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Creating Accessible Guides

Making your guides accessible ensures that people with different abilities can successfully navigate to their destination. Accessible design benefits everyone and reflects thoughtful, inclusive communication.

Why accessibility matters

About 15% of the world's population has some form of disability. Accessible guides ensure your location is welcoming and reachable for everyone.

Who Benefits from Accessible Guides

People with Visual Impairments

  • Blindness or low vision
  • Color blindness
  • Screen reader users
  • Users with reading difficulties

People with Other Needs

  • Cognitive differences
  • Motor skill limitations
  • Temporary situational impairments
  • Language or literacy challenges

Navvi's Built-in Accessibility Features

Every Navvi guide automatically includes several accessibility features:

✅ Automatically Included

  • Alternative accessible version: Accessible via ?accessible=true URL parameter
  • Screen reader compatibility: Proper heading structure and navigation
  • Mobile-responsive design: Works on all device sizes
  • Keyboard navigation: All buttons and links work with keyboard
  • High contrast mode support: Respects user's system preferences
  • Large text support: Scales with user's text size settings

Creating Accessible Content

1. Write Descriptive Photo Captions

Your photo captions are the most important accessibility feature. They should work for someone who can't see the image.

✅ Good Accessible Caption

"Enter through the double glass doors with black metal frames. You'll see a reception desk directly ahead."

Describes visual details and what to expect next

❌ Poor Caption

"Go through the doors"

Vague and doesn't help someone who can't see the photo

2. Include Tactile and Audio Landmarks

Describe features that people can feel or hear, not just see:

  • Textures: "Feel for the rough brick wall on your left"
  • Sounds: "You'll hear elevator music when you reach the right floor"
  • Temperatures: "There's a cool draft from the air conditioning near the entrance"
  • Smells: "You'll smell coffee when you're near the café entrance"
  • Ground changes: "The floor changes from tile to carpet at the office entrance"

3. Provide Step Counts and Distances

Include approximate measurements to help with navigation:

  • "Walk about 20 steps straight ahead"
  • "Turn right after approximately 10 meters"
  • "Go up one flight of stairs (about 15 steps)"
  • "The door is about 5 meters down the hallway on your left"

4. Use Clear, Simple Language

✅ Clear Language

  • "Turn left at the elevator"
  • "Take the stairs to the second floor"
  • "Look for the red door"
  • "The office is at the end of the hallway"

❌ Unclear Language

  • "Head towards the thing"
  • "Go upstairs" (which stairs?)
  • "It's over there"
  • "You'll know it when you see it"

Setting Up Accessible Versions

Enable Accessible Route Option

During guide creation, you can enable an accessible version that provides:

  1. Alternative media: Upload different photos or video that show accessible routes (ramps, elevators, etc.)
  2. Accessible captions: Write detailed descriptions focused on non-visual navigation
  3. Alternative text: Provide comprehensive alt text for screen readers
  4. Accessible link: Visitors can access via "View Accessible Version" button

When to Create Alternative Routes

Consider creating a separate accessible version when:

  • Your main route includes stairs, but there's an elevator or ramp
  • The main entrance has steps, but there's an accessible side entrance
  • Your route goes through visually-oriented areas (like browsing displays)
  • The main path is narrow or has obstacles that wheelchairs can't navigate

Testing Your Accessible Guide

Self-Testing Methods

  • Close your eyes test: Have someone read your captions aloud while you close your eyes. Can you visualize the route?
  • Text-to-speech test: Use your phone's text-to-speech feature to listen to your guide
  • Simple language check: Could a 12-year-old follow your directions?
  • Measurement verification: Actually count steps and measure distances to verify your estimates

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • 🤔 Could someone follow this guide using only the captions?
  • ♿ Is there a wheelchair-accessible route to my destination?
  • 🔊 Are there audio cues I can mention?
  • 📏 Have I provided helpful distance and step estimates?
  • 🗣️ Is my language clear and free of assumptions?

Accessibility Best Practices

Use Person-First Language

Say "person who is blind" rather than "blind person." Focus on the person, not the disability.

Avoid Color-Only Instructions

Instead of "turn at the green sign," say "turn at the green exit sign that says 'Conference Hall.'"

Provide Multiple Navigation Cues

Combine visual, auditory, and tactile landmarks: "Turn right at the information desk (you'll hear keyboard typing)."

Test with Real Users

If possible, ask someone with visual impairment or other accessibility needs to test your guide.

Creating inclusive guides

Accessible guides aren't just good for people with disabilities—they're clearer and more helpful for everyone. Your thoughtful approach to accessibility reflects the care you put into welcoming all visitors.

Start Creating Your Guide →Photo Best Practices →