As campus efforts continue to meet Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, the digital accessibility team is providing weekly articles on creating accessible content.
This week’s focus is on creating accessible PowerPoints.
Creating accessible PowerPoints
PowerPoints are an extremely common way to share information on campus. Ensuring PowerPoint presentations are accessible allows everyone, including individuals using screen readers, Braille displays or other assistive technology, to access and understand the information provided.
Accessible PowerPoints rely on clear content structure, meaningful image descriptions, embedded links and thoughtful formatting.
- Using unique slide titles: Each slide should have a unique title. If related information spans multiple slides, label as “Slide Title 2” or “Slide Title, Continued.” This helps screen reader users keep track of where they are in the presentation.
- Choosing clear language: Using clear and concise language helps readers understand information the first time they encounter it. This supports individuals with learning or intellectual disabilities, those under cognitive load and readers whose primary language is not English.
- Including minimal wording on slides: Keep slide content to 3 to 5 bullet points or sentences. Use clear, succinct wording and short sentences. This helps reduce cognitive load. Additional details and information can be added to the speaker notes section. Long paragraphs of related information should be spread out over multiple slides.
- Adding alt text: All images and non-text elements, including photos, charts, graphs and shapes, must include alternative text (alt text). Alt text provides a brief description so that users who cannot see the image still understand its purpose.
- Embedding links: Hyperlinks are another key way readers skim content. When a full URL/website address is written out, assistive technology reads every character. Instead, embed links within meaningful text that clearly describes the destination. Clear link text helps all users understand where the link will take them.
Professional development and support
To further assist the campus community, the following list includes various professional development :
- A second Digital Accessibility Summit is being planned for March. More details to be announced in the coming weeks.
- The Digital Accessibility team is available to visit departments, offices, or student groups for training or discussion.
Additional learning opportunities include:
- Accessibility tutorials on creating and checking accessible documents
- The asynchronous “Access: A Quest Toward Inclusion” course
- SUNY Access for All webinar series
- Winter breakout workshop recordings through CELT
- Digital Accessibility website resources
Staying informed
Additional updates on campus accessibility efforts and Title II implementation will continue to be shared through Oswego Today and occasional campus emails.
Creating an inclusive digital environment is a shared responsibility. Thank you for your attention to this important initiative and for helping ensure that SUNY Oswego remains a welcoming, accessible community for all.
–- Submitted by members of the Digital Accessibility Steering Committee and the Workgroup on Accessibility Practices who can be reached at accessibilitypractices@oswego.edu.