{"id":3577,"date":"2020-11-10T19:53:18","date_gmt":"2020-11-10T19:53:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/blackboardhelp\/?page_id=3577"},"modified":"2022-03-16T09:15:57","modified_gmt":"2022-03-16T09:15:57","slug":"accessibility-complete-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/blackboardhelp\/accessibility-complete-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Accessibility Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

<<<\/a>Main Menu<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Making Microsoft Office files more\u00a0accessible and suitable for use by\u00a0Blackboard Ally<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The university has invested in a system called Blackboard Ally<\/strong>, which integrates seamlessly into\u00a0Blackboard. Ally provides students with more accessible original content, which means that\u00a0they can choose formats that work best for them (e.g. HTML for improved reading on mobile\u00a0phones, electronic braille for the visually\u00a0 impaired, and audio for learning on the go). Ally\u00a0<\/strong>automatically scans your original content and, as well as making the alternative formats\u00a0automatically accessible, suggests a series of steps to make the source document itself more\u00a0accessible. In summary ALLY<\/strong><\/p>

\u2022 Generates alternative formats for students to download
\u2022 Provides accessibility scores
\u2022 Provides feedback on how to improve the accessibility score of original files<\/p>

For Blackboard ALLY to be able to be effective in providing students with alternative formats of\u00a0your file, it is essential that you follow some basic accessibility rules when you prepare both\u00a0Microsoft Word document files and Microsoft PowerPoint presentation files, before you upload\u00a0them to Blackboard.<\/p>

For Microsoft Word and PowerPoint content to be more accessible, we recommend that you\u00a0use the (Microsoft) Accessibility Checker before uploading a document or presentation to your\u00a0course on Blackboard.<\/p>

The guide below provides you with information on how to create more accessible learning\u00a0materials to enhance student learning Accessible means that the materials can be accessed by\u00a0students with disabilities and specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia. In addition, as\u00a0indicated above, the more accessible a file is in the first place, the more usable will be the\u00a0alternative formats that ALLY can generate for students.<\/p>

This guide will also help you produce better documents and\/or presentations for all users and\u00a0will contribute to the successful conversion of documents to PDF files.<\/p>

Making these small but important changes will make your materials clearer and more easily\u00a0understandable, which will be of benefit all your students, not just those with disabilities.<\/p>

Please see the table of contents below for Recommendations<\/strong> and How To<\/strong> guides.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1. Best practices for making Word documents accessible<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

The following information includes key best practices for creating Word documents that area accessible to people with disabilities and specific learning difficulties.<\/p>

1.1. Add alt text to images<\/strong>
Alt text helps people who can\u2019t see the screen to understand what\u2019s important in images\u00a0and other visuals. Add alt text to images, such as pictures, screenshots and videos, so that\u00a0screen readers can read the text to describe the image to\u00a0 someone who cannot see it.
To add alt text to an image, do the following:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/strong> Right-click an image and select Edit Alt Text.<\/strong>
The Alt Text<\/strong> pane opens on the right side of the document body.
2.<\/strong> Type 1 to 2 sentences to describe the image content and add the University of\u00a0Westminster<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>site link.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Alt\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.2. Add alt text to shapes, SmartArt graphics and charts\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

Alt text<\/strong> helps people who can\u2019t see the screen to understand what\u2019s important in images\u00a0and other visuals. Add alt text to shapes, SmartArt graphics and charts, so that screen\u00a0readers can read the text to describe the shape, graphic or chart to someone who cannot\u00a0see it.
To add alt text to shapes, SmartArt graphics or charts, do the following:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\u00a0<\/p>

1.<\/strong> Right-click a shape or SmartArt graphic and select Edit Alt Text.<\/strong><\/p>

