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Mennonite Historical Library
Accessibility

Accessibility: Spreadsheets

Overview

Spreadsheets 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 Excel workbooks for any issues with regard to accessibility. To learn more, visit Microsoft's website page on the Accessibility Checker or use the Grackle Add-on for Google Sheets.

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Accessibility Guidelines for Spreadsheets

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

  • Identify row and column headers with clear labels.
  • Give all sheet tabs unique names.
  • 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.  
  • 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. 
  • Remove blank sheets
  • Ensure sufficient contrast. A high level of contrast between text and background allows more people to see and use the content.

Additional Resources

Accessibility Check

To check: