For documents that comply with accessibility standards, with or without conversion to PDF.
Microsoft Word is one of the most widely used document creation tools. However, most of the files it generates do not comply with accessibility standards: poorly applied styles, images without alternative text, missing structure... These are barriers that are invisible to their authors but can significantly impact people who rely on assistive technologies.
The issue isn't limited to PDFs: a poorly structured Word document is inherently inaccessible, regardless of its final destination.
This training covers best practices for accessible writing, the semantic elements that should be used, the steps required to meet WCAG 2.2 requirements, and Word’s built-in accessibility checking tools, helping make accessibility a natural part of every document you create.
Is it for you ?
Anyone who creates documents in Microsoft Word, whether they are intended to be converted to PDF or distributed as is. Particularly relevant for graphic designers, graphic designers and editors.
Prerequisites
Regular use of Microsoft Word is necessary to take full advantage of this training.
What You'll Walk Away With
- ✓ Apply good writing practices in an accessibility context
- ✓ Use Word's built-in accessibility tools effectively
- ✓ Structure and tag every document element in accordance with accessibility standards.
- ✓ Correctly set up PDF export of an accessible Word document
Training content
1 Writing and tools
· Understand the limitations and accessibility gaps of Word
· Apply good writing practices that promote accessibility
· Use Word's built-in tools to produce accessible documents
· Develop reflexes that promote accessibility from the creation of the document
2 Document structure and organization
· Use heading and paragraph styles appropriately
· Effectively organize information in a Word document
· Break content into consistent sections using headings, paragraphs, tables, and lists
· Understand how reading order guides the navigation of assistive technology users
3 Accessibility enforcement
· Insert accessibility critical metadata
· Configure document language and language changes
· Appropriate accessibility concepts related to visual perception, contrasts and the use of colour
· Differentiate between decorative and informative images and apply the appropriate treatment
· Write relevant alternative texts
· Create an accessible table of contents
· Design explicit and accessible links
· Structure tables according to accessibility best practices
· Understand how cross-references work and how to use them
4 Accessibility validation and correction
· Learn about the different validation tools and methods available in Word
· Familiarize yourself with how Microsoft Word Accessibility checker works
· Identify the most common accessibility issues
· Interpret validation results and apply appropriate patches
- Develop a validation methodology adapted to its context
· Create a reusable validation list in your projects
📌 Practical information
Our training sessions are offered in Montreal or Quebec City, in person or in a virtual classroom. Dates and locations are specified when you select your session below. If you have any questions, check out our FAQ.
