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.