The Alt Text<\/strong> pane opens on the right side of the document body.
Tip:<\/strong> You have to right-click somewhere inside the frame that surrounds the entire shape\u00a0or SmartArt graphic, not inside one of its parts.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Edit\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/strong> Type one to two sentences to describe the shape or SmartArt graphic and its context\u00a0to someone who cannot see it.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Alt\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.3. How to add a hyperlink to the Alt Text box<\/strong>
People who use screen readers sometimes scan a list of links. A links should convey clear\u00a0and accurate information about its destination.
To add a hyperlink to the Alt Text<\/strong> box, do the following:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/strong> Right-click the selected text which you will be the\u00a0 hyperlink and click Link<\/strong>.
2.<\/strong> In the Insert Hyperlink<\/strong> dialog box, select the Existing File or Web Page tab<\/strong> (the\u00a0previously selected text will be\u00a0 displayed in the Text to display box) and add the\u00a0destination URL in the Address<\/strong> box.
3.<\/strong> Click OK<\/strong> to confirm and close the dialog box.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.4. Use an accessible text format<\/strong>
To reach all your students, you need to make effective use of accessible text formats.
Some things to consider when choosing text for documents are:<\/p>

1.<\/strong> Adding an underline<\/span> to colour-coded hyperlink text, which can help people who are\u00a0colour blind know that the text is linked, even if they can\u2019t see the colour.
2.<\/strong> Add shapes if necessary to indicate status. For example, add a checkmark symbol \u2714\u00a0to indicate a \u2018pass\u2019 and an uppercase X to indicate a \u2018fail\u2019<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.5. Use accessible text colour<\/strong>
If your document has a high level of contrast between text and background, more people\u00a0can see and use the content.
Some things to consider when choosing text colours for documents are:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/strong>Ensure that text displays well by using the Automatic setting for font colours. Select\u00a0your text, and then select Home > Font Colour > Automatic.
2.<\/strong> Use the Accessibility Checker<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, to analyse the document and find insufficient colour\u00a0contrast. The tool now checks the documents for text colour against page colour,\u00a0table cell backgrounds, highlight, textbox fill colour, paragraph shading, shape and\u00a0SmartArt fills, headers and footers, and links.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.6. Use built-in headings and styles<\/strong>
To preserve tab order and to make it easier for screen readers to read your documents, use\u00a0a logical heading order and the built-in formatting tools.
To apply a built-in heading style, do the following:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/strong> Select the heading text.
2.<\/strong> On the Home<\/strong> tab, in the Styles<\/strong> group, select a heading style, for example,\u00a0Heading 1<\/strong> or Heading 2.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Heading\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.7. Use table headers<\/strong>
Tables should always use a simple structure and specify column header information. Screen\u00a0readers keep track of their location in a table by counting table cells, so cells should not be\u00a0split or merged. Screen readers also use header information to identify rows and columns.
To create a table header within a table, do the following:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/strong> Position the cursor anywhere in a table.
2.<\/strong> On the Table Tools Design tab, in the Table Style Options group, select the\u00a0Header Row check box.
3.<\/strong> Type the column headings.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Tip:<\/strong> To ensure that tables don’t contain split cells, merged cells, or nested tables, use the\u00a0Accessibility Checker. You can also visually scan your tables to check that they don’t have any\u00a0completely blank rows or columns.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2. Best practices for making PowerPoint presentations accessible <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

The following information includes key best practices for creating PowerPoint presentations\u00a0that are accessible to people with disabilities and specific learning difficulties.<\/p>

1.1. Add alt text to images<\/strong>
Alt text helps people who can\u2019t see the screen to understand what\u2019s important in images\u00a0and other visuals. Add alt text to images, such as pictures, screenshots and videos, so that\u00a0screen readers can read the text to describe the image to\u00a0 someone who cannot see it.
To add alt text to an image, do the following:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/strong> Right-click an image and select Edit Alt Text.<\/strong><\/p>

The Alt Text<\/strong> pane opens on the right side of the sheet.<\/p>

\u00a0\"Alt<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Edit\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/strong> Type 1 to 2 sentences to describe the image content and add the\u00a0University of\u00a0Westminster<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>site\u00a0site link.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.2. Add alt text to shapes, SmartArt graphics and charts<\/strong>
Alt text helps people who can\u2019t see the screen to understand what\u2019s important in images\u00a0and other visuals. Add alt text to shapes, SmartArt graphics and charts, so that screen readers can read the text to describe the shape, graphic or chart to someone who cannot\u00a0see it.
To add alt text to shapes, SmartArt graphics or charts, do the following:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/strong> Right-click a shape or SmartArt graphic and select Edit Alt Text.<\/strong><\/p>

