Word Accessibility

Microsoft Office has developed documentation on how to make Word documents accessible. Visit Make your Word document accessible for a complete list of the accessibility documentation Microsoft Office has developed for Word. Additionally, Micrsoft Office has also developed documentation on using the accessibility checker on Windows and Mac computers. Visit the following links for detailed instructions:

• Test your document for accessibility - Windows
• Test your document for accessibility - Mac

For more information on creating accessible online courses, visit the Accessibility Guidelines main page.

Structure your text

The following items are direct links to instructions on how to structure your text in Word to create an accessible document:

• Use accessible text format
• Use built-in heading styles
• Use ordered lists
• Use bulleted lists

Design accessible tables

The following items are direct links to instructions on creating accessible tables in PowerPoint:

• Use table headers
• Add alt text to tables

Provide alternative text for images

The following items are direct links to instructions on how to add alternative text to images, graphics, shapes, and charts:

• Add alt text to images
• Add alt text to SmartArt graphics
• Add alt text to shapes
• Add alt text to charts

Write meaningful link text

Visit Add hyperlink text and ScreenTips for instructions on creating accessible links in a Word document.

Provide appropriate contrast between text and background color

Visit Use accessible text color for more information on creating Word documents with a strong contrast between text and background colors.