Creating Accessible Documents
Accessible documents create a more inclusive learning environment by making content usable by all students regardless of ability. Planning and structuring a document correctly during creation will ensure that it can be converted into a variety of alternate formats and retain accessible features.
Explore the following style and format tips for accessible document creation:
Document Types
It is important to note that a PDF created by another author cannot be made accessible and can only be checked for accessibility using a tool such as the Adobe Acrobat Pro Accessibility Checker.
Other formats are often recommended over PDFs and more information can be read in this section of Understanding Document Accessibility: The Case Against PDFs.
- Make Accessible PDFsSource: Adobe
- PDF AccessibilitySource: WebAIM
- Using Word Documents and/or PDFsSource: Accessible Campus
- Creating Accessible PDF files Using MS WordSource: Queen's University
- Creating Accessible PDFs with Adobe Acrobat Pro DCCovers how to use Adobe Acrobat Pro DC to create PDFs that are accessible to people with disabilities: what it means for a PDF to be accessible.
Connect with Accessible Learning Services for assistance in making content accessible
- Creating Accessible Word DocumentsThis video in the Accessibility in Microsoft Office Suite series describes the key points in creating the most accessible Word documents.
- Creating Accessible Word Documents using Word (Win/Mac)Source: Queen's University
- Accessible Word Document ChecklistSource: Queen's University
- Create more accessible documents in WordSource: Microsoft Office
- How to create accessible documentsSource: Ryerson University
- Creating Accessible Word DocumentsThis article outlines how to can make Word files more accessible on the web. Source: WebAIM
- Creating Accessible PowerPoint Presentations (Win/Mac)Source: Queen's University
- Accessible PowerPoint Presentations ChecklistSource: Queen's University
- Create more accessible PowerPoint slidesSource: Microsoft Office
- Using PowerPointSource: Accessible Campus
- Creating Accessible PowerPoint PresentationsThis article outlines how to can make PowerPoint files more accessible on the web.
Source: Webaim.org
- Creating Accessible Excel SpreadsheetsThis video in the Accessibility in Microsoft Office Suite series describes the key points in creating the most accessible Excel spreadsheets, including creating accessible tables and charts.
- Start with an accessible Excel templateSource: Microsoft Office
- Create more accessible tables in ExcelSource: Microsoft Office
- Create more accessible charts in ExcelSource: Microsoft Office
Inclusive language respects and promotes all people using vocabulary that avoids exclusion, stereotyping, and discrimination.
Explore the following inclusive language guidelines:
- Inclusive Language GuidelinesSource: Queen's University
- Inclusive LanguageSource: University of Victoria
- Bias-free LanguageSource: APA Style
Connect with Mohawk's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion department for more support.
Document Accessibility Further Reading
Understanding Document Accessibility by Reviews a wide range of document authoring applications, including the tools they contain for creating accessible documents, and tests them to ensure they do not contain potential barriers. Learn how to create accessible word processed documents, spreadsheets, presentation slides, and PDF documents, among others, so they are accessible to everyone.
Screen Reader Video Demonstrations
Source: Physics This Week
Source: Physics This Week