Your annual report is a comprehensive document that provides insights into your company’s financial performance, achievements, and strategic direction over the past year, offering transparency to stakeholders such as investors, employees, donors, and customers.

When designing your annual report, accessibility should be a priority, not an afterthought. With over one billion people worldwide living with a disability, accessible design ensures that your report is inclusive, easy to navigate, and provides equal access to information for all readers.

Accessibility doesn’t just benefit those with disabilities—it enhances clarity, engagement, and usability for everyone. Beyond its ethical and practical advantages, accessibility is also a legal requirement in many countries, including Ireland. Under the European Accessibility Act, public sector bodies must ensure their digital content complies with accessibility standards by June 28, 2025.

Why accessibility matters in annual reports

Ensuring accessibility in your annual report is essential to maintaining transparency and engagement. Key stakeholders must be able to access and understand the information presented.

An accessible report reflects a company’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). It also builds trust, particularly for public or government-funded organisations. By making accessibility a priority, your company reinforces its credibility and ensures that your message reaches the widest possible audience.

Designing for digital and print accessibility

Most annual reports are published as PDFs, but a standard PDF isn’t automatically accessible. Considering accessibility from the beginning of the design process saves you time and money. Treating it as an add-on at the end often results in a full redesign, significantly increasing costs and delays.

While digital accessibility is crucial, print design also plays a role in inclusivity. Thoughtful design choices can make a report easier to read for all audiences, including those with visual impairments or reading difficulties. Key considerations include:

Font selection: Choose clear, legible fonts over condensed or decorative styles.

Colour contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background for easy readability.

Paper choice and thickness: Use uncoated paper to minimise glare and opt for heavier stock to prevent text from showing through.

Accessibility benefits everyone

Designing with accessibility in mind isn’t just about compliance—it enhances the reading experience for all users. A well-structured, clearly presented report benefits anyone skimming through pages, reading in low-light conditions, or accessing content on different devices. High-contrast text, descriptive links, and logical formatting make reports more engaging and effective.

The Stray Dog Design advantage: More than just compliance

When you choose Stray Dog Design, you are working with a partner committed to accessibility at every stage. We offer:

✅ Guidance on accessibility best practices

✅ Professionally designed reports that meet legal standards

✅ Digital and print solutions tailored for diverse audiences

✅ A commitment to inclusivity, ensuring your message reaches everyone

Get in touch today to create an accessible annual report that truly connects with all stakeholders. Let’s work together to enhance inclusivity and ensure your message is clear, engaging, and accessible to all.