Companion AccessTask · evidence · limits
ACCESSIBILITY TASK · REVIEWED AUGUST 31, 2026

Color and Contrast Check Without a False Certification

Text, controls, states and focus indicators should remain distinguishable in normal and high-contrast conditions.

This task records scoped evidence. It is not accessibility certification, legal advice or a universal result.

Accessibility task map with keyboard, screen reader, captions, zoom and evidence steps
THE QUESTION

What this page owns

Check readable contrast without treating automated scores as certification.

Begin with the named task and preserve the setup. Do not turn a product statement, automated scan or reachable page into proof that a person can complete the task.

REPEATABLE PROTOCOL

Four steps, one documented result

  1. 01

    Inspect body text, links, button labels, errors and disabled states.

  2. 02

    Use a contrast tool for a small documented sample.

  3. 03

    Turn on a system high-contrast or increased-contrast preference where available.

  4. 04

    Confirm that meaning is not carried by color alone.

EVIDENCE TO KEEP

Make the observation reproducible

Setup
Device, operating system, browser, input method and assistive technology.
Task
Starting point, action and expected outcome in plain language.
Result
Pass, barrier observed or not checked — never a guessed score.
Limit
Automated contrast numbers cover only sampled color pairs. They do not establish whole-site conformance.