The Alt Tex<\/strong>t pane opens on the right side of the document body.
Tip:<\/strong> You have to right-click somewhere inside the frame that surrounds the entire shape\u00a0or SmartArt graphic, not inside one of its parts.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Edit\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/strong> Type one to two sentences to describe the shape or SmartArt graphic and its context\u00a0to someone who cannot see it.<\/p>

Tip:<\/strong> You can also select Generate a description for me<\/strong> to have Microsoft’s cloud-powered\u00a0intelligent services create a\u00a0 description for you. This takes a moment, after which you see\u00a0the result in the text entry field. Remember to delete any comments PowerPoint\u00a0automatically. Please note that this feature is currently only available in Office 365.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.3. Review or edit automatically generated alt texts in photos<\/strong>
PowerPoint for Windows in Office 365 automatically generates alt texts for photos by using\u00a0intelligent services in the cloud. You can review and edit the auto generated alt texts.<\/p>

1.<\/strong> Right-click an image, and then select Edit Alt Text<\/strong> (opens the Alt Text<\/strong> pane).
2.<\/strong> In the Alt Text<\/strong> pane, review the description in the text box.
3.<\/strong> Then choose from one of the actions below:<\/p>

a.<\/strong> To accept the suggested text, close the Alt Text<\/strong> pane and return to the\u00a0PowerPoint slide.
b.<\/strong> To change the suggested alt text, type your preferred text in the box. Once\u00a0you’re done, close the Alt Text<\/strong> pane and return to the PowerPoint slide.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.4. Set the reading order of slide contents<\/strong>
When someone who can see reads a slide, they usually read elements on the slides, such as\u00a0text or a picture, in the order the elements appear on the slide. In contrast, a screen reader\u00a0reads the elements of a slide in the order they were added to the slide, which might be very\u00a0different from the order in which things appear. To make sure everyone reads the contents\u00a0in the order you intend, it’s important to check the reading order.<\/p>

Use the Selection<\/strong> pane to set the order in which the screen readers read the slide contents.\u00a0The Selection<\/strong> pane lists the\u00a0 objects on the slide in reverse order. When the screen reader\u00a0reads this slide, it reads the objects in the reverse order listed in the Selection<\/strong> pane.
To set the reading order of slide contents, do the following:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/strong> On the Home<\/strong> tab, in the Drawing<\/strong> group, select Arrange<\/strong>.
2.<\/strong> In the Arrange<\/strong> menu, select Selection Pane.<\/strong>
3.<\/strong> In the Selection pane, to change the reading order, do one of the following:<\/p>

a.<\/strong> Drag and drop items to the new location.
b.<\/strong> Select the item and then select the Up-arrow button (Bring Forward) or\u00a0Down-arrow button (Send\u00a0 Backward).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Selection\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.5. Add hyperlink text and ScreenTips<\/strong>
People who use screen readers sometimes scan a list of links. Links should convey clear and\u00a0accurate information about the destination. For example, instead of linking to the text with\u00a0the words Click here<\/strong>, include the full title of the destination page. You can even use the URL\u00a0of the page if it’s short and descriptive, for example, www.westminster.ac.uk<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>

To add hyperlink text and ScreenTips, do the following:<\/p>

1.<\/strong> Select the text to which you want to add the hyperlink, and then right-click.
2.<\/strong> Select Link.<\/strong> The text you selected displays in the Text to display<\/strong> box. This is the\u00a0hyperlink text.
3.<\/strong> If necessary, change the hyperlink text.
4.<\/strong> In the Address<\/strong> box, enter the URL address for the hyperlink.
5.<\/strong> Select the ScreenTip<\/strong> button and, in the ScreenTip text\u00a0 box, type a ScreenTip.
6.<\/strong> To apply the changes, select OK > OK.<\/strong><\/p>

Tip:<\/strong> ScreenTips are small windows that display descriptive text when you rest the pointer on\u00a0a command or control.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.6. Use accessible text colour<\/strong>
Use strong contrast between text and background, so people with low vision can see and\u00a0use the content. Use dark text on a white or off-white background or reverse it and use\u00a0white text on a dark background. White and black schemes also make it easier for people\u00a0who are colour-blind to distinguish text and shapes.
Here are some ideas to consider:<\/p>

