Creating an Accessible Syllabus

(...and other documents.)

Accessible Syllabus Example/Template

Create an accessible syllabus by using the tools in Word.

Headings

Assistive device users report that this is the primary way they navigate documents.

• Use heading structure to identify sections and subsections of your document (create an outline). Select appropriate headings in the tool bar in Word. 
• Heading 1 should only be used once - for the title of your document. 

About headings

Alt Text

• All images (photos, tables, graphs, logos, icons, etc.) must have Alt (alternate text, or an image descritptionText, which describes and contextualizes the visual element.

How to add Alt Text

Links

• Instead of URLs, use self-describing hyperlinks that provide descriptive text for hyperlinks. (You may include URLs for print versions of the document.)
• Do not use "Here", "Click here", or "Read More" for links.   Be specific.

Example: For more information, see the How to Link Text webpage.

Lists

• Use bulleted and numbered lists when listing items.
• Lists are preferrable to tables (for class schedule, for example).

About Lists

Tables

• Tables should NOT be used for the layout of images.  They shoudl be used for tabular data.
• Use tables sparingly.
• Do not use tabs or spaces to create columns of information that look like a table.
• Identify the header row or column in a table.
• Provide Alt Text, especailly if the table is complex or if there is more than one table.
• Do not add lines to divide cells.

About Tables

Other

• Avoid all caps (ALL CAPS) as they can be difficult to read.
• Use bold for emphasis.  Reserve underline for hyperlinks.
• If using color, be aware of color contrast. Use a Color Contrast Checker.
• Use a clear and readable font in an appropriate size.

Creating an Accessible PDF

You may create an accessible PDF from an accessible Word document by saving it the correct way.