Use an Accessibility Checker
Use the built-in Microsoft Accessibility Checker in Word (also in PowerPoint and Excel) to identify accessibility issues in real-time. This tool helps ensure your documents meet accessibility standards, though it’s important to manually review content as automated checkers may not catch everything.
In Canvas, use the Ally accessiblity checker.
Include File Metadata
Enhance document clarity by adding metadata such as a clear title, file name, and language settings. Modify these details in your program’s file settings to help users better understand and access your content.
Structure Headings Properly
Organize your document using a logical heading structure to improve navigation. Use a single Heading 1 per document and follow a hierarchical order with Heading 2, Heading 3, and so on. Avoid skipping heading levels for consistency and readability.
Format Text for Readability
Use a sans-serif font, set line spacing to at least 1.5, and left-align text to enhance readability. Maintain a minimum font size of 11pt for documents and 18pt for presentations to ensure accessibility.Use Bullet Points to Improve Clarity
Where possible, break content into bulleted or numbered lists instead of large paragraphs. Lists provide visual structure, making information easier to scan and understand.
Write Clear and Descriptive Links
Ensure link text is unique, descriptive, and clearly indicates where it leads. If sharing printed documents, consider including both a descriptive link and the full URL for accessibility.
Add Alternative Text to Images
Provide alt text for non-decorative images to ensure users with visual impairments can access the same information. Keep descriptions concise and informative, without using phrases like "image of" or "photo of."Ensure High Color Contrast
Choose text and background colors with sufficient contrast to improve readability. The recommended contrast ratio is at least 4.5:1 for standard text. Accessibility checkers and color contrast tools can help verify compliance.
Avoid Using Color Alone to Convey Meaning
Ensure that information is not solely dependent on color. Use additional indicators such as text labels, patterns, or icons to make content accessible to individuals who may have difficulty distinguishing colors.