Checklist for PowerPoint Presentations

 

Please note that all links open in a new window, so you can read an explanation, close the window and continue reviewing your checklist. The keyboard command to close the current window is Control + F4.

Checklist compiled from information found in the Microsoft accessibility pages, opens in a new window, the American Printing House for the Blind website, opens in a new window, the 508 checklist, opens in a new window provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Disability Access Services Website, opens in a new window.

Introduction

PowerPoint presentations tend to be highly visual, and people who are blind or have low vision can understand them more easily if you create your slides with accessibility in mind. Remember, what you do to make your presentation accessible for the person with low vision will ultimately make it more readable for everyone.

Download Accessible MS PowerPoint Checklist

Basics

I used a sans serif typeface/font of a minimum of 28 point for text, 32 for headings and 30 for subheadings

I created adequate contrast by using a recommended color combination

I saved as a PowerPoint Presentation (.pptx) with a descriptive filename

Slide Basics

I used the built-in slide designs to create slides

I gave every slide a unique title

I created slides with no more than three different blocks of information, and no more than six individual lines of information per block

Important Things to Avoid

I avoided using all capital letters, shadow text, and excessive italics or underlines

I avoided using a graphical background, or a blue color background

For text and background, I avoided using the color gray

I avoided using grayscale for photos, graphics, graphs, maps or charts

Except for bulleted lists, I avoided placing information in columns

I avoided using text boxes

I avoided using automatic slide transitions, or transitions that are not low-vision-friendly

I excluded flashing or animated text and objects

Slide Structure

I used list and bullet styles as opposed to manually typed characters (e.g., Hyphens, numbers, or graphics)

If the slide has a tabular appearance, I used the table option, as opposed to manual tabs and/or spaces

For data tables, I used a simple table structure, and specified column header information

I created descriptive hyperlinks and screen tips

Visuals, Color and Background

I used alt text to create accessible images and other objects

I added text to ensure that color (and other sensory characteristics) were not the only way to convey meaning

I created accessible multimedia files

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