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How to check a document for accessibility

Built-in tools and resources are available directly from Microsoft 365, Google, Adobe Acrobat and other document creation solutions to support creation and review of document accessibility.

Microsoft 365: Make your content accessible to everyone

Google: Make your document, presentation, sheets and videos more accessible

Adobe Acrobat Accessibility

Guidelines and tips for creating accessible documents

Use Proper Document Structure

  • Headings: Utilize built-in heading styles to create a logical hierarchy, aiding navigation for screen readers.
  • Lists: Employ standard list formatting for ordered and unordered lists.
  • Tables: Use tables for data representation, not for layout purposes, and include clear headers.

Provide Alternative Text for Non-Text Elements

  • Images: Add descriptive alt text to images, charts, and graphics to convey information to users who cannot see them.
  • Decorative Elements: Mark purely decorative images so they are ignored by assistive technologies.

Ensure Proper Reading Order

  • Flow: Verify that the content flows in a logical reading order, especially in PDFs, to ensure it is read correctly by screen readers.

Use Descriptive Hyperlinks

  • Link Text: Write meaningful link text that clearly indicates the destination or purpose, avoiding generic phrases like "click here."

Maintain Accessibility During Conversion

  • Exporting to PDF: When converting documents to PDF, ensure that accessibility features (like tags and alt text) are preserved. Use the "Save As" or "Export" functions with accessibility options enabled.