The readability of content will be improved by using one space instead of two consecutive spaces after a period. Why By using two spaces after a period, rivers of white... Continue Reading →
Use consistent and clear formats for dates and times
When writing dates and times, be clear and use consistent formatting. Review the good and bad examples of a date and time format below and keep reading to learn the... Continue Reading →
Try using AI to generate alt text
Artificial intelligence can be helpful when generating alt text for graphs, images, and screenshots. Remember to consider the context of the image. It should not contain unnecessary information, and it... Continue Reading →
Present with real-time captions or subtitles
Live captions help to create an inclusive environment when giving a presentation both in-person and online. Not only do they help to ensure that individuals with hearing impairments can fully... Continue Reading →
Try using a Minnesota State template
Employees can find Minnesota State-branded templates for Word, PowerPoint, and Excel via the desktop app on their computer (not yet active at all campuses). These templates come with built-in Minnesota State... Continue Reading →
Avoid inserting text boxes into slides
Make sure that all readers have access to the text in your PowerPoint slides by using content placeholders instead of text boxes. To check if this was done correctly, open... Continue Reading →
Use Zoom whiteboards with accessibility in mind
Zoom's whiteboard tool allows for more engaging experiences for users but if this tool isn’t used effectively, it can prevent full participation. When facilitating any activity, it is important to... Continue Reading →
Ensure forms are keyboard accessible
Ensure that your web forms can be understood and operated by using a keyboard alone. Why? Users who cannot use a mouse may only be able to navigate web pages... Continue Reading →
Instructions should not rely solely on sensory characteristics
When giving instructions for how to use content, like navigating a website or using an application, do not rely only on sensory characteristics (e.g., shape, color, size, position, or sound).... Continue Reading →
Use unique slide titles
People who use a screen reader skim the titles of PowerPoint slides to navigate. They can quickly scan through a list of slide titles and go right to the slide... Continue Reading →
Create accessible social media
The social media content we create for our audiences should be accessible so there can be equal participation for everyone, regardless of ability. How? There are a few things to... Continue Reading →
Ensure your content is keyboard accessible
Many people use a keyboard instead of a mouse to navigate and interact with digital content. Ensure all users can access your content and its interactive elements through a keyboard... Continue Reading →
Use tables for presenting data, not for layout or formatting
Tables are good for organizing data and should not be used to help design the layout of a document or website. Consider if your content needs to be displayed in... Continue Reading →
Use a short, descriptive file name and document title
A unique, descriptive file name and document title helps individuals understand the general topic of a document. Ensuring that the file name and document title describes the content or purpose... Continue Reading →
Place images in line with text
Images in documents should have their layout set to "In Line with Text." Why? Images inserted in line are tied to the place within the text where they were inserted... Continue Reading →
Avoid empty paragraphs
Do not use the enter or return key to insert empty paragraphs in order to create vertical space between content. If your goal is to push the next line of... Continue Reading →
Ensure sufficient line height and letter spacing
Ensure sufficient line height and letter spacing to prevent letters and words from blending together. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommends at least: 1.5x spacing for line height - this... Continue Reading →
Remove content that could cause seizures
Avoid content that flashes, flickers, or blinks as they can cause seizures or create distractions for learners. Sparingly use animations (gifs, flash, etc.) and animated text if possible, to avoid... Continue Reading →
Use automatic list formats
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):... Continue Reading →
Share resources in advance
Make resources, agendas, and other documents available online 24 hours in advance of meetings or classes. Why? Sharing resources in advance empowers participants through accessible practices. It allows participants to review the... Continue Reading →
Use bookmarks or a table of contents for documents over 9 pages
By using bookmarks or a table of contents (TOC) in documents over nine (9) pages, you make it easier for users to locate content in long documents. Why? A person... Continue Reading →
Provide captions for pre-recorded and live videos
Captions need to be provided for all pre-recorded and live videos. Why? Providing users an alternative way to perceive information ensures that people who are deaf or hard of hearing can understand... Continue Reading →
Ensure sufficient color contrast
Ensure there is sufficient contrast between foreground and background colors. For all consumers of visual content, adequate light-dark contrast is needed between the relative luminance of text and its background... Continue Reading →
Avoid using color alone to convey meaning
When information is being conveyed using color alone, that information is not accessible to some users. Using color alone negatively impacts: Users with partial sight Users who have color-blindness Users... Continue Reading →
Provide meaningful alt text to images
Provide alternative (alt) text to convey the purpose of every meaningful image, picture, illustration, or chart. Alt text is a textual substitute for non-text content. Alt text makes content more... Continue Reading →
Write descriptive links
When including links, avoid using the full URL and vague terms like "click here" or "read more." Instead, embed hyperlinks and use unique, descriptive text to describe the link's destination.... Continue Reading →
Use headings to organize content
Use heading styles to organize your content structure in documents and web pages. Do not skip heading levels (h1, h2, h3, h4, etc.). Make sure headings are short, specific, and... Continue Reading →
Use accessibility checkers early
Turn on accessibility checkers when you start Microsoft applications like Word and PowerPoint. It works like a spell check, notifying you of areas that might be problematic for people with... Continue Reading →
