Accessible Documents Style Guide

Accessible Style Guide

Features of Accessible Documents

Overall design and layout: use left alignment and allow for equal spacing between words, and generous spacing between paragraphs. In general, columns that are too narrow should be avoided. There should be plenty of white space where the eye can rest. Use good quality paper which isn’t glossy or show print on the reverse side.

Fonts and Headings

Font size12 - 18 (Corporation using Arial)
Use Bold for emphasis; avoid “italics” and writing styles (Underline is for links)
Headings - Use Default Styles from the Ribbon
1. Headings will create a quick and easy Table of Contents
2. Tip: Use (Shift + Enter) to keep lines together
DO NOT CAPITALIZE Titles/Headings.
1. Use and choose Capitalize Each Word
Use Text Align Left - not Justify
1. When users enlarge text, large gaps appear on the screen
Graphics such as watermarks are not used over or behind any other images, photographs, graphics, or text.

Acronyms

When using acronyms, write out the full version the first time it’s used in a document, then you may use the acronym only.
In Document & Folder Names – Use full version dash - Acronym

Perform Manual Colour / Contrast Test

The contrast between the background and the text is a vital factor in legibility. The better the contrast, the more legible the text will be. The size and weight of the type will affect the contrast. Black text on a white background provides the best contrast.

YELLOW is a good highlight colour
If using text on a background colour – use Bold

Accessibility Checker: Review Tab in Ribbon > Check Accessibility (move to Home Tab as an easier reminder)