PowerPoint Accessibility Overview Accessible Version
Back to New Around Here? Let's Start!
You Have a PowerPoint
Did you create it? If you did, continue reading. If you did not create the PowerPoint, contact the author of the PowerPoint(s). If the PowerPoint(s) belong to a publisher, work with your school in procuring accessible versions. If you need to make some of the PowerPoint accessible now, read on below!
Beginner PPT Accessibility Topics
- Run Accessibility Checker
- Use built-in Slide Theme Design
- Write descriptive alternative text
- Reading Order
Run "Check Accessibility"
Run the accessibility checker to see if there are any inaccessible issues. Select File > Info > Check for Issues > Check Accessibility
Apply Slide Design Theme Template
PowerPoint contains built-in slide layouts that you can apply to any slide. When you use them with a new slide, these layouts automatically make sure that the reading order works for everyone.
- Select a built-in Slide Theme under New
- Or on the Design Tab > Themes group > Select an Office Theme of your choice
Important Point: Make sure to choose a background and font color combination that has good color contrast! Visit The Paciello Group to download the Colour Contrast Analyser (CCA). Links to an external site.
Remember to apply built-in templates for each slide to make sure reading order is correct! Select Home > Layout > Choose the layout you need!
Write Descriptive Alternate Text
Don't forget your alt-text!
On image, Right Click > Edit Alt Text > Format Object > Size & Properties
Check Reading Order
It's always good to double check. Also, what if the PPT doesn't use the built-in templates?
On the Home tab, in the Drawing Group > Arrange > Selection Pane.
Notice Something Weird About the Reading Order?
Is this ironic? Microsoft has decided that reading order will be interpreted from the bottom to the top instead of reading from top to bottom. Don't let the display here confuse you!
For example, the reading order will be interpreted beginning from the bottom, and then moving up to the top of the list in this order:
- Title 1
- Content Placeholder 2
- Content Placedholder 3
- Picture 4
Advanced Accessibility Elements
Now that you've mastered the beginner stuff, here are the last items that may be less common in PPTs, but equally important to your students.
- Write descriptive hyperlinks - avoid URLs like https://create-a-descriptive-hyperlink/#
- Add table headers to data tables
- Write unique slide titles to help students better navigate your PPT
- Add Audio & Video Captioning
Free Digital Goodie! Grab it now!
Please feel free to share this PowerPoint Accessibility Infographic! Save it on your desktop to refer to and/or feel free to use in any workshops!
Get the embed code at:
https://tinyurl.com/PPTaccessibilityInfographic