Accessible content

Word

• Use the Styles panel to structure your page:

• Do not skip levels
• Make sure headings are in order and there are no empty headings
• To check heading structure, on the View tab click the Navigation pane

PowerPoint

• Slides need to have titles
• Slide titles should be unique and descriptive.
• The reading order of a slide is important
• Home tab > Arrange > Selection Pane. Ensure reading order is bottom to top.
• Easiest way to ensure proper reading order is to use slide layouts

Images must have text alternatives that describe the information or function represented by them. This ensures that they can be used by assistive technologies for people with various disabilities.

Alternate text can be presented within the image itself (alt text), or within the body of the document near the image. 

• Text should have sufficient contrast with background
• For PowerPoint make sure the theme has sufficient contrast and is not too busy
• Use a color contrast checker

• If you link to a website, use the insert link tool.
• Make sure your link text is meaningful and descriptive
• Example of a non-descriptive link text:
  • Click here for more information.
  • Better: Visit the library website for more information.

Without column and/or row headers, a screen reader will read a table from left to right, top to bottom. There is generally no indication of where you are in the table. With column and row headers, a screen reader reads which row and which column you are in, and then the information in the cell. 

In MS Word and PowerPoint, under Table Design, make sure that the header row box is checked. Put your curser in the first column and check the first column box