Create Accessible Documents

Tips for Creating Accessible Documents

1. Apply Headings (rather than bolding or changing font size) to add structure to the document.  
2. Apply bulleted or numbered lists to organize content.
3. Use link text that provides context and makes sense when read by itself. Avoid using “click here” for link text. 
   • Poor example:  Click here for directions on configuring your phone. 
   • Good example:  Follow these directions to configure your phone.
   • Links should be set to open in a new window. 
4. Use color appropriately.
   • Choose colors that provide high contrast.
     • Use a color contrast checker like one of the following:
       • WebAIM Color Contrast Checker
       • Color Safe
       • Accessibility Color Wheel
   • Don’t use color to convey meaning. 
5. Provide alternative (alt) text for images.
   • Alt text should present the content and function of the image. Learn more about alt text.
   • If an image is for background purposes or purely decorative (e.g., content or function is not necessary to readers), no alt text is needed. 
   • You may use a caption that describes the image instead of alt text. Using both would be redundant. 

Resources

• Office Support:  Make Your Word Documents Accessible
• Office Support:  Use the Built-in Accessibility Checker
• WebAIM Techniques:  Word