Use this checklist to guide you toward creating accessible MS PowerPoint slides. Start with practices that you find quick and easy, then build from there.
Small changes can have a big impact
General
◻ Choose a simple Design Theme, that has lots of white space
◻ Limit amount of text/images per slide to avoid clutter and maximize white space
◻ Use PowerPoint’s preformatted slide Layouts when creating slides
◻ Give every slide a unique title
◻ Keep animations and transitions simple
◻ Check slides using the built-in “Check ٲ” tool
◻ Create a bottom-to-top reading order (z-order) of elements on each slide
Text
◻ Use text that is preferably 24-32 point (18 point, minimum)
◻ Use sans serif font(Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Tahoma, or Verdana)
◻ Use a solid background with sufficient colour contrast from the colour of the text
◻ Create lists with the built-in bullet/numbering function, not typed characters or hyphens
◻ Use the built-in slide numbering function, if numbering slides
◻ Use Style elements to organize and structure the slides (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.)
◻ Use Hyperlink text instead of showing the URL in presentations
◻ If the presentation is also provided as a printout, include the URL along with the hyperlink text
◻ Indicate the content of the destination link in the Hyperlink text; do not use "click here"
◻ Do not use colour as the only way to differentiate or emphasize information
Images and other Visual Elements
◻ Include meaningful Alternative Text (i.e. a built-in function in Word where the author can provide
a short description of the nature and content of each visual) for each visual
◻ If image is decorative, use the word decorative or describe the image
◻ Do not use colour as the only means of conveying information (check by viewing grayscale)
◻ Avoid using text on images
◻ If you must use an image with text in it, repeat that text in the presentation
◻ Include captions and descriptive text transcripts for embedded videos and audio
◻ Check colour contrast using the
Tables
◻ Create tables by using the PowerPoint’s Insert Table tool
◻ Use a simple table structure, and do not nest tables or split/merge cells
◻ Specify column and/or row header information in each in Table Properties table
Further Information:
(CCA)
Microsoft Office
Accessible Campus
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