How to make my PowerPoints Accessible

VIDEO SOURCE: Idaho Training Clearinghouse

All course content must be accessible to assistive technology. Below is a recommendation on how to make PowerPoint files accessible.

  1. Watch the video above (5 minutes).

  2. Review the Microsoft PowerPoint Accessibility page

  3. Use the built-in Accessibility Checker (PowerPoint > Review > Check Accessibility). This will bring up the Accessibility tab which has the most commonly needed tools to fix accessibility errors (e.g., ALT text for images, slide reading order, and Slide Titles). See screenshot below for reference.

  4. Add ALT TEXT to each image so that images function the same for a person with low vision as it does for a sighted person. Although generative AI can assist, you will need to review the results.

  5. Give each slide a unique TITLE so screen readers can navigate your slides.

  6. Avoid TABLES on a slide must have a header set (better yet, avoid tables if possible).

  7. Record video lecture as an accessible alternative. Depending on your content, you may find it quicker to post lecture videos which can natively act as accessible alternatives to your PowerPoint files, while also providing a more engaging form of content than a PowerPoint alone (Learn more: How to add video lecture to CANVAS courses.)

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