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Accessibility: Documents

Overview

Documents used for teaching and learning must be in an accessible format so that people with disabilities using assistive or adaptive technology can access the information. 

TIP:  The Accessibility Checker checks your Word documents for any issues with regard to accessibility. To learn more, visit Microsoft's website page on the Accessibility Checker. Or download the Grackle add-on for Google Docs

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Accessibility Guidelines for Documents

This is an overview of the elements that require special consideration when creating accessible documents. Please review one of the Additional Resources for detailed instructions on any of the following:

  • Use the built-in Headings between sections in your document to provide structure and context.
  • Add ALT Text to embedded images, charts, and graphs in order to provide a description of the item. Images that are decorative maybe tagged as "null" so the screen reader skips the image.  
  • Use the built-in Lists tools for bulleted and numbered lists, rather than inserting them manually.
  • Identify row and column headers for tables with clear labels.
  • Make sure Hyperlinks make sense without their surrounding content. For example do not title a link "click here" instead title with the name of the website or resource.
  • Do not use color as a means of conveying essential information.
  • Ensure the text is legible by using Sans-serif fonts and make sure your Color Scheme has enough contrast between light and dark. Avoid using orange, red and green for your template or text. 
  • Use the simplest and clearest language appropriate for the document's content.

Examples

Here is an example of a screen reader going through accessible and inaccessible Word Documents

 

Here is an example of a screen reader going through an inaccessible PDF:

How to Video

Applying Styles in Microsoft Word

Accessibility in Google Suites

Additional Resources

Accessibility Check

To check: