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Creating Accessible Learning: PowerPoint 365

Why It Matters

PowerPoint is a tool that allows us to present content in a meaningful way. Taking steps to build accessibility into your PowerPoint presentation as you go along will ensure that all individuals have equal and equivalent access to learning from your content with equivalent ease of use. It will also ensure that your presentations function and interact appropriately with assistive technology.

PowerPoint Accessibility Toolbar

In Microsoft PowerPoint 365, you're able to access or permanently add an Accessibility tab to your toolbar so you can easily find and use accessibility tools (Figure 1).

The accessibility tab in PowerPoint is open on the toolbar. It’s nested between the Home and Insert tabs and shows various accessibility options.

Figure 1.

Open Accessibility Tab Temporarily

To temporarily access the Accessibility tab in PPT, select the Review tab and then select Check Accessibility. This will open both the accessibility checker and the Accessibility tab (Figure 2).

The Review tab in PowerPoint is open on the toolbar. At the right end, the Check Accessibility option is highlighted with a purple circle.

Figure 2.

Add Accessibility Tab Permanently

To add Accessibility as a permanent tab, select the File tab and then Options at the bottom of the application (Figure 3).

  1. From the Options list, select Customize Ribbon.
  2. From the “Choose commands from” drop-down box, select All Tabs.
  3. Scroll the list until you locate the Accessibility category. Under this heading, select Accessibility.
  4. Select the Add button located in between the two main boxes.
  5. It should now be listed and check-marked in the Main Tabs box.
  6. Select OK to save.

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Figure 3.

Resources