Take Seven Simple Steps To More Inclusive Documents
You may have heard that creating accessible documents is time consuming or overly difficult. Actually, there are simple steps you can take both make a big impact and can save you a lot of time and effort.
Explore the seven steps below to learn how they boost inclusion and can save you time when creating digital documents. Details are provided for Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs, and Canvas.
Create Inclusive Documents
in 7 simple steps
1. Headings
Structure documents and web pages using built-in headings based on the organizational hierarchy of the document.
Notes:
Bonus! If I use headings then I can change font & size & what-not, and it will update all of them automatically!
2. Images
Describe the purpose or content conveyed by an image using alternative text, imagining what text you’d have used if not using the image.
Notes:
Screen readers need text to describe an image for those who can't see it.
3. Links
Use link text that describes the link’s destination or function. Instead of “click here” or “read more” use “read more about Psychology 101”.
Notes:
Screen readers only hear the link text - "Click Here" is like asking someone to walk down a dark alley.
4. Color
Use text colors that strongly contrast with the background. Don’t use color as the only way to identify something.
Notes:
Strong contrast makes it easier on everyone's eyes.
5. Lists
Format numbered or bulleted lists using built-in list formats.
Notes:
Wow! By using built-in numbering, the computer will reorder things for me when I make changes. Thank you list-faeries!
6. Tables
Use the built-in table tool only for formatting tabular data (not for page layout), and include meaningful column and/or row headers to describe the data.
Notes:
Tables for data & the column tool for columns.
7. Video/Audio
Ensure all videos are accurately captioned, and provide transcripts for audio-only files.
Notes:
"Monkey brains" instead of "Monday pains!?" What are the captioning robots claiming I said?