Similar to Word, we highly recommend using PowerPoint to create accessible slides for a number of reasons:
- Microsoft has an easy-to-use Accessibility Assistant built into the application as well as a number of support materials to help you create accessible content.
- Additionally, PowerPoint provides access to a wide range of features to ensure your slides and presentations are accessible. Examples are the ability to view and change the slide Reading Order and PowerPoint’s ability to live caption presentations.
- PowerPoint allows users to adapt content to suit their preferences, and, similar to Word, works well with assistive technology.
Using the Accessibility Assistant in PowerPoint
The Accessibility Assistant is designed to help you easily identify and fix accessibility issues as you work. Fixing issues as they arise is a great way to save time while also ensuring accessibility. To run the Accessibility Assistant select Review > Check Accessibility. We recommend running accessibility checks early and often in the creation process.
Always resolve identified issues before completing your document. PowerPoint’s Accessibility Assistant covers the following categories:
- Colour and Contrast: Checks text contrast against backgrounds. Note: this doesn't check colour contrast in charts, graphs, tables, or images—these must be manually checked.
- Media and Illustrations: Checks for missing or insufficient alternative (alt) text and other media related issues.
- Tables: Checks table structure and readability.
- Document Structure: Checks for key issues to ensure usability for users of assistive technology. Issues highlighted include use of unique slide titles for every slide and slide reading order.
- Document Access: Ensures the document is accessible programmatically, critical for assistive technologies like screen readers.
Manual accessibility checks in PowerPoint
Always complete a manual check to ensure:
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