Accessible Microsoft Word Docs are documents that can be read and used by everyone. They have good document structure, clear writing, and an accessible visual style.
Word Docs can be made accessible by following basic best practices each time you create a document, and using the built-in accessibility checker to find and fix issues.
- Learn more in Document Accessibility (U-M Canvas)
- Review instructions to make Word documents accessible to people with disabilities (Microsoft)
Best Practices
Structure
- Use headings to organize your document
- Structure your content with properly formatted lists
Images
- Add alternative text to images in your document
Tables
- Use table headers to create accessible tables
Style and Formatting
- Use at least a 12pt simple, sans serif font
- Use font and background colors with good color contrast
Language
- Use plain language to make your writing understandable
- Use unique and concise link text to describe your links
- Label the language for text sections that are different from the primary document language
Checker
- Use the built-in accessibility checker to find and fix accessibility issues.
Once you create an accessible document, you can use it as a template to create additional accessible documents.