Google Sheets

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Important Highlights

• Tab Names: each sheet tab should have its own unique name.

• Avoid Blanks: blank cells can cause confusion. If a cell must be blank, type "blank" or "no data" in the cell and change the font color to match the background.

• Denote End of Sheet: this allows listeners to know that they have reached the end of the data. Type "end of worksheet" in the row following the last row of the table.

• Hyperlinks: avoid using statements such as "click here" and "this link"; instead, use descriptive text for your hyperlinks so that students using assistive technologies know what they are clicking on.

• Use of Color: ensure that the colors you use are of sufficient contrast; one good way to test this is to print the page in black and white and confirm that the differences can still be interpreted; WebAIM's Contrast Checker is also a good resource.

• Alt Text: add alt text to visual content including tables, images, and graphs; right click on the content, select "Alt text" and type your alt text into the description section.

Tab Names

Sheet tabs explain what is in each page and makes it easier to navigate, so each should have a unique name.

• Right-click the sheet tab at the bottom of your document.

• Click "Rename".

• Type a name that describes the sheet contents and press Enter.

Avoid Blanks

Blank rows can cause confusion to those utilizing assistive technology by wrongly signaling the end of information.

For blank cells, type the words "blank" or "no data" in the cell. If you don't want it to be visible, match the text color to the background color.

Denote End of Sheet

This enables listeners to know that they have reached the end of the data. Type "end of worksheet" in the row following the last row of your document. Remember - if you do not want this text to be visible, change the text color to match the background color.

Hyperlinks

Hyperlinks are important to send a reader to more information, but the reader should know where they are going when they click the link and why.

• Always use descriptive hyperlinks.

  • "Click here to learn more" doesn't help a person know where the link will take them.

  • Try to make the hyperlink a few words long so that people with weak motor skills can still use the mouse to click.

• Hyperlink URL addresses should begin with http:// or https://.

• Ensure that the content that the link takes the reader to is also accessible.

Use of Color

A significant portion of the population has some form of color blindness. It is important to not rely solely on color to convey the necessary information.

• Partner color with other meaningful information like text, shape, or pattern.

• Use high contrasting colors. If you're unsure if your colors contrast enough, check out WebAIM's online contrast checker.

One great way to check this is printing the presentation or document in black and white and reviewing - can the meaning still be understood without color?

Alt Text

When descriptive text is added to any visual element, communication is clear and direct because users can read and know the exact information others want them to know. Without descriptive text, communication is indirect and unclear because it relies on the user to be able to see and interpret the information in the picture.

• Right click on the content

• Select "Alt text"

• Type your alt text into the description section

Additional Considerations

• Avoid serif fonts and italics unless it is required by specific formatting guidelines such as APA or MLA.