Use Microsoft 365 Word as the source of truth. Headings, alt text, links, lists and table structure are much easier to fix before export.
1. Run Word’s Accessibility Checker
In Microsoft 365 Word, open Review → Check Accessibility. Work through the issues in the Accessibility pane.
HomeInsertLayoutReviewView
EditorCheck AccessibilityLanguageComments
Course Handout
Accessible content starts in the source document.
Section heading
Use Word styles instead of visual formatting alone.
2. Use Word’s built-in structure
Use Heading styles
Use Heading 1, Heading 2 and Heading 3 in a logical order instead of making text look like a heading with size or bold alone.
NormalHeading 1Heading 2Heading 3
Add alt text to meaningful images
Select the image and use Word’s Alt Text pane. Mark decorative images decorative when they add no information.
Alt TextDescribe the purpose of this image…☐ Mark as decorative
Keep tables simple
Use tables for data, identify the header row, and avoid merged, split or nested cells when possible.
CourseSectionCOM 101001MTH 150301
3. Check links, lists and color
- Use descriptive link text that makes sense out of context.
- Use Word’s real bulleted and numbered list tools.
- Do not rely on color alone to communicate meaning.
- Use sufficient text/background contrast.
- Give the file a meaningful name.