When creating documents, our aim should be to make all our documents as accessible as possible in both the print and the digital format. That being said, sometimes making a website or a document accessible can be a bit of a challenge especially when working across disabilities. What works for one disability may not work for the other. One of the biggest steps in creating accessible documents is being aware that the document you are creating will need to be accessible through multiple means. Here are some simple tips to get you on the right track:
Font
•Use sans serif fonts like Arial, Verdana, Calibri – these are generally easier to read than the serif style fancy fonts
•Make sure you use a minimum font size of 12 point
•Use bold for emphasis and avoid using ALL CAPS, italics or underline as they make it harder to read
Colour
•Ensure good colour contrast. This can be checked using an online tool like WebAIM Contrast Checker(new window)
•Never use color alone to convey important information – For example use yes / no and not this * / *
Hyperlink Text
•Hyperlinks should be meaningful, have context and describe where it leads i.e. AT HelpDesk (new window)and not http://www.neilsquire.ca/ta-atsupport/(new window)
Pictures
•Add alternative texts and/or captions to all pictures and graphics that describe the function and the content. No need to include “picture of…” or “image of…” or repeat information already in the text
•Avoid using text boxes or word art
Format
•Use the built in styles and headings, table of contents, column, tables and lists features in Word for formatting your document.
For more information, check out the following guides:
Clear Print Accessibility Guidelines(new window)
Creating Accessible Word Documents using Word 2011 for Mac(new window)
Seven Steps to creating an Accessible Microsoft Word Document(new window)
