Creating Accessible Documents

Let’s build accessible documents!

Word, PowerPoint, Excel and PDF files can be accessible if you keep accessibility in mind when creating your documents. These programs all include a “check accessibility” button inside the software. Run the check and resolve issues prior to distribution. While the built-in checker tools do not ensure compliance with TAC 213, it is an excellent starting point. To further assist you, we will soon post a checklist here for all TAC requirements. Please check back or contact [email protected].

Best practices checklist:

All images must have alternative text (In Word and PowerPoint: right click, edit alt text).
All formatting is done with styles. Every webpage/document has at least one line tagged H1 (do not use the Title tag in Word, screenreaders skip it).
Instead of Bold, use the style Strong. (In Word and PowerPoint, use the Strong style button. In html use the Strong tag.)
Instead of Italics, use the style Emphasis. (In Word and PowerPoint, use the Emphasis style button. In html use the Emphasis tag.)
Ensure you have sufficient color contrast.
Do not rely on color as a single identifier. Underline hyperlinks and use patterns in charts and graphs.
Tables in Word: Include alternative text and have the header row repeated on new pages. Do not merge cells or have empty cells.
In PowerPoint, every slide must start with a Slide Master – never draw a text box.
If not presenting through Teams when using PowerPoint, turn on subtitles.
Check accessibility on PDFs, Word Files, and PowerPoint files with the “check accessibility” function. On webpages, use Siteimprove to check accessibility.
Contact [email protected] for help.

From UTA

The Focus on Planning program from the Center for Distance Education offers eight courses, including a course specifically for accessibility. This program includes a certificate of completion. Learn more about the Focus on Planning program offered through Canvas by visiting the CDE website.