Accessibility check on Word/PPT

Preparing for an accessibility check

An accessibility checker will assess your use of built-in accessibility features, such as headings and alt text.

To pass an accessibility check (or remediate a document that has failed), you will need to understand the principles of using headings and how to add alt text to images in Word or PowerPoint.

Accessibility becomes more complicated when you use tables, extensive formatting, decorative elements, and other design features. Many types of errors may be flagged during an accessibility check. If you encounter an error, you can troubleshoot it by searching for the error online or by scheduling an appointment with TLOS.

Headings

Headings help organize content and make it easier for everyone to read and navigate. Screen reader users often rely on headings to move through a page quickly.

Headings are not available in PowerPoint in the same way they are in Word. Instead, use the provided "Title" placeholder on each slide. Do not create a new text box and enter the slide title there.

Headings are style formats that you can attach to your text. They can be accessed in a panel like the one above. For more information on using these headings, see the short videos section.

Here are some basic tips for using headings:

• Use built-in heading styles in Word, PowerPoint, websites, and Google Docs.

• Keep headings in order (Heading 1 → Heading 2 → Heading 3).

• Do not make text look like a heading by only changing the font size or making it bold.

Short Videos:

• Why Headings are Important

• Heading Levels and Styles

• Creating a Table of Contents