Resources for Creating Accessible Documents

Accessible documents make content usable for individuals with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor disabilities. This includes support for screen readers, keyboard navigation, and assistive technologies.

Clear structure, proper headings, alternative text, and readable formatting benefit everyone—not just people with disabilities. Accessible content is easier to navigate, understand, and use.

This page contains links to external resources that can help you get started with creating accessible documents.

Word Processing

  • Accessible Word Documents
    Source: Great Lakes ADA Center

    This presentation explores the key principles, techniques, and tools needed to make your documents accessible to all.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Resource, Word Processor Tags: Video
  • Creating Accessible Source Files in Microsoft Word for PDF Remediation
    Source: Access Ingenuity

    This article explores Microsoft Word tools for enhancing document accessibility, including styles, list-making features, visual spacing, image placement, alt text, and simple tables. It also discusses the importance of color contrast and provides guidance on converting Word documents to accessible PDFs.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Resource, Word Processor Tags: Article
  • Creating an accessible document in Word 365
    Source: WSU Percipio

    Before sharing your document with others, you should make it accessible to everyone. Word 365 has an Accessibility Checker that will examine your document for ways to make your content easier for people with disabilities to read and edit. This video aligns with the MO-110 Microsoft Word Exam objectives: Locate and correct accessibility issues and Add alternative text to objects.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Percipio Trainings, Resource, Word Processor Tags: Video
  • Document Structure in Word: The Essentials
    Source: Vision Australia

    Vision Australia’s guide explains the invisible framework that makes documents truly accessible, identifies common structural problems that create barriers, and provides practical solutions using Word’s built-in features to create documents that work effectively for all readers without requiring complex technical knowledge.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Resource, Word Processor Tags: Article
  • Getting Started with Word Processing Accessibility (Session 1 of 2)
    Source: NWHeat

    From syllabi to reports, word-processing is a key part of everyday communication in higher education—but are your documents designed with accessibility in mind? This session will introduce core accessibility principles for Google Docs and Microsoft Word, including proper heading structure, alternative text, and readable formatting.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Resource, Word Processor Tags: Video
  • Section 508: Document Video Training
    Source: Section 508

    Making an accessible document in the Microsoft Word video series.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Resource, Word Processor Tags: Video
  • The Microsoft 365 Features for Creating Accessible Content
    Source: Vision Australia

    This article explores the built-in accessibility features in Microsoft 365 that enable content creators to produce accessible workplace communications.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Presentations, Resource, Spreadsheet, Word Processor Tags: Article, Nov-2025
  • Word and PowerPoint Accessibility Evaluation Guide
    Source: WebAIM

    A guide to automated and manual checks for Word and PowerPoint. 

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Presentations, Resource, Word Processor Tags: Video
  • Word and PowerPoint Alt Text Roundup
    Source: WebAIM

    In MS Word and PowerPoint, many types of non-text content can be given alternative text. With over 100 test cases tested first in Word and PowerPoint and then in three different PDFs (over 400 checks), here are the main takeaways.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Presentations, Resource, Word Processor Tags: Article, Nov-2025
  • Word Processing Accessibility in Practice (Session 2 of 2)
    Source: NWHeat

    We’ll cover practical steps for making your documents more readable, navigable, and inclusive using both built-in accessibility checkers and manual evaluation.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Word Processor Tags: Article

Microsoft Resources

  • Check document accessibility in Word 
    Source: Microsoft

    Learn how to open and use the Accessibility Checker to find issues that make Word difficult for people with disabilities.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Microsoft
  • Create accessible links in Word 
    Source: Microsoft

    Learn how to create hyperlinks that use natural language so they’re easy to understand.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Microsoft
  • Create accessible PowerPoint presentations 
    Source: Microsoft

    Put the content in your PowerPoint slides in the intended reading order so the screen readers read it correctly for users with a vision or reading disability.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Microsoft
  • Create accessible tables in Word 
    Source: Microsoft

    Tables organize information visually and help you show relationships between things. Learn how to set up tables so they can be read out loud to people who use a screen reader.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Microsoft
  • Create accessible Workbooks in Excel 
    Source: Microsoft

    Prebuilt Excel templates can help save time and improve accessibility in the content that you create.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Microsoft
  • Improve accessibility with alt text 
    Source: Microsoft

    Learn how to add alt text to images and objects in Microsoft.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Microsoft
  • Improve email accessibility 
    Source: Microsoft

    When you send an email to a broad distribution, make sure it’s accessible to people with limited or no vision.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Microsoft
  • Introduction to using a screen reader 
    Source: Microsoft

    If you use a screen reader, like Narrator or JAWS in Windows, use your keyboard to navigate Word, and the screen reader will announce to you where you are.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Microsoft
  • Make your content accessible in Microsoft 365 apps 
    Source: Microsoft

    Explore the best practices and tips on how to easily make your Outlook emails, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and other content accessible to everyone.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Microsoft
  • Make your PowerPoint Presentation Accessible to People with Disabilities
    Source: Microsoft

    This topic gives you step-by-step instructions and best practices for making your PowerPoint presentations accessible and unlock your content to everyone, including people with disabilities.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Microsoft
  • Make your Word Documents accessible to people with disabilities 
    Source: Microsoft

