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Middlesex Campus Library

Middlesex Creating Accessible Digital Assets

Accessibility Guidelines for Documents

  • Use headings: In Microsoft Word, you must use the built-in Heading styles like “Heading 1” and “Heading 2”, available under Styles in the Home tab.
  • Use lists: Lists should be created using Word’s built-in tools for ordered (numbered) and unordered (bulleted) lists.
  • Use meaningful hyperlinks: Include language in your document that conveys relevant information about the destination of the link, highlight that text and right click and select Hyperlink. Do not title a link "click here"
  • Include alternative text with all visuals. Visual content includes pictures, SmartArt graphics, shapes, groups, charts, embedded objects, ink, and videos.
  • Use tables wisely: tables can be very difficult for screen reader users to understand. Use a simple table structure, and specify column header information.
  • Do not use color as a means of conveying essential information.
  • Use sufficient contrast for text and background colors.

Accessibility Check