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Accessible PowerPoint Presentations

We all use PowerPoints to deliver training, whether it be in-person or virtually, but are your presentations accessible? Like accessible word documents, having accessible PowerPoint presentations will make makes reading and navigation a lot easier for people with disabilities and for everyone! 

When it comes to making accessible PowerPoint presentations, remember the acronym SLIDE. 

See below on how to SLIDE! 

 Style

  • Headings - font size for titles should be 36-44 pt.
  • Regular style – font style for all other text should be at least 24-28 pt.
  • Minimum font size 24 points or above.
  • Use unique and meaningful slide titles.
  • Your presenting style should be paced, light, and you should make sure to face the audience.

 Links

  • Links should be descriptive, avoid generic link text (e.g. ‘click here,’ ‘about’, or ‘learn more.’). The full web address should be hidden behind descriptive link text.
  • ‘Click here’ and the naked URL’s should also be avoided as they are difficult for a screen reader to read.

 Images

  • Informative images should include a concise description based on their purpose and context for us. Consider the purpose and context for use, then start with the general idea before focusing on relevant details and important relationships.
  • Functional images (links) need to describe the destination or action that will take place.
  • Decorative images should be marked up in a way that allows screen readers to skip them.

 Design

Make sure the design is accessible by checking for colour contrast and following best practices for typography: 

  • Use sans serif fonts for body text (better reading experience).
  • Maximum 6 – 8 lines of text per slide.
  • Avoid italics and bold for emphasis.
  • Avoid abbreviations and acronyms; explain them at the first occurrence.
  • Avoid Transitions (or use simple transitions) and Animations.
  • Tables, Charts, and Graphs should be on their own slide
  • The composition should be ordered and easy to read, e.g. bullet points
  • Avoid all caps, can be read as though you’re yelling and it’s challenging to read also.
  • Left align the content and avoid justification.

 Evaluate

Evaluate your PowerPoint by using the built-in accessibility checker in Microsoft Office:

  • Go to ‘Review’ – ‘Check Accessibility’ and a window opens up on the right.

So remember, S.L.I.D.E into making and delivering accessible PowerPoints! Check the Style, Links, Images, Design and then make sure to Evaluate!


Watch our Webinar

For more information on accessible PowerPoint presentations, please watch the training video below from AHEAD’s Digital Media and eLearning Officer, Trevor Boland, and Lorraine Gallagher, AHEAD’s Information and Training Officer:

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Creating Inclusive Environments in Education and Employment for People with Disabilities

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