Intro to making documents accessible

Supplement color with text

If your reader is blind, has low vision, or is color-blind, they might miss meaning that is conveyed by color alone. For example, instead of just a red icon to indicate items that are not allowed, include text label, "Not allowed."

Increase legibility

Readers with dyslexia or low vision might see text swim together on a page. To increase legibility:

• Use or allow larger font sizes

• Choose sans-serif fonts, like Arial or Calibri

• Avoid using all capital letters or excessive italics and underlining

• Include ample white space between sentences and paragraphs

Help screen readers navigate the document

The built-in headings and styles in Word make it easier for screen readers to read your documents. Use the Accessibility Checker to ensure your headings are in a logical order.

Add meaningful hyperlink text and ScreenTips

Because people who use a screen reader might scan for a list of links, it's best if link text conveys clear and accurate information about the destination. For example, instead of "Click here" as a link's display text, use the title of the destination page.