Use Headings to Create Accessible Documents_GC_207200

Use Headings to
Create Accessible Documents

Proper Headings are required to create accessible documents.

Paragraph Headings provide context and a way to navigate documents. By just making your text bold and increasing the font size, a Screen Reader (system that speaks the text content of a computer display) does not know the difference between sections. Change the text to a Heading to allow a Screen Reader to easily navigate the page and provide accessibility for all.

Check Accessibility in your Document

Open the Accessibility Checker in Word, Excel or PowerPoint

Select File
Info
Check for Issues
Select Check Accessibility

Sceen shot of where to locate Accessibililty Checker Screen shot of the Accessibility checker window

Screen shot of Errors Warnings and tips in the Checker

Heading Errors, Warnings & Tips
in Accessibility Checker

Unstructured Document – Error or Infrequent Headings - Warning

Not enough Headings in document
Select text or put your curser in the line of text
Go to Home Tab
In the Styles section, select the Heading you wish to apply

Note: It is helpful to have a Heading at least every two pages, in your document.

Heading is too Long - Warning

Try to avoid long Headings; use plain and concise language.
This is sometimes unavoidable in Government documents
Screen Reader Users will listen to a list of Headings before reading a document

Skipped Heading Level - Tip

Select the Heading text you want to change.
On the Home tab, in the Styles group, choose the correct Heading Style.
Use at least one Heading every two pages in the correct order