How to Create an Accessible Powerpoint

Best Practice Tips for Accessible PowerPoint 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)
6. Ensure embedded videos have captions.
7. Use the PowerPoint format instead of converting to a PDF.
8. Extra tip: When presenting, turn on the Microsoft Translator feature for real-time captions.

For additional resources visit WebAim: PowerPoint Accessibility (Links to an external site)

Video tutorial

Our office has found that many faculty create their own PowerPoint slides which make up a large percentage of what faculty upload to their LMS. Below is a step by step video guide on how to create accessible PowerPoints.

For written documentation, please visit Microsoft Support pages.

What will this look like to the student?

Below is what the PowerPoint will sound like to a student using JAWS

Next Faculty Training Topic: Identifying Accessible PowerPoints