This adjusted requirement is from a new rule in Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It takes precedence over the current Texas Department of Information Resources (Texas DIR) exemption. Texas DIR has reviewed the GIS exemption and provided guidance in making GIS-based platforms accessible ahead of lifting the exemption.
Best practices
Determine the main user experience(s): "What is the user trying to learn or do?" and make those paths accessible.
Discover how to assist people with different disabilities:
Design with a clear purpose and minimize clutter.
Use traditional cartographic techniques like:
Distinct symbols
Clear legends
Readable fonts and contrast
Allow users to switch basemaps to ones with higher contrast or simpler visuals.
Avoid relying solely on color to convey information.
Use color-blind friendly palettes.
Combine color with shape, texture, or patterns to differentiate features.
Ensure that labels and map elements scale appropriately when users zoom in.
Allow users to switch basemaps to ones with higher contrast or simpler visuals.
Ensure all interactive elements (e.g., map controls, popups) are keyboard accessible.
Provide visual focus indicators, so users know where they are on the page.
Since many maps are often treated as images, they should include descriptive alt text.
Use ARIA live regions to dynamically describe map content using the underlying data.
Provide non-visual text alternatives such as:
Tables or lists of map data.
Text summaries describing spatial relationships (e.g., "The affected area includes 3 counties in northern Texas.")
Provide non-visual audial alternatives such as:
Tones to differentiate and describe intensities or frequencies (e.g., height, severity, color)
Radar/sonar-like audial notifications of distances from objects and their direction.
Provide non-visual tactile alternatives such as:
Create tactile or sensory map options that can be printed or used with assistive technologies.