    This topic gives you step-by-step instructions and best practices on how to make your Word documents accessible and unlock your content to everyone, including people with disabilities.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Microsoft
  • Microsoft Accessibility video training
    Source: Microsoft

    Let’s show you why using the tools built-into Office docs can make better docs and a better experience for everyone. We’ll cover Check Accessibility button, Alt Text, merged cells, PowerPoint Live, and more in this short video.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Microsoft

PDF

  • Five Common PDF Accessibility Mistakes and How to Fix Them
    Source: Vision Australia

    Making PDFs accessible is essential for ensuring your content reaches everyone who needs it. This article identifies five common PDF accessibility mistakes and provides practical solutions to fix them, helping you create more inclusive digital documents.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF) Tags: Article
  • Getting Started with PDF Accessibility (Session 1 of 2)
    Source: NWHeat

    PDFs are widely used but often riddled with accessibility issues. This session will walk you through the essentials of creating and converting PDFs with accessibility in mind. Learn about tagging for screen readers, using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for scanned documents, and the best ways to export accessible PDFs from Word, Google Docs, and other tools.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Resource Tags: Video
  • How to check and fix PDF accessibility issues
    Source: PopeTech

    To check and fix PDF accessibility issues, you’ll need certain knowledge and tools. A common software is Adobe Acrobat Pro, which has all the tools needed to make a PDF accessible. In this article, we’ll review the tools and steps you can take with Adobe Acrobat Pro to check and fix PDF accessibility issues.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Resource Tags: Article, dec-2025
  • Inaccessible PDFs? How to know when to use HTML webpages instead of PDFs
    Source: Pope Tech

    Learn the six pros of HTML webpage and when to use PDFs. Plus, four examples going through the thought process of whether it should be a PDF or HTML webpage.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Resource Tags: Article, dec-2025
  • PDF Accessibility in Practice (Part 2 of 2)
    Source: NWHeat

    We’ll cover practical steps for converting accessible documents to PDFs and  likewise remediating inaccessible PDFs in situations where the original document is unavailable.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Resource Tags: Video
  • PDF Accessibility on the Web: Tricks and Traps – Part 1
    Source: TPGi

    We look at some general background on PDFs and accessibility, tools for checking and remediation PDF accessibility issues and what some of those are related to document structure, using Acrobat Pro as our main tool.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Resource Tags: Article
  • PDF Accessibility on the Web: Tricks and Traps – Part 2
    Source: TPGi

    We look at page structure, navigation, forms, and browser-native PDF Reader (where all your hard work in making your PDF accessible can come undone).

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Resource Tags: Article
  • PDF Accessibility on the Web: Tricks and Traps: Ricky Onsman
    Source: Equalize Digital

    TPGi’s Principal Technical Writer, Ricky Onsman, highlights some problems and solutions for making PDFs accessible if the proper techniques are applied. 

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Resource Tags: Video
  • PDFs, non-HTML documents, and accessibility
    Source: Pope Tech

    Learn what PDF and non-HTML documents are, how they effect assistive technology users, alternatives to PDFs, and how to test PDFs for accessibility.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Resource Tags: Article, dec-2025
  • Section 508: PDF Remediation Video Training
    Source: Section 508

    How to test and remediate PDFs for accessibility using Adobe Acrobat.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Resource Tags: Video
  • Why GOV.UK content should be published in HTML and not PDF
    Source: GOV.UK: Government Digital Service

    PDFs are harder to find, use, and maintain. More importantly, unless created with sufficient care PDFs can often be bad for accessibility and rarely comply with open standards.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Resource Tags: Article
  • Word and PowerPoint Alt Text Roundup
    Source: WebAIM

    In MS Word and PowerPoint, many types of non-text content can be given alternative text. With over 100 test cases tested first in Word and PowerPoint and then in three different PDFs (over 400 checks), here are the main takeaways.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Presentations, Resource, Word Processor Tags: Article, Nov-2025
  • Your eight-step PDF accessibility checklist
    Source: Deque

    In this article, you’ll get a brief overview of what PDF accessibility is and why it’s so important. We’ll also provide you with an easy, eight-step checklist that you can use to help ensure your PDFs are fully accessible.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Resource Tags: Article

Adobe Resources

  • Accessibility Features – Adobe Acrobat Reader
    Source: Adobe

    Making PDFs accessible tends to benefit all users. For example, the document structure that enables a screen reader to read a PDF out loud also enables a mobile device to reflow and display the document on a small screen.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Adobe
  • Create and verify PDF accessibility in Acrobat Pro
    Source: Adobe

    You can use Acrobat to make PDFs meet the common accessibility standards, such as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 and PDF/UA (Universal Access, or ISO 14289). 

