Learning Objectives
After completing this lesson you will be able to:
- Apply heading styles and paragraph formatting to Word document.
- Apply lists to Word document.
- Write meaningful link in Word document.
- Add alternative text to images.
- Create data tables with properly column headers and correct reading order.
- Check color contrast using Colour Contrast Analyzer.
- Check accessibility issues the whole document and correct them
- Apply what you learned to your individual project
Activity Checklist
- Read or Watch: tutorials
- Complete the checking accessibility exercise
- Complete the making accessibility exercise
- Create your own project
Required Software
- Microsoft Word (Windows: 2010 & 2013 / Mac: 2011, 2016)
- Color Contrast Analyzer Tool (download link)
Tutorials:
Follow instructions from tutorials below:
- How to Make: Web version
- How to Make: Download PDF Handbook (page 5A & 5B)
- How to Make: Videos (Playlist)
- How to Create: Microsoft Office Support
- How to Check: WebAIM
- How to Check: Microsoft Office Support
- Creating accessible documents in Microsoft Word from University of Washington (Optional)
- The National Center on Disability and Access to Education Cheatsheets (Optional)
Summary
In this lesson, you learn how to check and create accessibility in Word documents based on PCC Web Accessibility Guidelines. The components including:
- Headings: Use properly formatted headings to structure the page
- List: Format a list as a list.
- Link: Write meaningful link text that indicates the link’s destination.
- Images: Provide alternative text descriptions (ALT text) for images and graphics.
- Tables: Use column headers and check reading order.
- Color: Use sufficient color contrast and don't use color alone to convey the meaning.
Assignments
- Assignment 1: Download an inaccessible Word documents. You will use the built-in Word accessibility checker to check and fix the elements that are not accessible. Name the file to "Word Assignment 1_[yourlastname].doc" and email me at samornchat@gmail.com. (25 points)
- Assignment 2: Download a non-format Word document and make it accessible based on the Web Accessibility Guidelines. Name the file to "Word Assignment 2_[yourlastname].doc" and email me at samornchat@gmail.com. (25 points)
- Assignment 3: Create a Word document using your own topic and make all elements of the page accessible based on the Web Accessibility Guidelines. Make sure to include headings, lists, link, at least one image, table, and color in your document pages. Required at least 3 pages. Name the file to "Word Assignment 3_[yourlastname].doc" and email me at samornchat@gmail.com. (50 points)
See Assessment Rubric