Microsoft Word 2013 for Windows
Creating Accessible Documents

Creating and Editing Headings

1. Select the Home tab from the ribbon.
2. In your document, select the text to convert to a heading.
3. Click on the appropriate heading level in the Styles in-ribbon gallery; e.g., Heading 1.
4. Headings 1, 2, or 3 can also be assigned using Control + Alt + 1, 2, or 3, respectively.

   

Adding Alternative Text

1. Right-click on the image and select Format Picture. A dialog box will appear.
2. Select the Layout & Properties icon and choose Alt Text.
3. Enter the appropriate alternative text only in the Description field, NOT the Title field.

   

Creating Tables

1. Select the Insert tab on the ribbon, then select Table > Insert Table.

   

2. If your table has a column header(s), select Table Tools > Layout on the ribbon, then choose the Repeat Header Rows option in the Data group.

   

Editing Hyperlinks

1. Select a hyperlink, right-click, and select Edit Hyperlink or Ctrl + K.
2. Change the text in the Text to display field to a more meaningful description.

   

Creating Lists

1. Select the Home tab on the ribbon.
2. Choose the Numbered List or Bulleted List option from the Paragraph group.

   

Creating Columns

1. Select the Page Layout tab on the ribbon.
2. Select Columns in the Page Setup group.

   

3. Choose the number of columns.

Using the Accessibility Checker

1. Select File > Info > Check for Issues > Check Accessibility.

   

2. The checker presents accessibility errors, warnings, and tips for making repairs.

Saving as HTML

1. Select File > Save As, designate the location (usually Computer), and select a folder.

   

2. Choose one of two options for exporting to HTML from the Save as type drop-down menu:
   • Save as Web Page
   • Save as Web Page, Filtered

     

Converting to PDF

Users can create PDF files with the Adobe Acrobat add-in (recommended), or by using Word to save the document as a PDF file.