Data Tech 2026

Interactive data visualizations and reports provide so much more insight into data for a user than a static image or tables with rows upon rows of data points. But with the changes in how we present our information, we also need to understand how all users will be able to engage with and leverage these digital assets. This is where digital accessibility comes in – ensuring that the information we present is available to everyone. Digital accessibility takes proper planning and design but with it, you can make your work accessible to a wider audience.

Digital accessibility has four key principles as defined by WCAG 2.1:

Perceivable - users must be able to perceive the information being presented
Operable - users must be able to operate the interface
Understandable - users must be able to understand the information as well as the operation of the user interface
Robust - users must be able to access the content as technologies advance

We will provide examples of how our work in Tableau at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency embodies these four principles and tips and tricks to include digital accessibility in all you do.