Keep in mind that a screen reader will not read colored text any differently from regular text! Therefore, color should not be relied upon to convey important information. Below is an example that illustrates this concept:

The plants listed in green are edible. The plants listed in red are poisonous.

• Dandelion
• Nettle
• Garlic mustard
• Elderberry
• Wild Raspberry
• Curled Dock
• Water Hemlock
• White Snakeroot
• Castor Bean
• Rosary Pea
• Oleander

Likewise, other cosmetic changes such as bold and italic are not read any differently by screen readers. Below is an example of a supply list that would be very confusing for anyone using a screen reader. 

School Supplies

The bold items are required.

• 200 sheets of lined paper
• 12 #2 pencils
• 1 three-ring binder
• Pack of 8 colored markers
• 3 glue sticks
• 1 pair of safety scissors