Course Overview
TOPGovernment agencies are responsible for ensuring that all digital content is accessible to the public, including individuals who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers. Documents posted to websites—whether reports, forms, or presentations—must meet accessibility standards to support equal access and comply with requirements such as Section 508.
This course focuses on how to create and remediate Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents so they are accessible from the start. Many accessibility issues originate in these source files and carry forward when documents are converted to PDF or published online. Addressing accessibility at the source reduces rework, improves usability, and supports consistent compliance across the organization.
Participants will learn practical techniques to structure content correctly, avoid common accessibility errors, and apply built-in tools to identify and fix issues. By the end of the course, learners will be able to produce documents that are easier to navigate, more usable for all audiences, and ready for publishing on internal or public-facing websites.
Scheduled Classes
TOP| 12/31/30 - YOL - Call to Schedule - Call to Schedule | (click to enroll)
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What You'll Learn
TOP• How to apply key accessibility features such as headings, alternative text, tables, and reading order
• Common accessibility issues in Office documents and how to fix them
• How to create documents that work correctly with screen readers and assistive technologies
• How to use built-in accessibility checkers to identify and correct issues
• How to prepare documents for sharing, posting online, or converting to PDF
• Best practices for creating clear, readable, and usable content for all audiences
Outline
TOPDocument Accessibility Remediation Course Outline
Module 1: Microsoft Word — Structure & Accessibility Concepts
- Document structure: heading styles; section hierarchy
- Navigation: table of contents (feature-based vs. manual)
- Typography: readable sans-serif fonts
- Lists: true bullets/numbering vs. typed symbols
- Non-text content: image alternative text
- Emphasis & readability: restrained use of bold/italic/underline; avoid color-only emphasis
- Tables: header rows; captions/titles; meaningful cell content; avoid layout tables
- Links: meaningful link text
- Interactive elements: form-like controls/checkbox limitations
Module 2: Microsoft Excel — Structure & Accessibility Concepts
- Data structure: lists vs. Excel Tables; table naming
- Header styling & contrast considerations
- Worksheet conventions: meaningful sheet/tab names, etc.
- Required anchors: A1 conventions
- Completeness: blanks/missing values in tables
- Layout constraints: no merged cells
Module 3: Microsoft PowerPoint — Slide Accessibility Concepts
- Slide structure: reading order
- Non-text content: alternative text vs. decorative marking
- Visual accessibility: color contrast; font size; readable formatting
- Cross-app consistency of accessibility standards
Prerequisites
TOPRequired:
• Basic computer skills (opening, saving, and editing files)
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word (at minimum)
Recommended (not required):
• Familiarity with Excel and/or PowerPoint
• Experience creating documents for other users or audiences
Not Required:
• No prior accessibility knowledge
• No technical or programming background
Who Should Attend
TOP• Administrative staff responsible for creating or updating documents
• Communications, HR, and training teams producing internal or public-facing materials
• Web or content managers who publish documents online
• Government and compliance-focused roles responsible for Section 508 or similar accessibility requirements
• Anyone responsible for preparing documents before PDF conversion or web posting
