What It Is
Accessible document formatting uses built-in structure and tools in programs like Word, PDF, and PowerPoint—such as headings, lists, slide layouts, and reading order—to ensure content can be read and navigated by assistive technologies. Proper formatting helps preserve meaning when documents are shared, downloaded, or converted.
Why It Matters
Screen readers rely on document structure to interpret and navigate content. When formatting is created visually rather than structurally, important information may be missed or read out of order. Accessible formatting improves readability for all learners, supports accessibility standards, and ensures documents remain usable across devices, formats, and learning platforms.
What to Do
- Use accessible formats (Word, tagged PDFs, PowerPoint).
- Avoid scanned PDFs; ensure PDFs are tagged for screen readers.
- Properly format images, links, tables, and other elements within documents.
- Convert documents to Canvas pages when possible.
How-to Guides
Resources