Microsoft

Word

• Images Must Have Alt Text
  • Every image in document (whether Word, PowerPoint, posted readings, or other file types) must have “alt text” added. Use only images that are purposeful and informative, rather than simply decorative. Without alt text, students that use screen readers and those with low vision may not know what’s contained in the image. Learn how to add alt text.
• Use Proper Heading Format
  • Proper heading formatting throughout a document allows screen reader users to navigate the document. Learn how to use Microsoft’s built-in headings format.
• Links Should Be Meaningful
  • When adding a link to any document, the text of the link should tell the reader where they are going when they click the link. Learn how to create links that are easy to understand.
• Create Accessible Filenames
  • Use file names that are meaningful and descriptive as to what the file contains in order to help users find the correct files more easily.
• Create Accessible Tables
  • Tables must be created with accessibility in mind so that the tables read correctly for screen reader users and students who need to listen to their textbooks.
• Check Document Accessibility in Word
  • Word has a built-in Accessibility Checker to help you find any accessibility concerns before you post your content.
• Write an Equation or Formula
  • Learn how to create accessible equations and formulas in Microsoft Word.
• Create a Bulleted or Numbered List in MS Word
  • It’s important to use Word’s various list formatting options to make it easier for students to navigate lists in your course documents.

PowerPoint

• Please note that the accessibility guidance applies to PowerPoint as well. PowerPoint slides still require alt text for images, meaningful links, accessible tables, accessible equations and formulas, etc.
• Create More Accessible Slides
  • Proper reading order within a slide is important for screen reader users. You have to set the reading order of your slides to ensure that PowerPoint slides will be read in the correct order.
• Improve Image Accessibility in PowerPoint
  • Image accessibility goes beyond alt text (which is required for any image content you post). Image color choice, grouping, and layering all play a role in accessibility.
• Use More Accessible Colors and Styles
  • Powerpoint has accessible template options for you to help improve your content’s accessibility
• Design Slides for People with Dyslexia
  • Learn about fonts and text choices that make your content more accessible for students with dyslexia
• Save a Presentation in a Different Format
  • Saving in alternate formats makes your slides compatible with screen reader and other assistive technology.

Excel

• Start with an Accessible Excel Template
  • Excel has accessible templates that you can use. It will help you with providing enough white space around text, color contrast, font size, etc.
• Create More Accessible Tables in Excel
  • Table accessibility is often overlooked when creating course content. Learn how to create accessible tables that work properly with assistive technology.
• Create More Accessible Charts in Excel
  • Charts need alt text (like images), legible labels, and more.

Outlook

• Improve Email Accessibility
  • Learn how to make sure your student emails are accessible to students with low vision and those that use assistive technology.
• Improve Image Accessibility in Outlook
  • Alt text is needed for any images used in an email message.
• Add Accessible Tables and Lists to Email
  • Tables and lists must have the proper structure for students using assistive technology to read their email.