Many accessibility requirements, like using correct heading levels, apply to all material but others are document specific. Your process will be the same but your standards may differ for each type of content. For example, requirements will differ somewhat for material viewed on a screen, on paper, or online. Keep in mind your purpose for creating each type of document and think about how people will receive your message. Also, use current versions of software to create your material because some software developers update their products to keep pace with current web and accessibility standards. Current versions often have accessibility tools or templates built into the software.
Web Pages
Create web pages with HTML5 and CSS3 to create accessible material or use an accessible HTML editor. The editor takes care of the code and allows you to create pages visually. If you are coding, use new elements like header, nav, section, aside, article, and footer. These elements display content in a structure similar to a newspaper. Also, since web pages are live make sure your navigation is clear and your hyperlinks have distinct titles that lead to the pages they propose. .
Word Documents
Try to use the most current version of Microsoft Word which comes with an accessibility checker. You can add the checker to your toolbar so you can review you material as you create it. Some things you want to check are overall design, heading levels, font size, images, tables, and lists. Also, Word documents may contain headers, footers, and table of contents that need to be created properly.
Power Point Slides
Decide if you are creating slides that need be seen from the back of a room or if you are creating a slide show that will be viewed up close. Your purpose will affect your choice of fonts and colours. All slides should be uncluttered with one main idea per slide and contain a title at the top of each. You can use the layouts that come with your software because current versions of software usually contain accessible templates. If you use handouts, they need to be formatted correctly as well.
PDFs
Although word processing documents and Portable Document Formats (PDFs) seem similar in appearance, screen readers may read them differently. For example, you might read a document from left to right but a screen reader could read it in a different order. By using software that allows you to save files as accessible PDFs, you can avoid this problem. Current versions of word processing and presentation software allow you to save files as accessible PDFs without having you download any extra PDF software.
Online Courses
Online courses might contain web pages, documents, slides, PDFs, videos, and more. In order to create accessible yet engaging courses, you will need to understand all of the communication and information standards used to create other types of material.
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