Creating Accessible MS Word Documents
Making an MS Word document accessible ensures that people with disabilities, including those using screen readers, can navigate and understand the content easily.
Understanding Screen Readers
Screen readers are assistive technologies that convert digital text into speech or Braille output, enabling individuals with visual impairments to access and interact with digital content.
How Screen Readers Work
Convert on-screen text into synthesized speech.
Provide keyboard shortcuts for efficient navigation.
Support refreshable Braille displays for tactile reading.
Announce interactive elements such as menus, buttons, and links.
For more information check: Improve Accessibility with the Accessibility Checker
WHY Readspeaker?
Screen readers are crucial for providing accessibility and independence to individuals with visual impairments. They allow users to navigate the web, read documents, and interact with digital tools, which would otherwise be inaccessible. This capability is vital for personal, educational, and professional activities. Moreover, screen readers are essential for meeting legal requirements such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that websites and digital content be accessible to all users. By ensuring compatibility with screen readers, organizations contribute to a more inclusive digital environment, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can access the same information and services.
How ReadSpeaker
Screen readers are assistive technologies designed to convert digital text into speech or Braille output, allowing individuals with visual impairments to access and interact with digital content. They use text-to-speech (TTS) technology to read aloud the content of a webpage, document, or application. For those who are deafblind, screen readers can also interface with Braille displays to convert the text into Braille characters. Additionally, screen readers help users navigate digital environments by reading headings, links, buttons, and other elements, enabling interaction using keyboard shortcuts.
Essential Steps for Creating an Accessible Microsoft Word:
See below for information on:
Use the Navigation
The Navigation Pane provides a quick way to move between different sections of the document by clicking on the heading titles listed. This feature is especially useful for longer documents.
- To enable the Navigation Pane, go to the "View tab", and then "check Navigation Pane".
Screenshots have been added for reference.
Use MS Word's Accessibility Checker
Identifies accessibility issues and suggests fixes.
- Go to Review, select Check Accessibility.
- Follow the suggestions to fix any accessibility issues.
Screenshots have been added for reference.
Additional Tips
For more information on accessibility standards and best practices, please refer to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines provide comprehensive recommendations for making digital content more inclusive and user-friendly for individuals with diverse abilities.