Accessibility Tools
Best practices for making accessible documents
When creating documents using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, or other tools, it’s important to follow a few basic steps to assure your document is accessible and readable to individuals with disabilities. Ensuring that your documents are made in an accessible manner provides everyone with an equal opportunity to access information.
Assistive technology tools, such as screen readers and braille display, should be able to understand the structure and content effectively if documents are accessible. Accessibility is everyone’s responsibility!
The resources below will help you in the process of creating accessible documents.
Microsoft Office
| Microsoft Word Accessibility Guide | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Windows 10 app, Web |
|---|---|
| Microsoft PowerPoint Accessibility Guide | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web |
| Microsoft Excel Accessibility Guide | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web |
| Microsoft Outlook Accessibility Guide | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web |
| Improve Accessibility with the Accessibility Checker | Windows, macOS, Web |
| Visio Accessibility Guide | Windows |
Assistive Technology Learning Tools in Microsoft Office 365
| Immersive Reader in Microsoft 365 | Assists with comprehension and attention when viewing slides and notes. |
|---|---|
| Dictate in Microsoft 365 | Lets you use your voice to quickly create documents, emails, presentations and more. |
Adobe
| Using the Acrobat Pro DC Accessibility Checker |
| PDF Accessibility Overview (Adobe) |
| Acrobat DC Accessibility Guides (Adobe) |
LinkedIn Learning
| Creating Accessible PDFs |
| Captioning videos with YouTube |
| Add alt text to images |
Additional Accessibility Services Available.
| Web Application Accessibility Review (Login Required) | Before initial deployment to a production server, developers are required to get their applications reviewed for accessibility by University Web Services. |
|---|---|
| Captioning & CART Services | make your in-person events, video productions, livestreams and webinars accessible for people with hearing loss. For more information, please reach out to [email protected] |
| Siteimprove Accessibility Checker (Chrome) | Evaluates any web page for accessibility issues and provides feedback about your content. |
| Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 | Is a stable, referenceable technical standard. It has 12 guidelines that are organized under four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. |
| Contrast Checker (WebAIM) | Resolve found color contrast issues |
Questions?
For any questions or additional info please call 713-500-CALL or email [email protected].