Presented at LILAC 2024.

1. Accessibility 101: Small steps, big rewards
Eva Garcia Grau
Information Consultant, Library Services

2. Session aims
By the end of this session, you will be
able to:
Explain the importance of making
materials accessible.
Identify and correct the most
common accessibility issues in
PowerPoint.

3. Session overview
Why accessibility?
Activity in groups
Final thoughts
Questions

4. Why accessibility?
Nobody in my team has accessibility needs!
I’ll design it first and then make it accessible.
Nobody has ever complained.
It only benefits a few people.
We are already compliant!
There is too much to think about!

5. Activity time!

6. Universal Design for Learning
Multiple means of engagement
Multiple means of representation
Multiple means of action and expression
CAST (2023) UDL Guidelines. Available at:
https://udlguidelines.cast.org/ (Accessed: 8 March 2024).

7. Accessibility tips
Accessibility checker
Headings and font size
Contrast
Reading order
Images – to use or not to use
Tables
Meaningful links
Send editable PowerPoints

8. What about images?
No need for “Image of…”
Full stop after alt text
Use of decorative images
Do not use images as links
Be concise

9. Final thoughts…
Focus on accessibility, not compliance
Not all accessibility templates are accessible
Accessibility by default
We are all learning
Continuous learning journey
If in doubt… ask!
You’ve got this!

10. Useful links
Alt text best practice
WCAG 2.1 checklist
Creating a accessible documents
https://userinyerface.com/
Contrast checker
WebAIM guide to PowerPoint accessibility
Colour blindness simulator
Accessible color palette builder
Microsoft’s accessibility guide for PowerPoint

11. References
CAST (2023). Tips for Accessible Educational
Materials. Available at: https://www.cast.org/products-
services/resources/2023/udl-tips-accessible-educational-
materials-aem. Accessed: 7 March 2024

12. Thank you!
Eva Garcia Grau
Information Consultant
Royal Holloway, University
of London
Eva.GarciaGrau@rhul.ac.uk
X: @EvaDannG
Discord: eveta_gg