Layout

  • Use the built in PowerPoint layouts to enable correct reading order for assistive technology

  • Avoid using slide transitions (e.g. morph, wipe)


Text 

  • Avoid decorative fonts that are hard to read

  • Font size should be at least 18 point

  • Bold the text to call attention to important information

  • Avoid underlining text unless the text is a clickable hyperlink  

  • Avoid italics unless necessary (e.g. book titles, scientific names)

  • Avoid using all caps


Color

  • Choose contrasting text and background colors (black/white, DDCC blue/white, purple/white)

  • Avoid patterned backgrounds when used with text

  • Use colors consistently throughout the presentation

  • Color alone should not indicate meaning


List of Items 

  • Use the Bulleted List or Numbered List feature in the editing toolbar


Hyperlinks

  • Use descriptive links that tell the user where the link will take them


Embedded Media

  • Provide alt text for meaningful images or describe the image directly on the slide

    • Review auto-generated alt text for accuracy

  • Provide a linked transcript for audio-only files

  • Choose captioned videos or edit captions on videos that you create


Tables

  • Use tables to display data

  • Avoid using tables for design or layout - Format the slide into columns instead

  • Use the “Insert Table” feature rather than inserting an image of a table

  • Choose contrasting text and cell colors (e.g. white text, DDCC blue cell)

  • Avoid blank, merged, or split cells

  • Mark the table column/row row headers by going to the Table Design tab and check the box


Accessibility Check

  • Run the Accessibility Checker and correct any issues (The Check Accessibility button is located in different places depending on the version of PPT)

  • Review the Reading Order to be sure that screen readers read the slide contents in the order that you intend


Accessibility Checklist: Microsoft PowerPoint (Google Docs Version)