Accessibility: Documents and PDFs
Why Is This Important?
Most inaccessible Word documents come from authors not knowing how to use built-in formatting tools. Many of us are self-taught and focus on appearance over function, leading to frustrating editing experiences and wasted time.
Accessible documents ensure that people with disabilities can read content, understand structure and meaning, and navigate sections, table and links independently. When documents are accessible from the start, there is less rework needed and has a faster redistribution of information, saving both time and resources.
When To Use It
Anytime you are sharing information publicly, especially when documents include policies, forms, instructions, reports or manuals.
How To Use It
- Use the built-in features.
- Add alternative text to images.
- Use tables for data, not layout.
- Ensure good color contrast.
- Run the built-in accessibility checker, but also do a manual review to catch mistakes the computer does not.
Accessibility Guides
Learn more about these resources through these links.
Training and Resources
Articles
Coursera
Self-Paced Learning