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9/20/2019
List and Columns
Use the lists item in the styles pane.
Can define a new list bullet if needed.
Columns should be created using the columns tab in the styles menu. Screen readers will read the columns
just like a newspaper. From top to bottom and left to right.
The tab key should not be used to create columns as the screen reader, will read over the tab and not read
all of the information.
Descriptive Hyperlinks
Use descriptive link text that does not rely on context from the surrounding text.
Keep the amount of text in the link to a minimum.
Use underlined text with a color that stands out from the surrounding text.
Charts and Tables
When adding a more complex image such as a chart or table. The alt text should say the title of the image
with some details
Some charts such as pie charts or bar graphs can be made more accessible by creating a simple table that
provides the same information.
When creating a table always use the built-in table tool under insert.
Identify the header row. When a table goes on to another page the header row will be repeated on the next
page. This also helps the screen reader navigate the table.
Make sure that none of the rows break across pages.
Excel Spreadsheets
Follow Contrast Guidelines. Best practice use black on white
Provide Descriptive Titles for Worksheets and Tables. Worksheet names can only be 31 characters long and
cannot include / and [ ]. Table name have no character limits but should tell the reader exactly what the
table is about. The table name should be in the first column of the first row of the table and can be merged
into one cell.
Provide Row and Column headers. Always provide a header even if you feel the title is obvious.
Do not leave cells blank. If the cell has no data, put in “this cell intentionally has not data” or “no data”. This
text can be colored to match the background so that only the screen reader can see it.
Check Hyperlinks. The link should only include the web address. Be sure all links work and include a screen
tip.
o Screen Tip Check: Right click on the cell, select hyperlink, select screen tip at the top right. In the
dialog box type a meaningful explanation of where the link will take the reader.
Insure the print area is set correctly. Select the entire table including headings. Select the page layout tab,
then select print area and set print area.
o To hide extra rows and columns that are outside of the print area: Highlight rows or columns, press
Shift + End (press and release), then press End. Then right click on the area and select hide.
Delete unused worksheets. Right click on the unused worksheet and select delete and confirm in the dialog
box.
Run Spell check. Only one worksheet can be checked at a time.
Fill out document properties. From the file tab, select prepare for sharing and a properties tab appears.
Editing can be done in this tab.
Provide Help Text for navigation in cell A1. This text can include instructions such as press tab to navigate
through the cells. This text can be set to match the background, so it can only be seen by the screen reader.
Resize the row and merge cells where you wish to insert the chart. In the cell where the chart is type in the
description. Hide the text to match the color of the background so that the text will only be read by the
screen reader.