Word - Creating Accessible Documents

Service Description

Creating Accessible Microsoft Word Documents Audience: Professionals responsible for creating public-facing or internal Word documents requiring compliance with Canadian accessibility standards. Duration: 3 hours ________________________________________ Course Objectives: By the end of the course, participants will: 1. Understand the importance of accessibility in Word documents. 2. Learn key accessibility standards (ACA, WCAG 2.1, etc.). 3. Master techniques for making Word documents accessible. 4. Use Microsoft Word's built-in tools to check accessibility. ________________________________________ Class Outline 1. Introduction to Accessibility • What is Accessibility? o Definition and importance. o Accessibility laws and standards in Canada (ACA, WCAG 2.1). • Impact of Accessibility on Users o Common barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. o Benefits of accessible documents for everyone. 2. Core Principles of Accessible Word Documents • Understand Document Structure o Why structure matters for assistive technologies. • Introduction to Key Techniques o Use of headings and styles. o Text alternatives for non-text elements. 3. Applying Accessibility Features in Word • Proper Use of Styles and Headings o Creating hierarchical headings. o Modifying built-in styles. • Alternative Text (Alt Text) o Adding descriptive alt text for images, charts, and other visuals. • Accessible Tables o Structuring tables for readability. o Adding header rows and proper descriptions. • Hyperlinks o Writing meaningful link text. o Avoiding “Click Here” or ambiguous phrasing. • Color Contrast and Font Choices o Ensuring sufficient contrast and legibility. 4. Advanced Accessibility Features • Document Navigation o Using bookmarks and hyperlinks effectively. • Lists and Numbering o Structuring ordered and unordered lists. • Avoiding Common Pitfalls o Hard-to-read fonts, excessive use of CAPS, and poor alignment. 5. Accessibility Checker and Finalizing • Using Microsoft Word’s Accessibility Checker o Running the checker and interpreting results. o Addressing issues are highlighted by the tool. • Saving in Accessible Formats o Exporting to PDF while retaining accessibility. o Overview of PDF accessibility tips.