1.<\/strong> Use the Accessibility Checker to analyse the slides and\u00a0 find insufficient colour\u00a0contrast. The checker analyses the text in the slides against the following elements:<\/p>

\u2713<\/strong> Page colour
\u2713<\/strong> Cell backgrounds
\u2713<\/strong> Highlights
\u2713<\/strong> Text box fill
\u2713<\/strong> Paragraph shading
\u2713<\/strong> SmartArt fills
\u2713<\/strong> Headers and footers
\u2713<\/strong> Links<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.7. Use unique slide titles<\/strong>
People who are blind, have low vision, or a reading disability rely on slide titles to navigate.\u00a0For example, by skimming or using a screen reader, they can quickly scan through a list of\u00a0slide titles and go right to the slide they want.
To use slide titles, do the following:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/strong> To restore all placeholders for the selected slide, on the Home tab, in the Slides\u00a0group, select Reset.
2.<\/strong> On the slide, type a unique and descriptive title.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Home\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.8. Use table headers<\/strong>
Tables should always use a simple structure and specify column header information. Screen\u00a0readers keep track of their location in a table by counting table cells, so cells should not be\u00a0split or\u00a0 merged. Screen readers also use header information to identify rows and columns.
To create a table header within a table, do the following:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1. Position the cursor anywhere in a table.
2. Select the Design<\/strong> tab.
3. In the Table Style Options<\/strong>, select the Header Row<\/strong> check box.
4. In the table, type the column headings.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Table\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.9. Use a larger font size and sufficient white space<\/strong>
People who have dyslexia describe seeing text \u2018swim together\u2019 on a page (the compressing\u00a0of one line of text into the line below). They often see text merge or distort.
For people who have dyslexia or have impaired vision, reduce the reading load. For\u00a0example, they may benefit from familiar sans serif fonts, such as Arial, Calibri or Verdana.\u00a0Avoid using all capital letters and excessive italics or underlines. Include ample white space\u00a0between sentences and paragraphs.
In addition, when possible, consider using a larger font size\u00a0 (18pt or larger).
For more information on accessible slide design and\u00a0 formatting text for improving\u00a0accessibility, please follow the links below (information provided by Microsoft):<\/p>

1.<\/strong>Use an accessible slide design
2.<\/strong>Format text for accessibility<\/p>

Tip:<\/strong> To ensure that tables don’t contain split cells, merged cells, or nested tables, use the\u00a0Accessibility Checker. You can also visually scan your tables to check that they don’t have any\u00a0completely blank rows or columns.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

3. Make videos accessible to visually impaired and hearing-impaired\u00a0users<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

3.1. Use audio tracks, captions and subtitles in videos\u00a0
<\/strong>PowerPoint supports the playback of video with multiple audio tracks. It also supports\u00a0closed captions and subtitles that are embedded in video files.
Currently, only PowerPoint for Windows (PowerPoint for\u00a0 office 365, PowerPoint 2019,\u00a0PowerPoint 2016) supports insertion and playback of closed captions or subtitles that\u00a0 are\u00a0stored in files separate from the video. For all other\u00a0 editions of PowerPoint (such as\u00a0PowerPoint for macOS or any of the mobile editions), closed captions or subtitles must be\u00a0encoded into the video before the video is inserted into PowerPoint.
Please note that closed audio tracks, captions and subtitles are not preserved when you use\u00a0the Compress Media or Optimize Media Compatibility features. In addition, when a\u00a0presentation is converted into a video, any audio tracks, closed captions and subtitles in the\u00a0embedded video are not included in saved video file.
However, when you use the Save Media as command on a selected video, multiple audio\u00a0tracks, closed captions and subtitles in the video are preserved in the saved video file.
To make your PowerPoint presentations with videos accessible, please ensure the following:<\/p>

