Overview

Making documents accessible is an easy-to-learn skill that will make sure everyone can use and read the materials you're creating. 

Below are tools and resources for creating accessible versions of all of the materials you use everyday including frequently asked questions about correct formatting. This information is adapted from the State Board of Community and Technical College's Library of Accessibility Resources.  Many topics and tools that aren't covered here are covered in the course materials and in the Additional Resources section below.

Note: The instructions below show the general steps to take to make documents accessible. The steps may look a little different depending on what operating system you are using and how old it is. The most recent version of Office for Mac and Windows should have all of these accessible formatting options available. If you need additional help making materials accessible, contact us. 

Jump to a section:

• Understanding disability and accessibility
• Creating accessible materials:
  • Word documents
  • PDF
  • PowerPoint
  • Videos
  • Email
• Procurement
• Additional resources
• Contact 

 

Additional Resources

A handful of websites with practical tools and tips, as well as up-to-date reading on accessibility and UDL. You can also check our News & Updates page to see what tools, tips and reading we've shared recently. 

A handful of websites with practical tools and tips, as well as up-to-date reading on accessibility and UDL. You can also check our News & Updates page to see what tools, tips and reading we've shared recently.  

SBCTC Resources 

• SBCTC Accessibility Center offers self-paced micro courses and instructions for creating accessible documents, video, and other media. 

• The SBCTC Library of Accessibility Resources includes explanations about accessibility and universal design, as well as written and visual instructions for Word documents, PowerPoints, PDFs, and more.

Canvas Resources 

The SBCTC signed a contract for the use of Blackboard’s Ally, a tool that integrates into Canvas and helps ensure that users are creating and uploading accessible materials. When you upload content (including images), Ally scans the file and produces an accessibility score, which shows up as a red, yellow, or green gauge, based on the score. The following sources can help you familiarize yourself with Ally: 

• The SBCTC has provided a short video on their Ally Overview & Availability page. 

• Blackboard also has several useful tools for understanding and using Ally. 

More Resources 

• ACCESS-WA: This blog is updated regularly by the accessibility team Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges. It's a good way to find out about free training and resources being offered to Washington educators. 

• Color Contrast Checker by WebAIM: Quickly check color contrast using WebAIM's free contrast checker. 

• Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST): Another resource for better understanding UDL, featuring graphics, videos, downloadable documents and FAQs. 

• Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology (DO-IT) Center: This resource from the University of Washington is a great example of accessible work being done locally. The resources tab is especially helpful. The Creating Accessible Documents page on the UW site is also a favorite. 

• National Center on Universal Design for Learning: An authority on UDL. This website provides informational overviews, as well as information on accessibility advocacy and implementation. 

• Web Accessibility in Mind (WebAIM): Their resources are highly practical, including the Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 checklists.  
  
  

Get help with accessibility

Get in-person help from our accessibility team by contacting Jeannie Henkle (509- 682-6718).

Need accommodations for yourself or someone else? Contact the Student Access Services manager, 509-682-6854; TTY/TTD 509-682-6853, or sas@wvc.edu