Now that we've created a structure to our document, the next step is to make sure that students can access the content with in that structure.

Resources

Image Description Guidelines (Links to an external site.)

In our introduction to screen readers part 1, we looked at how  a student would navigate your course content. Below is a tutorial on how to set up structure with in your documents to allow a student to easily navigate through them.

To add a heading style

1. Select a text that you want to add a header to.

There are various forms of tactile graphics that our office has produced for students. Below are just a few examples:

Students with Low Vision may also utilize a CCTV, which is a camera mounted device that enlarges a book or other item under the camera onto a screen. This device can then adjust the zoom, color contrast, and colors of the page for the student. There are portable options, which uses a video camera embedded in the device to enlarge the items. 

Another software students might use is called ZoomText. ZoomText is a screen magnifier that enlarges everything on the screen and then smooths out the text and images so they are still identifiable (and not pixelated). ZoomText also allows for the student to adjust the screen colors (or students with contrast impairments, issues with managing bright lights, etc), and have the screen read aloud as they navigate through the screen.

Students who are blind or visually impaired, in almost all cases, will use a specialized software known as a screen reader to access your content from their computer or mobile device. The most common screen readers include JAWS, VoiceOver, and NVDA.

Intro to Screen Readers Part 1:

Intro to Screen Readers Part 2

Best Practice Tips for Accessible Presentations

1. Keep the formatting simple by using existing slide layouts and accessible themes.
2. Every slide should include a title.
3. Use high contrast colors and 18 pt font (or larger). 
4. Ensure that the slides have a proper reading order. 
5. Add alternative text to images. 
   • If an image is decorative, select that in the alt-text pane. 
   • If the description is longer than 200 characters, place a note in the a