Introduction

Microsoft Office includes built-in accessibility checkers that help ensure your documents, presentations, and spreadsheets can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. These tools automatically scan your files for common accessibility issues, such as missing alternative text for images, low-contrast text, unclear link descriptions, or reading-order problems, and provide clear guidance on how to fix them.

Using the accessibility checker isn’t just a technical step; it’s part of creating accessible learning and working environments. It helps you identify barriers that may prevent students or colleagues from accessing your content through assistive technologies such as screen readers or keyboard navigation.

Running the checker before you share or publish a document is a simple but powerful habit. It aligns with federal accessibility requirements (such as Section 508, WCAG 2.1 guidelines, and the Americans with Disabilities Act) and supports your institution’s commitment to Universal Design. In just a few clicks, you can make your materials more effective, professional, and accessible to all users.

Tutorials

In these tutorials, you’ll learn how to use the Accessibility Checkers in MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel to check that your documents are accessible for everyone. We’ll walk you through how to check your documents and how to read the reports. Let’s get started!

MS Word

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Video Transcript

MS PowerPoint

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MS Excel

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Video Transcript