universal-design-center

PowerPoint Designing with Accessibility

PowerPoint Designing with Accessibility
Content TypeDescription

 

Layouts

  • Use simple themes, pre-defined slide layout templates.
  • Slide titles are meaningful and unique. If same topic, add i.e. 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3.
  • Use default bulleted and numbered lists.
  • Avoid text boxes (inaccessible) which do not show up in Outline View.

 

Readability

  • Sans-Serif font (Arial, Calibri, Verdana, etc.)
  • Maximum 6-8 lines of text per slide.
  • Minimum font size 24 points or above.
  • Avoid transitions and animations

Images 

  • Use alternative text (alt text), a written description of images and/or objects.
  • Be brief and descriptive.
  • “Image of…”or “photo of…” or “graphic of” is not needed.
  • The best method to practice is using captions, this will provide equal access to all users.
  • Best Practices for Accessible Images

Color

  • Select colors with deep contrast.
  • Use Colour Contrast Analyser tool to ensure accessible contrast.
  • Provide captions if using color to convey meaning i.e. which section is highlighted in red?

Links 

  • Links should be clear and directly relate to the title or heading of the linked page.
  • Use “Visit the Universal Design Center” instead of “Click here for more details.”
  • Do not use the same link text to refer to different resources.
  • Do not use different link text to refer to the same resources.
  • Best Practices for Accessible Links

 

Tables

  • Use tables to organize data not format information.
  • In Table Tools, make sure the Header Row checkbox is checked.
  • Include table alt text, captions or brief description.
  • Avoid merged, split, or blank cells.

Multimedia 


Charts

  • Use pattern fill or dotted lines texture instead of solid fill or line with labels for each.
  • Provide a text summary and a properly coded data table near the chart.
  • Avoid color-coding which may not be distinguishable for colorblind users.


 

Reading Order

  • Reading order is shown in reverse, bottom to top in the Selection pane.
  • To check or fix reading order, select Home > Arrange > Selection Pane.


 

Accessibility Checker

  • Use Outline View for a quick check of text accessibility. Ensure title and body text are identified correctly in each slide.
  • Use the built-in Accessibility Checker in PowerPoint.
  • The checker will scan for errors and provide tips on how to fix them.

  Tutorials