At the MBTA, we’re striving to become the global model of accessible public transportation. Our guiding principles of accessibility apply to every part of our system, including trains, stations, and digital signage. Accessible design benefits everyone—seniors, parents, students, commuters, tourists, and countless other customers we serve each day.
There is no single, foolproof checklist to consult when designing accessible content, so we consider the factors that impact a screen, a design, and the individual reading it, including:
Ultimately, the designer is responsible for creating accessible designs and remaining informed of the latest accessibility requirements.
For 30 years, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) has set the standard for accessible design by ensuring people with disabilities have equitable access to the built environment. And, since 2006, the MBTA/BCIL Settlement Agreement has set the standards for accessibility at the T. As a significant feature of our public transit system, digital signage is designed to meet the requirements set forth both the ADA and the MBTA/BCIL agreement.
This is relatively straightforward, though the real-world application of these mandates on digital experiences is not always as clearly defined. More specifically, the ADA does not set standards for public information on screens.
From an accessibility point of view, Screens breaks down information shown into three categories.