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Re: Microsoft Word Objects And Text Boxes

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From: Dean.Vasile
Date: Feb 2, 2024 12:58PM

To ensure accessibility while using text boxes in Microsoft Word documents, you can follow these guidelines:

1. **Use Alt Text**: Add descriptive alt text to the text boxes so screen readers can identify and describe them to users. This provides context and enhances accessibility.

2. **Avoid Overuse**: Limit the use of text boxes to situations where they are truly necessary. Overuse of text boxes can make the document difficult to navigate and understand for screen reader users.

3. **Consider Using Tables**: In some cases, you can achieve similar formatting effects by using tables instead of text boxes. Tables are more accessible and easier for screen readers to interpret.

4. **Test Accessibility**: Always test the document with different screen readers to ensure that it is fully accessible. This helps identify any potential issues and allows you to make necessary adjustments.

5. **Provide Instructions**: If text boxes are unavoidable, provide clear instructions for screen reader users on how to navigate and interact with them. This helps users understand how to access the content within the text boxes.

By following these guidelines, you can create Word documents that are both visually appealing and accessible to all users, including those using screen readers.
Dean Vasile


617-799-1162

> On Feb 2, 2024, at 2:07 PM, Jim Homme < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:
>
> Hi,
> Once in a while I get Microsoft Word documents with text boxes screen reaeers don't realize are there. Microsoft has created a clunky way to read them that kind of works, but my concern is that there is no alert that they are there. JAWS can get at them with a key stroke. As far as I am aware, NVDA reads them, but can't go inside and examine the text without the Microsoft clunky solution. Is there a solution that would satisfy people who like to use these text boxes that also makes the documents more accessible? If I advise them to remove them, what is a path that I can recommend to make the documents look the same and still be accessible?
>
> Thanks.