Get familiar with the Microsoft Accessibility Checker [official guide].
Use it as a guide when designing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Files.
Word Quick Tips |
- Check templates for accessibility features, even ones marked as accessible-ready.
- Use heading styles (h1 through h6) rather than just formatting text to appear larger/bolder.
- Format lists using bullets and/or numbered styles. Avoid pseudo lists.
- Embed hyperlinks in descriptive, purposeful text. Avoid generic text like “click here.”
- Add a Title to document properties metadata (different from file name).
- Add alt text to all graphics.
- Avoid layout tables. Ensure that tables show relationships between data.
- Avoid complex tables with merged and nested cells.
- Use table headers.
- Ensure there is sufficient color contrast between foreground and background, especially with text.
- Use standard sans serif fonts like Verdana, Calibri, and Arial to maximize readability.
- Use line spacing that is 1.5 times