Microsoft Word Best Practices for Accessibility

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Class Description:

Microsoft Word is the most widely used application for creating digital content, and yet exporting an accessible PDF can be a tricky thing. Designed for all levels, learn how to leverage the software’s native features to create accessible content.

Build upon your basic Word skills, expand your knowledge on how to properly format a document, plus what styles, fonts, and colors to use. We will cover accessible table best practices, what to avoid, and how to utilize other accessibility frameworks. Also, learn to use the Microsoft Accessibility Checker, how to fix the errors, what it won’t catch, and what you will need to manually review.

Explore how assistive technology users experience barriers, the most common mistakes within Word to avoid, and the key features that translate to making an accessible PDF file easily and quickly.

Accessibility Topics Covered:

• What makes a Word document accessible
• The proper use of styles
• Selecting accessible fonts and font sizes
• Picking a palette that passes color contrast rules
• Setting document information
• Working with TOC, Header/Footers, and Columns
• Adding alt text to images, charts, and graphs
• Accessible use of hyperlinks and floating text boxes
• Creating and using accessible tables

Accessibility Special Considerations:

• Avoiding tables for layout purposes
• Working with footnotes, math equations, and “Smart Art”
• Using the Tool Panels
• Running the Microsoft Accessibility Checker

Handouts:

• Microsoft Word Accessibility Checklist
• Microsoft Accessibility Checker Walkthrough
• 10 Tips for Writing Accessibly
• Tips for Writing Effective Alt Text

What to expect

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