Microsoft Accessibility: Check and Improve Digital Files

This service is for faculty, staff, and students.

Microsoft 365 has a number of resources to help you make your Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, and other Microsoft content more accessible.

Overview

  1. For a document you already created, start by checking the accessibility of your content with the Accessibility Checker. You can open and run this checker directly from the item you want to check. 
  2. Watch a video lesson to learn how to correct an issue. 
  3. Visit the resource links to find in-depth information about accessibility for a specific version of a Microsoft app. If you are creating a new document, we suggest first trying to create it using the accessibility skills you already have, then use the accessibility checkers to further improve. 
  4. Additional resources are included at the end of this document. 

Microsoft Accessibility Checker

accessibility checker icon

     Using the Microsoft Accessibility Checker

 

 

Accessibility Video Training

Visit the Microsoft 365 video training library to learn how to address any issues that are found while using the accessibility checker.

Accessibility Video Training

microsoft video training options

Create Accessible Content in Microsoft 365 Apps

For each of the Microsoft Apps below: visit the link, select your version, and view the Best Practices table for helping making your content accessible.

Outlook iconOutlook

 

 

Word icon  Word

 

 

excel icon  Excel

 

 

PowerPoint icon  PowerPoint

 

 

OneNote icon  OneNote

 

 

SharePoint icon  SharePoint

 

 

Microsoft app table example

 

For Further Help with Accessible Documents

  • If your documents are also uploaded into our Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), select the YuJa Panorama document (in Related Articles) for additional help. 
  • If you need help from a person, the Digital Accessibility Service Team (DAST) has team members who can meet with you or respond to specific questions on accessible files. Please explain your question or need when selecting Request Service and feel free to include a copy of what you are having trouble with or send screen shots and/or course links. Someone on DAST will then get back to you. 

 

To report a problem or receive additional troubleshooting, please contact the Tech Desk
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Academic Technology & Innovation is pleased to announce that St. Thomas has an accessibility tool called YuJa Panorama. If you previously used Ally, Panorama has additional features.

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Services to help you to improve your digital accessibility use including Academic Technology, Closed Captioning with Media, Documents, Website, and Other Areas for Consultation.