How do I make my PowerPoint files accessible?
Microsoft programs come with an accessibility checker which makes it easier to check your accessibility while you are working on your project. Unfortunately, this accessibility checker doesn't flag all accessibility issues that need to be addressed. See below for our handy checklist to make sure you create accessible PowerPoint presentations.
PowerPoint Accessibility Cheat Sheet
By following this cheat sheet, you can make sure that your Microsoft PowerPoint follows Extension accessibility requirements.
1. Plain Language
- I have removed unnecessary jargon or technical terms.
- My writing is organized and concise.
- I have written for my intended audience.
Learn more about using plain language here.
2. Display
- I haven’t included animations, slide transitions, or moving graphics.
- My slides are uncluttered.
- The text boxes in my PowerPoint are only used to display text.
3. Color and Color Contrast
- None of the information in my PowerPoint is based just on color, size, shape, or position.
- The colors in my PowerPoint contrast enough that viewers can easily understand what is being displayed.
Learn more about color and color contrast here.
4. Reading Order
- I have checked the reading order of my PowerPoint to make sure everything is displayed the way I intended it to be.
Learn more about reading order here.
5. Slide Titles
- I have given all the slides in my PowerPoint a unique title.
Learn more about adding slide titles here.
6. Tables and Charts
- I have not added tables or charts for decoration.
- If I do have a table in my PowerPoint, I have included table headers and table captions.
- If I do have a table or chart in my PowerPoint, I have included a text description of the information presented.
Learn more about making accessible tables and charts here.
7. Alternative Text and Images
- All my images have alt text or have been labeled as ‘decorative’.
Learn more about alternative text and accessible images here.
8. Links
- All the links I have put in my PowerPoint are clear and descriptive.
Learn more about accessible links here.
9. Text
- My text is at least in 11pt font.
- The color of my text contrasts with its background enough that it is easily readable.
- I have used accessible text fonts, and have limited ‘decorative’ fonts in my slides.
Learn more about accessible fonts here.
Additional Resources
PowerPoint Accessibility - WebAIM
Make your PowerPoints Accessible To People With Disabilities - Microsoft
Still Need Help?
Let us know! We are happy to help you make your content, documents, and webpages more accessible.
Please contact accessibility@uada.edu
