Word documents are stand alone files from applications like Microsoft Word or Google that are primarily text but may have images, charts or graphs embedded. These are documents that will be shared with others electronically.
Note that any embedded content like charts or graphs need to be accessible before it is embedded. Please refer to the appropriate content type document for more details.
The Five Principles
- Identify Content Types: Styles (headings), Bullets (lists), Hyperlinks. Content types are displayed and labeled consistently.
- Provide Text Equivalents: Alt Text
- Use Color Carefully: Contrast, Sensory Characteristics
- Provide Descriptive Hyperlinks: Link purpose and location
- Use Clear Language: Overview, Concise and specific, avoid jargon
Additional Considerations
- Identify the Language: Set this for the document and any sections that are different from the primary language of the document
- Provide error identification, prevention and handling: Include a signature with contact information
- Typography: Minimum font size 12pt or 16px; do not use all caps; left align text when possible; use space between paragraphs
- Verify Accessibility: Use provided accessibility checker.