When possible, use Word for documents rather than PDF. Word is easier for screenreaders, even if the PDF accessibility check is used.
Use the Check Accessibility feature in the Review Toolbar on both Powerpoint and Word.
Common problems with Word and Powerpoints:
- Missing image descriptions (avoid labeling everything as decorative.)
- Using screenshots of text instead of actual text (for example a screenshot of a legal memo)
- Missing slide titles (slide titles helps a user with a visual impairment to navigate among the slides)
- Ambiguous names for links ("click here")
- Use bullet points or numbering for lists. Don't just type in a dash or * for each item.
- Use bold, italics or underlining for emphasis, not different colors or a larger font.
- Reading order problems