Create an Accessible Document

Overview

The core steps needed to achieve electronic accessibility for your online content are the same regardless of the format. Follow these basic steps from the University of Washington Accessible Technology website to enhance the accessibility of your content: 

• Use headings

• Use lists

• Use meaningful hyperlinks

• Add alternate text to images

• Identify document language

• Use tables wisely

How to Create Accessible Documents

Here are a few resources to get you started in creating accessible documents: 

• Creating Accessible Documents by the University of Washington

• Accessibility 101 by Boise State University. Refer to the “Additional Resources and Tools for Accessibility” located at the bottom of the web page. 

• Accessibility checklist by Pennsylvania State University

• Make your document or presentation more accessible Google’s Docs Editors Help 

Examples

The Creating Accessible Word Documents (54:41) recorded webinar from the University of Alabama shows detailed steps on how you can create more accessible Word documents. The topics covered in the webinar include:

• Using Microsoft Word’s Accessibility Checker to identify and fix potential accessibility issues (starts at 2:44).

• Using built-in headings, styles, and templates to make documents easier to navigate (starts at 7:55).

• Adding important structural markup that promotes easier navigation (starts at 10:20).

• Using bullets and lists appropriately (starts at 21:50).

• Using meaningful and relevant text as hyperlinks (starts at 24:00).

• Adding alternative text to describe visuals and tables (starts at 29:18).

• Avoid using color as the sole means of representing information (starts at 37:20).

• Saving files as accessible PDF documents (starts at 42:10).   

Related Information

Consider using the following resources for more information on creating accessible documents.

• 10 Easy Tips for Accessibility on the Accessibility and UDL page by Boise State

• How do I use the Accessibility Checker in the New Rich Content Editor as an instructor? by Canvas located on their Instructor Guide site

• 5 Principles for Creating Accessible Canvas Pages from howtocanvas.com

• Creating Accessible Course Content by Boise State Teaching & Learning Tools

• For images

  • Everything you need to know to write effective alt text (Microsoft tips)

  • W3 Tutorial: An alt Decision Tree (I use this a lot but it may feel overwhelming to some—nice for determining whether images play a decorative role versus a functional role)

• For Microsoft

  • Creating Accessible Word Documents by Boise State Teaching & Learning Tools (article)

  • Make your PowerPoint presentations accessible (PowerPoint accessibility will be more relevant if you are providing the decks to students along with any videos)

• For Google Docs

  • Grackle for Google Docs – How It Works (there is a Grackle for Google Slides and Sheets as well if ever needed)