10 Simple Steps to Creating Accessible MS Word Documents Video
10 Simple Steps
Follow these 10 simple steps to make your MS Word documents more accessible for people with disabilities and users of assistive technology.
Headings
Use heading styles to create document structure. Make sure your document has one heading 1. Nest subsequent headings accordingly (e.g., heading 2, heading 3, and so on).
Alt Text
Add “alt text” to all meaningful images. Select the “decorative” checkbox for decorative images. For complex graphics, provide a text alternative in the document.
Image Position
Position images in-line with text.
Lists
Use the built-in list tool in the Home tab to create bulleted and numbered lists.
Links
Create meaningful link text. Avoid using “Click Here” and “Learn More” links.
Contrast
Choose font colors that create sufficient contrast between text and the background.
Text Boxes
Do not use text boxes. Text within text boxes is not accessible to assistive technology.
Tables
Use simple tables. Set the header row in table properties. Avoid merging cells.
Title
Set the document title in document Properties.
Check Accessibility
Use the Accessibility Checker in the Review tab to check your document. Fix any identified issues.