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Making Content Accessible

Below is a list of how to make objects more accessible. However, for more information, consult Module 7 of the Online Excellence Course.

Microsoft Word

  • Use heading styles
  • Use built-in formats for bulleted lists, columns, and tables.
  • Use row reading on all tables.
  • Avoid floating text boxes.
  • Include alternative text for images.
  • Do not save as a webpage.

MS PowerPoint

  • Use built-in slide layouts.
  • Add alternative text for images.
  • Use blank alt-text on images.
  • Used captioned videos.

MS Excel

  • Specify column headers.
  • Do not use blank cells for formatting.
  • Add alternative text to images.
  • Use unique names for each “sheet.”

Video/Audio

  • Make media available for download if possible.
  • Verify videos have accurate captions.
  • Use an accessible media player, (i.e. Kaltura or YouTube)

Canvas

  • Use heading styles.
  • Add alternative text to images.
  • Use captioned videos.
  • Upload accessible documents. (See MS Word & PDF)

PDF

  • Use software that creates accessible PDFs, like MS Word, using
    accessible formatting guidelines (See MS Word)
  • Save as PDF with “document structure tags for accessibility.”
  • MS Word for Mac cannot create accessible PDFs.
  • Do not use scanned documents.

Images

  • Briefly describe images with alternative text.
  • Make alternative text blank for decorative images.
  • Use images with good contrast.

Email

  • Use descriptive links.
  • Add alternative text to images.
  • Do not paste image files in lieu of real text.
  • Use high contrast colors.
  • Use readable fonts.

Math

  • Use the MathType pluigin for MS Word to write equations.
  • “Export to mathpage.”
  • Select “MathML Using:”
  • Select “HTML+MathJax”
  • Keep the exported HTML file with the accompanying source folder.