How can I create an accessible Microsoft Word document?

How can I create an accessible Microsoft Word document?

Here are a few key steps you can take to make your Word document accessible. Check the attached handout for a printable cheatsheet. Or visit our in depth tutorials in our Faculty Resource Guide. 
  1. Images have descriptive alternative text or are marked as decorative
  2. Heading styles are used to break up sections of the text
  3. Color of the text is sufficiently contrasted from the background page color
  4. Color of the text is not used alone to communicate meaning
  5. Run Microsoft's Accessibility Checker to learn about other issues in your document

    • Related Articles

    • Avoid document accessibility issues in 8 simple steps

      1. Start with Structure Use headings (H1, H2, H3) to organize your content clearly. Screen readers rely on them to navigate. Avoid using bold or font size alone to create section titles, use proper heading styles in Word, Google Docs, or your LMS ...

    • How can I make a PDF document more accessible?

      The Kirkwood Faculty Training Pressbook, Includes a section on Making PDF Document Accessible, Step by step tutorials and support materials to help ensure PDF Document is accessible.

    • How to improve the accessibility of scanned PDF documents?

      First, implement Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on the document: Click on the “Tools” tab located at the top of the window. Within the “Create & Edit” section, select “Scan & OCR”. On the right-hand side tool pane select the “Scan & OCR” menu. ...

    • How can I set up MS documents (Word, Powerpoint, Excel) so they can't be edited?

      If you don’t want to convert your document to PDF but are concerned about it being edited or have other security concerns, you can use Microsoft’s access restriction features for Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents. Note: We recommend saving the ...

    • Accessibility Platform in Talon: YuJa Panorama

      What is YuJa Panorama? YuJa Panorama is a tool inside Talon (D2L Brightspace) that helps make your course content more accessible for all students, including those with disabilities. When content is uploaded to Course Content, Panorama automatically ...