\u2713<\/strong> Videos include an audio track with video descriptions, if needed, for users that are\u00a0blind or visually impaired.
\u2713<\/strong> Videos that include dialogue also include closed captions, in-band closed captions,\u00a0open captions, or\u00a0 subtitles in a supported format for users that are deaf or\u00a0 hard of\u00a0hearing.<\/p>

3.2. Create Closed captions
<\/strong>Prepare a text-based caption file with a .vtt filename extension\u00a0 before adding captions. For\u00a0instructions on how to create the caption file, see Create closed captions for a video<\/span>.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

3.3. Add closed captions to a video
<\/strong>You can add captions to presentations that you’ve recorded with video narration, screen\u00a0recordings, and any other video (except online videos) that you insert into PowerPoint.\u00a0Currently, adding captions to an audio-only recording isn’t supported.<\/p>

1.<\/strong> In PowerPoint, in the Normal view, open the slide that\u00a0 has the video that you want\u00a0to add captions to.
2.<\/strong> Select the video on the slide.
3.<\/strong> On the Playback<\/strong> tab, click the Insert Captions<\/strong> button,\u00a0 and then select Insert\u00a0Captions.
\"Playback\"<\/strong><\/p>

4.<\/strong>In the Insert Captions<\/strong> dialog, browse to your caption file. Select the file and then\u00a0click Insert.
5. <\/strong>If you need to add another caption file, just repeat the process.
6. <\/strong>Play the video and check that the captions appear\u00a0 correctly.

<\/strong><\/p>

3.4. Remove closed captions from a video
<\/strong>If you need to edit a closed caption file that is inserted in a video in PowerPoint, you can first\u00a0remove the file, modify it, and then add it back to the video. Before removing the file from the\u00a0PowerPoint video, make sure you have the original copy of the closed caption file stored on\u00a0your PC.
If you have added more than one caption file to a video, the following process removes all\u00a0caption files assigned to the video.<\/p>

1.<\/strong> In PowerPoint, in the Normal<\/strong> view, open the slide that has the video containing the\u00a0captions.
2.<\/strong> Select the video on the slide.
3.<\/strong> On the Playback tab, click the Insert Captions<\/strong> button,\u00a0 and then select Remove All\u00a0Captions.<\/strong><\/p>

\"Playback\"<\/p>

Things to note:<\/p>

\u2713<\/strong> Closed captions typically also describe audio cues, such as\u00a0 music or sound effects\u00a0that occur off-screen.
\u2713<\/strong> Subtitles typically contain a transcription (or\u00a0 translation) of the dialogue.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Please click on this link for more information relating to making videos accessible.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

4. Improve accessibility with the Accessibility Checker
<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

For Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint content to be more\u00a0 accessible, we recommend\u00a0that you use the (Microsoft) Accessibility Checker before uploading a document to your course\u00a0on Blackboard.
Please make sure to run the Accessibility Checker on your\u00a0 presentations to make sure your\u00a0Microsoft Office content is easy for people of all abilities to read and edit.<\/p>

4.1. How to use the Microsoft Accessibility Checker<\/strong><\/p>

1.<\/strong> Once you have opened the desired document\/presentation created in Word or\u00a0PowerPoint, on the ribbon, select the Review<\/strong> tab.
2.<\/strong> Select Check Accessibility<\/strong>.
\"Check
3.<\/strong> Review your results. You’ll see a list of errors, warnings, and tips with how-to-fix\u00a0recommendations for each, should there be any.
4.<\/strong> Select one of the items from the Inspection Results box (in this case the Errors\u00a0list) and check the Steps to Fix text.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Accessibility\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Visit this Microsoft’s page about the Accessibility Checker for further help.<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Back to Top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

staff_accmpg_11_20<\/em><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

<<Main Menu Making Microsoft Office files more\u00a0accessible and suitable for use by\u00a0Blackboard Ally The university has invested in a system called Blackboard Ally, which integrates seamlessly into\u00a0Blackboard. Ally provides students with more accessible original content, which means that\u00a0they can choose…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":146,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3577","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/blackboardhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3577","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/blackboardhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/blackboardhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/blackboardhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/146"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/blackboardhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3577"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/blackboardhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3577\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10901,"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/blackboardhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3577\/revisions\/10901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/blackboardhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3577"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}