Tips for Creating Universally Designed MS Word, Google Docs, PDF's and More

Did you know that it's extremely important (and required) that you verify all MS Word, Google Docs, and PDF's that you create are universally designed to meet the needs of all users? Below are some helpful tips for learning how to develop and ensure all users have access to these types of documents.

Free add-on for Google Docs guides you in checking for accessibility. The Grackle Docs demonstration video will guide users in learning how to self-check documents for accessibility and then provide examples of converting a Google Doc into an accessible PDF. Please note: If you convert documents to PDF's regularly, it is recommended that you have access to Adobe Professional.

Creating Accessible Word Documents video teaches you how to create a universally designed Microsoft Word document, including tips on the importance of using headings to create a logical reading order for screen reader users, tagging objects, and more.

Other tips:

Accessibility Checker in MS Office 2013
Accessible Charts, Graphs and Maps
​Color Contrast Checker​
Tagged PDF

Carol Raymundo, MSIDT
Center for Accessibility Resources & Student Assessment Manager