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Document Accessibility 

Digital documents can be shared in various ways: on websites, via email, on social media, in blogs, etc.  To ensure that all people have equal access to your information, documents should be designed and developed in a way that can be easily perceived, operated, and understood by a wide range of users (including individuals with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities), and robust enough to be interpreted by various assistive technologies. 

It is easiest to make a document accessible during content development instead of retroactively remediating it, which may be challenging and resource-intensive. Here are a few basic steps that can be followed in most document authoring tools to help ensure that your content is accessible.

Best Practices for Document Accessibility:

  • Use plain language and avoid jargon and acronyms that are not defined.
  • Use Headings
  • Provide Alternative Text for Images and Charts
  • Use Sufficient Color Contrast
  • Make Links Descriptive, Succinct, and Unique
  • Create Accessible Tables 
  • Utilize Accessibility Checkers

CCC Accessibility Center Training Resources and Tools:

Platform Specific Guidance:

Word

PDF

PowerPoint

Excel

Google Workspace Document Accessibility