Embedded Files
Structure: Headings, Lists, and Reading Order
Structure: Headings, Lists, and Reading Order
Use semantic structure so assistive technologies (and everyone else) can scan, navigate, and understand your content.
💡 Accessibility Tip: One H1 per document/page, then use H2, H3, etc. — don’t “fake” headings by just changing font size.
Why this matters
Why this matters
Examples
Examples
Before
Before
No alt text provided – screen reader says: "Image."
no_alt_text_cheat_example.wavAfter
After
Alt text added – screen reader says: "A student using a cheat sheet hidden in their hand while filling out a scantron test with a pencil."
with_alt_text_cheat_example.wavChecklist
Checklist
Every informative image has meaningful alt text.
Decorative images should be marked with 'decorative/empty alt text'.
Charts/graphs include a short summary nearby.
No “image of …” unless necessary.
Alt text should be concise (roughly 150 characters or less).
Tip: Use captions when helpful to all readers.
WCAG 2.1 AA Guidance
WCAG 2.1 AA Guidance
Success Criterion 1.1.1 – Non-text Content: All meaningful images must have a text alternative that serves the same purpose.
Fix It!(choose your tool)
Fix It!(choose your tool)
Microsoft Word / PowerPoint
Microsoft Word / PowerPoint
Right-click image
Select Edit Alt Text.
Write a brief, descriptive summary (avoid saying “image of…”).
Leave decorative images blank, or if available, select "mark as decorative."
Need more help? Visit Microsoft's alt text support page for examples and screenshots.
Google Docs / Slides
Google Docs / Slides
Select image → Alt text (Right-click or ⌘/Ctrl+Option+Y).
Fill in Description with the purpose; leave Title blank or short.
Mark decorative images with empty description
Canvas LMS
Canvas LMS
Insert image with the Rich Content Editor.
In the image options, set Alt text; check “Decorative” when appropriate.
For complex images, link to a page with extended description
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