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Adobe
  • Creating accessible PDFs
    Source: Adobe

    Process of creating and checking accessible PDFs.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Adobe
  • What is an accessible PDF and how to create one
    Source: Adobe

    Learning how to make an accessible PDF ensures you’re creating a document that is universally easy to use and meets established accessibility standards.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, Adobe

Presentations

  • Accessible PowerPoints
    Source: Greate Lakes ADA Center

    Learn about creating accessible PowerPoint presentations that ensure information is accessible to individuals of all abilities

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Presentations, Resource Tags: Video
  • Adding alt text to graphic elements in PowerPoint 365
    Source: WSU Percipio

    Alternative text, or alt text, is a short description of pictures and graphic elements. This text will make your slides more accessible for people using screen readers due to visual impairment. Discover how to improve your presentation’s accessibility with alt text. This video aligns with MO-310 Microsoft PowerPoint Exam Objective: Add alt text to graphic elements for accessibility.

    Categories: Percipio Trainings, Presentations, Resource Tags: Video
  • Checking for accessibility issues in PowerPoint 365
    Source: WSU Percipio

    Before sharing your document, it is a good idea to make sure it is accessible. This involves using PowerPoint to check for any items or settings that might make the presentation difficult to read or use for certain individuals. This video aligns with MO-310 Microsoft PowerPoint Exam Objective: Inspect presentations and correct issues.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Percipio Trainings, Presentations, Resource Tags: Video
  • Creating Accessible and Inclusive Presentations
    Source: Accessibility Talks

    The presentation covers accessibility definitions, standards, and guidelines and then shares practical tips and examples to help make presentation slide decks and presentations more accessible.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Presentations, Resource Tags: Video
  • Getting Started with Presentation Accessibility (Session 1 of 2)
    Source: NWHeat

    This session will introduce accessibility principles for Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint, including conscientious theme choices, accessible slide structure, appropriate use of color, readable fonts, and best practices for incorporating images, charts, and links.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Presentations Tags: Video
  • Presentation Accessibility in Practice (Session 2 of 2)
    Source: NWHeat

    This session will introduce accessibility principles for Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint, including conscientious theme choices, accessible slide structure, appropriate use of color, readable fonts, and best practices for incorporating images, charts, and links.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Presentations, Resource Tags: Video
  • Section 508: Presentation Video Training
    Source: Section 508

    Making an accessibility presentation in the Microsoft PowerPoint video series.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Presentations, Resource Tags: Video
  • The Microsoft 365 Features for Creating Accessible Content
    Source: Vision Australia

    This article explores the built-in accessibility features in Microsoft 365 that enable content creators to produce accessible workplace communications.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Presentations, Resource, Spreadsheet, Word Processor Tags: Article, Nov-2025
  • Word and PowerPoint Accessibility Evaluation Guide
    Source: WebAIM

    A guide to automated and manual checks for Word and PowerPoint. 

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Presentations, Resource, Word Processor Tags: Video
  • Word and PowerPoint Alt Text Roundup
    Source: WebAIM

    In MS Word and PowerPoint, many types of non-text content can be given alternative text. With over 100 test cases tested first in Word and PowerPoint and then in three different PDFs (over 400 checks), here are the main takeaways.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Portable Document Format (PDF), Presentations, Resource, Word Processor Tags: Article, Nov-2025

PowerPoint

  • Create slides with an accessible reading order
    Source: Microsoft

    Put the content in your PowerPoint slides in the intended reading order so the screen readers read it correctly for users with a vision or reading disability.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, PowerPoint
  • Design slides for people with dyslexia
    Source: Microsoft

    The elements that make presentations clearer and easier to comprehend for people with dyslexia also make them better in general. These tips help you do both.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, PowerPoint
  • Improve image accessibility in PowerPoint
    Source: Microsoft

    Use these techniques to make the charts, graphs, and images in your PowerPoint slides accessible to users with a vision or reading disability.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, PowerPoint
  • Present inclusively with PowerPoint
    Source: Microsoft

    Use the accessibility features in PowerPoint Live in Teams or Live Presentations in PowerPoint for the web to make sure everyone can follow and enjoy your presentation.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, PowerPoint
  • Save a presentation in a different format
    Source: Microsoft

    To make a PowerPoint presentation more accessible to people with disabilities, save it in an alternate format that can be read by a screen reader. Your audience can open it on a personal device or port it to a Braille reader.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, PowerPoint
  • Use more accessible colors and styles in slides
    Source: Microsoft

    The colors and styles you use for slides, text, charts, and graphics go a long way toward improving accessibility in PowerPoint presentations. Using an accessible template is a good starting point.

    Categories: Accessibility Resources, PowerPoint

Spreadsheets

  • Ensuring accessibility
    Source: WSU Percipio

    Individuals with sight difficulties often use specialized tools such as screenreader software to identify tags and other structural information embedded in a spreadsheet. In this video, you will explore how to check and ensure accessibility of a worksheet in Excel 365.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Percipio Trainings, Resource, Spreadsheet Tags: Video
  • Section 508: Spreadsheet Video Training
    Source: Section 508

    Making an accessibility spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel video series.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Resource, Spreadsheet Tags: Video
  • The Microsoft 365 Features for Creating Accessible Content
    Source: Vision Australia

    This article explores the built-in accessibility features in Microsoft 365 that enable content creators to produce accessible workplace communications.

    Categories: Documents & Presentations, Presentations, Resource, Spreadsheet, Word Processor Tags: Article, Nov-2025