Accessibility - Google Slides Quick Reference

1. Establish Structure and Layout

Title

• Use a unique, meaningful file name that clearly describes the presentation content.
• Click the title field at the top of the file and enter a descriptive name, such as “Presentation of Annual Report 2024.”

Language

• Verify that the correct language is set for the presentation.
• Go to File > Language and select the appropriate language.

Template

• Use a structured template to support consistent layouts and logical reading order.
• Go to Insert > Template and select an appropriate option.

Lists

• Use the built‑in Bulleted List (unordered) and Numbered List (ordered) tools. Bulleted lists group items where order does not matter, while numbered lists communicate sequence. Lists should contain more than one item.
• Select text and click the corresponding list icon in the toolbar. Avoid using asterisks or manually typed numbers.

Paragraphs

• Keep text left‑aligned and avoid fully justified alignment. Break up long blocks of text for readability.
• Use Insert > Break > Page break instead of repeated Enter keys or spaces.

2. Review Images, Graphics, and Tables

Images and Charts

• Provide descriptive alternative text that explains the purpose or content of informative visuals.
• Right‑click the image or chart, select Alt Text, and enter descriptive text alternatives.

Decorative Images

• Mark purely decorative images, such as background patterns or border art, as artifacts.
• Open Extensions > Grackle Slides > Launch and mark the image as an artifact.

Tables

• Identify header rows and/or columns to associate them with their data cells.
• In Grackle Slides, navigate to Tables, select the table, and mark the first row or column as a header.

Slide Order

• Review the reading order of slide elements.
• Use Grackle Slides > Slide Structure to reorder elements using drag and drop as needed.

3. Ensure Readable Text and Color Usage

Text Contrast

• Ensure all text has sufficient contrast against its background.
• Use Grackle Slides to identify and correct low‑contrast text.

Image Contrast

• Ensure text in images meets accessible contrast requirements.
• Use a color contrast analyzer, adjust the image if needed, and reinsert it into Slides.

Color Alone

• Check for appropriate use of color; never use color alone to convey meaning.
• Use descriptive text or other indicators in addition to color (e.g., use “Failed” text in addition to a red background.)

Font Size

• Use a minimum font size of 24 pt for body text.
• Adjust font size using the toolbar or slide template.

Font Type and Alignment

• Use clear, non‑decorative, sans‑serif fonts and left‑align all text.
• Avoid fully justified text.

4. Verify Descriptive Links and Slide Titles

Slide Titles

• Give each slide a unique and descriptive title.
• Enter text in the Title field on every slide.

Hyperlinks

• Use descriptive link text that makes sense out of context. Avoid vague phrases like “Click Here” or “Read More.”
• Highlight meaningful text and select Insert > Link.

5. Factor In Media Accessibility

Video

• Ensure embedded videos include captions and provide a descriptive transcript in speaker notes.
• Go to Insert > Video to add video content.

Audio

• Provide a text transcript for all audio‑only recordings in speaker notes.
• Go to Insert > Audio to add audio content.

Timing

• Allow a brief pause before starting media to give participants time to absorb information.
• Add a reminder in speaker notes or include a pause at the beginning of the media.

6. Check for Plain Language and Clarity

Structure for Comprehension

• Use slides to summarize key points and speaker notes to provide details. Be direct and avoid unnecessary jargon or acronyms.
• Enable speaker notes by going to View > Show Speaker Notes.

Visual Simplicity

• Keep charts and complex visuals simple and focused to minimize confusion.
• Go to Insert > Page Elements > Table of Contents.

Present with Plain Language

• Always use the built-in tool to correctly tag page numbers for screen readers.
• Go to Insert > Page numbers.

Provide Alternatives

• Offer captions during presentations and provide transcripts afterward.
• Ask ahead of time if interpretation services are needed and notify users of available alternatives at the beginning of the presentation.

7. Accessibility Check

• Run a final accessibility check before sharing your presentation.
• Use Extensions > Grackle Slides > Launch to review remaining issues.