Accessibility - Creating accessible presentations

In higher education, presentations are a key tool for sharing knowledge, engaging students, and supporting learning. To ensure all students—including those with disabilities—can fully participate, it's essential to design presentations with accessibility in mind. This article outlines best practices for creating inclusive, ADA-compliant presentations that support all learning needs.

What ADA Title II requires

Under ADA Title II, public institutions must ensure that all digital content—including instructional materials—is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes:

  • Keyboard access
  • Screen reader compatibility
  • Captions and transcripts for media
  • Logical reading order
  • Clear focus indicators

Best practices for accessible presentations

Content structure

  • Keyboard access
  • Use clear headings and bullet points to organize information.
  • Keep slides concise—avoid overcrowding with text.
  • Provide a logical flow of ideas from slide to slide.
  • Include a title slide and agenda to orient the audience.

Font choice and text formatting

  • Use sans-serif fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana for readability.
  • Ensure font size is at least 24pt for body text and 32pt for headings.
  • Maintain high contrast between text and background (e.g., black text on white or light backgrounds).
  • Avoid using color alone to convey meaning—use labels or symbols as well.

Images and visuals

  • Add descriptive alt text to all images, charts, and diagrams.
  • Avoid using text embedded in images unless absolutely necessary.
  • Ensure visuals are high-resolution and not blurry or pixelated.
  • Use simple, uncluttered graphics that support the message.

Hyperlinks

  • Use descriptive link text (e.g., “Read the full article on climate change” instead of “Click here”).
  • Ensure linked content is accessible or provide an accessible alternative.
  • Include a brief note if linking to external sites that may not meet accessibility standards.

Embedded videos and audio

  • Include captions and transcripts for all embedded media.
  • Ensure media players support keyboard navigation and screen readers.
  • Avoid autoplay—allow users to control playback.

Plain language

  • Use simple, direct language that’s easy to understand.
  • Define technical terms or jargon when first introduced.
  • Avoid long, complex sentences or dense paragraphs.

Keyboard navigation

  • Ensure all interactive elements (buttons, links, menus) are accessible via keyboard.
  • Use a logical tab order and visible focus indicators.
  • Avoid “keyboard traps” where users can’t navigate out of a section.

Slide notes and handouts

  • Provide accessible versions of presentation materials (e.g., tagged PDFs, accessible Word docs).
  • Include speaker notes or summaries for students who use screen readers.
  • Offer materials in advance when possible to support preparation.

Testing and review

  • Use accessibility checkers built into tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides.
  • Preview your presentation with screen readers or keyboard-only navigation.
  • Ask for feedback from students or accessibility experts.

Final tips

  • Collaborate with your institution’s accessibility team or instructional designers.
  • Stay updated on accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1 and ADA Title II.
  • Remember: accessibility benefits everyone—not just those with disabilities.

Resources

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