Overview
This page is an overview of creating accessible documents using Microsoft Word. Accessible documents allow information to be readily available for assistive technology. Consider accessibility in the design process so screen readers can easily navigate the content. Accessibility design will not only benefit people with disabilities, but overall usability will improve for all users.
Video Presentation in Panopto
- Use your CSUN username and password to watch Word Accessibility in the Panopto.
- Watch other UDC Training Videos
Presentation Slides
- Creating Accessible Word (Windows, pdf)
- Creating Accessible Word (Mac, pdf)
- Google Docs Accessibility
- Word Designing with Accessibility
Tables
Video Tutorials
Video Credit: The University of Alabama, Technology Accessibility - Creating Accessible Word Documents (total length 54:42 mins)
Creating Accessible Word Documents Segmented Videos
- What is Accessibility Checker (start time: 2:42)
- Built-in Styles and Templates (start time: 7:54)
- Easy to Navigate by Section Headings (start time: 10:30)
- Navigation Pane (start time: 13:54)
- Heading Styles (start time: 15:05)
- Update to Match Selection (start time: 18:52)
- Table of Contents (start time: 20:20)
- Bullets and Numbers List (start time: 21:59)
- Hyperlinks (start time: 24:01)
- Images Alternative Text (Alt Text) (start time: 29:26)
- Color Contrast (start time: 37:23)
- Converting to PDFs and Tags (start time: 42:17)
- Avoid Print to PDF (start time: 48:30)
- PDF Accessibility Checker (start time: 49:34)
Video Credit: Georgia Tech, Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation - Creating Accessible Word Documents (total length 10:23 mins)
Best Practices
- Create accessible documents during the design/creation process
- Use the Accessibility Checker to scan your documents
- Convert Word document to a PDF for mobility and accessibility
- Save the file name with dashes or underscores between words such as Word-Document-Accessibility.docx or Word_Document_Accessibility.docx
- Consider Readability for content development
- Information about accessibility and academic styles such as APA (American Psychological Association) or MLA (Modern Language Association)
