Microsoft products include many accessibility tools and checkers. Some tips that apply to all or most Microsoft Office products include:
Use the preset Headings in Word and Outlook. Headings enable screen readers to interpret the hierarchy of your document more easier. In addition, Outlook emails that use Headings adapt to different sized screens more easily.
Use the built-in "Check Accessibility" feature on the Review tab. This feature is available in all Microsoft Office Suite products.
Use headings and styles to ensure accessibility and promote readability and organization.
Ensure your text is live, not embedded in an image. Images should always have alternative text descriptions (see Style Guide: Images and Charts tab for more information).
Avoid using color to denote meaning.
Source: Accessibility and UDL at Boise State- Creating Accessible Documents
Use existing templates to ensure accessibility and organization.
Ensure your text is large and contrasts with the background. Avoid using color to denote meaning. (see Style Guide: Images and Charts tab for more information).
Source: Accessibility and UDL at Boise State- Creating Accessible Slide Presentations
Treat emails the same as you would Word documents. Use headings and styles to ensure accessibility and promote readability and organization.
Ensure your text is live, not embedded in an image. Images should always have alternative text descriptions (see Style Guide: Images and Charts tab for more information).
Avoid using color to denote meaning.
Group important information using numbered lists or bullets. If there is a need to share a large quantity of information, consider using an attachment instead of putting the information in an email.
Source: Accessibility and UDL at Boise State- Creating Accessible Documents
Keep tables simple, and always specify column header information.
Add text beginning in cell A1, as that is where screen readers will start reading.
Ensure your text is large and contrasts with the background. Avoid using color to denote meaning. (see Style Guide: Images and Charts tab for more information).
Remove blank worksheets.
Use accessible naming conventions when naming files, and name cells and ranges where appropriate.
Source: Make your Excel documents accessible to people with disabilities