Overview:
In Microsoft Office 365 Applications there is an Accessibility Checker that will look for anything in a document, power point, spreadsheet, etc. that could impact the reader’s ability to access the information. Accessibility Checker will offer suggestions for improving the file's accessibility. You can also have Accessibility Checker on while you work on your document so you can see warnings as they appear.
Some of the criteria Accessibility Checker looks for:
- Alternative text is provided for images for read speaker tools
- Text and background combination creates a readable experience
- Closed captions are included for any audio and/or video
- Sections of the file are labelled with meaningful names
- Format is concise
Where to Find the Accessibility Checker
You will find Accessibility Checker under the Review tab in your Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Once you click on the Review Tab, the Accessibility Checker icon will appear.
How to Use the Accessibility Checker
To activate Accessibility Checker, click on the top image of “Check Accessibility ˅” to open the Accessibility pane.
The Accessibility pane will appear on the right with warnings and a check box available if you would like it to run while you work. As you work, it will warn you as you create or edit your file of any accessibility concerns.
Clicking on an individual warning will bring you straight to the area that needs review, provide information about why it may need to be fixed, and offer suggestions down at the bottom of how to fix it.
Finding More Accessibility Features and Changing Accessibility Options
With the Review tab open, click on “Check Accessibility ˅” and a drop-down menu will show more features depending on the program being used.
To change Accessibility Options choose “Options: Accessibility.”
A window will open with options that can be changed regarding the accessibility of the document, power point, spreadsheet, etc.
For more information about accessibility and technology please visit https://www.radford.edu/content/cas/home/AT.html
If you experience issues or have any questions regarding this topic, please contact the TAC at 540-831-7500 or enter a support ticket at www.radford.edu/itonestop.