When creating a bulleted or numbered list, use the automatic list formats available in Word, PowerPoint, and on HTML editors.
HTML and documents share two main types of lists (Section508.gov):
- Unordered List (Bulleted List): These lists display items in a bulleted format, ideal for grouping related but unordered content.
- Ordered List (Numbered List): These lists present items in a numbered or alphabetically-ordered sequence, which is useful when steps or priority matters.
Why?
Using lists provides structure, improves comprehension, and can provide more control for users of assistive technologies. However, these benefits only work when lists are created using list styles instead of manually-inserted hyphens, asterisks, or other special characters.
For example, when using an ordered list format, a screen reader might announce “List. Ten items.” This lets the user know what to expect and gives an opportunity to skip past the list.
How?
D2L
Find the list tool in D2L’s editor, indicated by a bulleted list icon.
Microsoft
Find the list tool in the Home menu in Microsoft Word. Learn more about creating a bulleted or numbered list in Word.
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act: All Minnesota State employee electronic documents and course materials must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards by April 24, 2026. These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework to ensure that content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users.