The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly: Emojis and Accessibility

(Episode 31)

by Susan

Join Natalie Garza and digital accessibility expert Natalie MacLees in episode 31 of the AAArdvark Accessibility Podcast. This episode talks about the implications of accessible emojis, exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly sides. Learn about specific WCAG success criteria, the role of emojis in aiding comprehension, and the challenges they pose for screen readers.

Natalie Garza: Hello, and welcome to the AAArdvark Accessibility Podcast. This is Natalie Garza. I’m one of the co-hosts, and with me today is,

Natalie MacLees: Natalie MacLees, the other co-host.

The Good: Emojis Enhancing Accessibility

Natalie MacLees: We could talk about 3.1.5 for Reading Level, which is AAA success criteria. Emojis can enhance comprehension by presenting complex information visually, aiding engagement.

To meet that criteria, you would ensure that your content is around an eighth-grade reading level, allowing wider access.

The Bad: Challenges with Emoji Accessibility

Natalie MacLees: Emojis function as a non-text content type. Screen readers interpret emoji meanings but don’t inform users they’re reading an emoji. This can lead to confusion.

Their names can be misleading, and using emojis as list markers or text replacements can complicate understanding for screen reader users.

The Ugly: Emoticons and ASCII Art

ASCII art and emoticons from bygone days are making a resurgence. However, these forms of expression pose accessibility challenges.

Screen readers do not interpret characters used in ASCII art meaningfully. Using images or careful descriptions is advisable for accessibility.

Accessible Emoji Conclusion

To wrap up, understanding how emojis function in terms of accessibility is crucial. When used thoughtfully, they can enhance comprehension without compromising accessibility.