Accessible PowerPoints Course

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Overview

This page provides resources is for users who need to create their own PowerPoints independently. If you are a user within our service area, you can request our Presentation Design Service.

EIR Electronic Accessibility is the training and compliance resource for accessibility at UTA. OLC Creative Services offers Self-Serve Courses to support primary training provided by EIR Electronic Accessibility. We cannot create accessible content or verify accessibility for groups outside our service area.

UTA PowerPoint Template

Use the UTA PowerPoint template when presenting to the entire University and for all external presentations.

Access the UTA PowerPoint template.

Best Practices

  • Use the accessible template correctly.
    • Only use Placeholders (dashed line boxes) for all text and images.
    • Do not manually insert anything using Insert Text Box or Insert Picture. If you do, it will not be accessible.
    • If you need additional Placeholders, add them under View > Slide Master. Then return to View > Normal to add your content.
  • Alt-tag images.
  • Use accessible colors.
  • Ensure every slide has a unique title.
    • Duplicate slide titles are not accessible.
    • You can add “Continued” to the title if you need to continue onto a second slide.
  • Set the Reading Order using the Selection Pane.
  • Ensure all fonts are legible.
    • Fonts should be larger than 16 pts if the PowerPoint is projected in a room.
    • Fonts can be 14pts if the PowerPoint is shared via Teams.
  • Ensure the slide is not crammed with text.
  • No flashing animations or transitions.
  • Run the Accessibility Checker
  • Review the Outline to ensure all text is captured.
    • If text is missing from the Outline, it is not accessible.
    • If text is missing from the Outline, a Text Box was manually inserted instead of a Placeholder.
  • Follow all best practices for accessibility. See the Inclusive Content course or contact EIR Accessibility.

Resources

  • Classes on PowerPoint are free via LinkedIn Learning.
  • The Bright Slide plugin is recommended to copy formatting and easily arrange elements on slides.
  • The Colour Contrast Analyser is recommended for testing colors.
  • Stop Auto-Resizing in PowerPoint:
    • Go to File > Preferences > Auto Correct > choose the “Auto Format as You Type” tab
    • UNCHECK: “Autofit title text to placeholder” and “Autofit body text to placeholder”