA: Free and open-source screen reader for Windows.
    • JAWS: Widely used screen reader with extensive features.
    • VoiceOver: Built-in screen reader for macOS.
  • Testing Steps:
    • Open your Power BI report.
    • Navigate through the report using the screen reader and note any issues or areas of improvement.

b. Perform Keyboard Navigation Testing

  • Procedure:
    • Use the Tab key to navigate through interactive elements.
    • Ensure that focus indicators are visible and navigation order is logical.
    • Verify that all functionalities are accessible without using a mouse.

4. Use External Accessibility Evaluation Tools
While there’s no specific checker for Power BI, some general tools can assist in evaluating accessibility:

a. Accessibility Insights

  • Description: A free tool by Microsoft that helps find and fix accessibility issues.
  • Usage:

b. Wave Accessibility Evaluation Tool

  • Description: Browser extension that evaluates web content for accessibility issues.
  • Usage:
    • Use it to analyze embedded Power BI reports in web pages.
    • Download Link: WAVE Extension

c. Lighthouse

  • Description: An open-source, automated tool for improving the quality of web pages.
  • Usage:
    • Available in Chrome DevTools to audit accessibility among other aspects.
    • Can be used on web-published Power BI reports.

5. Stay Updated with Microsoft’s Accessibility Resources
Microsoft regularly updates its accessibility guidelines and resources:

  • Power BI Accessibility Documentation:
  • Microsoft Accessibility Website:

Recap
While there’s no dedicated Power BI Accessibility Checker, combining Power BI’s built-in features with manual testing and general accessibility tools will help you create reports that are compliant with accessibility standards like Section 508.

Next Steps:

  • Incorporate accessibility features during the report design phase.
  • Conduct thorough testing using screen readers and keyboard navigation.
  • Utilize external tools to evaluate specific aspects like color contrast.
  • Gather feedback from users with disabilities to further refine accessibility.

Additional Tip: Consider creating an accessibility checklist tailored to your organization’s needs to ensure consistency across all Power BI reports.

Power BI Accessibility Checker Process
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