What\u2019s an \u201cOffice Document\u201d?<\/h3>\r\nYou should use these techniques when you are using Google Slides to create documents that are:\r\n\r\n \t- Intended to be used by people <\/strong>(i.e., not computer code),<\/li>\r\n \t
- Text-based<\/strong> (i.e., not simply images, although they may contain images),<\/li>\r\n \t
- Fully printable <\/strong>(i.e., where dynamic features are limited to automatic page numbering, table of contents, etc. and do not include audio, video, or embedded interactivity),<\/li>\r\n \t
- Self-contained<\/strong> (i.e., without hyperlinks to other documents, unlike web content), and<\/li>\r\n \t
- Typical of office-style workflows <\/strong>(Reports, letters, memos, budgets, presentations, etc.).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nIf you are creating forms, web pages, applications, or other dynamic and\/or interactive content, these techniques will still be useful to you, but you should also consult the <\/strong>W3C-WAI Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0)<\/strong><\/a> because these are specifically designed to provide guidance for highly dynamic and\/or interactive content.<\/strong>\r\n
File Formats<\/h3>\r\nGoogle Slides does not have a default file format, as it is a web-based authoring tool.\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides offers a number of presentation processor and web format saving options. Most of these have not been checked for accessibility, but some information and\/or instructions are available for the following formats in Technique 12<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \t- Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx)<\/li>\r\n \t
- ODP Document (.odp)<\/li>\r\n \t
- PDF Document (.pdf)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Plain Text (.txt)<\/li>\r\n \t
- JPEG image (.jpg, current slide)<\/li>\r\n \t
- PNG image (.png, current slide)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg, current slide)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Document Conventions<\/h3>\r\nWe have tried to formulate these techniques so that they are useful to all authors, regardless of whether they use a mouse. However, for clarity there are several instances where mouse-only language is used. Below are the mouse-only terms and their keyboard alternatives:\r\n\r\n \t- *Right-click:<\/strong> To right-click with the keyboard, select the object using the Shift+Arrow keys and then press either (1) the \u201cRight-Click\u201d key (some keyboard have this to the right of the spacebar) or Shift+F10.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Disclaimer and Testing Details<\/h3>\r\nFollowing these techniques will increase the accessibility of your documents, but it does not guarantee accessibility to any specific disability groups<\/strong>. In cases where more certainty is required, it is recommended that you test the office documents with end users with disabilities, including screen reader users. Files are easily saved as various file formats (see Technique 12<\/a>).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEditor's note: <\/strong>Since the content of this page has been heavily updated from the original article (Authoring Techniques for Accessible Office Documents: Google docs: Presentations<\/a>), the usual editor's notes that flag new content will be omitted. The application-specific steps and screenshots were updated in December 2019.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 1. Use Accessible Templates\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides lacks support for accessibility features such as table headings.\r\n\r\nAll office documents start with a template, which can be as simple as a blank standard-sized page or as complex as a nearly complete document with text, graphics and other content. For example, a \u201cMeeting Minutes\u201d template might include headings for information relevant to a business meeting, such as \u201cActions\u201d above a table with rows to denote time and columns for actions of the meeting.\r\n\r\nBecause templates provide the starting-point for so many documents, accessibility is critical. If you are unsure whether a template is accessible, you should check a sample document produced when the template is used (see Technique 11<\/a>).\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides\u2019s default template for new documents is a blank presentation. The basic installation also includes a wide variety of templates for business presentations. These are all accessible by virtue of being blank.\r\n\r\nIt is possible to create your own templates from scratch in Google Slides. As well, you can edit and modify the existing templates, ensuring their accessibility as you do so and saving them as a new template.\r\nTo select a template<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to Google Sheets<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- At the top right, click on Template Gallery<\/strong>.\r\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca\/docs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/78\/2019\/07\/gslides-template-gallery.png\")
<\/li>\r\n \t- Select a template.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A copy of the template will open.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To create an accessible template<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Create a new document (from the default template or from an existing template).\r\nNote:<\/em> If creating a template from an existing document, go to File<\/strong> > Make a copy<\/strong>. Type a name and choose where to save it, then, click Ok<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Rename your document. Be sure to indicate that the document is an accessible template by using terms such as \u201caccessible\u201d (e.g., \u201cAccessible Memo Template\u201d). This will improve its searchability and promote its use as an accessible template.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you follow techniques in this document. You may also check the accessibility (see Technique 11<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To share your accessible template as a new document<\/em><\/h4>\r\nYou can share your accessible template, but it may be more useful to share the file as copy that other users can add to their Google Drive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the address bar change the end of the URL before sending it.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Replace \u201cedit\u201d at the end of the URL with \u201ccopy\u201d.\r\nFor example:<\/em>\r\nBefore:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/edit<\/strong><\/em>\r\nAfter:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/copy<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
- Send the modified copy link.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When the recipient follows the modified copy link, they\u2019re instructed to click on Make a copy<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- They can then work on a copy of the accessible template.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more information, see the resources below:\r\n
\r\n \t- Google: Create document templates<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Google: Share \u201cMake a copy\u201d links to your files<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 2. Set Document Language\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time, Google Slides does not offer an explicit language selection mechanism to indicate the natural language of your document or changes in natural language at any point within the content. Google Slides defaults the natural language to the language selected for your Google Account. When exporting to other document formats, there is no guarantee that the natural language of your Google Account will be indicated as the natural language of your document.\r\n\r\nIn order for assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to be able to present your document accurately, it is important to indicate the natural language of the document. If a different natural language is used for a paragraph or selected text, this also needs to be clearly indicated.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 3. Use Built-In Layout and Styling Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides does not offer \"True Headings\" or \"Named Styles\".\r\n
3.1 Use Built-In Slide Layouts<\/h3>\r\nInstead of creating each slide in your presentation by starting from a blank slide, check whether there is a suitable built-in layout.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> The built-in layouts can be more accessible to users of assistive technologies because they technologies sometimes read the floating items on the slide in the order that they were placed on the slide. The built-in layouts have usually taken this into account (e.g., \u201cTitle\u201d first followed by other items, left to right and from top to bottom). If you create slide layouts from scratch, it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the order elements were placed.\r\nTo apply \u201ctrue layout\u201d to a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > New Slide\u2026 <\/strong>(Ctrl+M).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Layout<\/strong> drop-down on the toolbar, select a slide layout from the options.\r\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca\/docs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/78\/2019\/07\/gslides-layout.png\")
<\/li>\r\n \t- A new slide will be inserted into the presentation with the layout you selected<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
3.2 Customize Using Master Slides<\/h3>\r\nGoogle Slides is packaged with master slides available for your use. If a layout must be customized, it is recommended that Master Slides be used.\r\n\r\nEvery slide layout in a presentation is defined by its master slide. A master slide determines the formatting style for various elements of the slide layout. This includes font styles, character formatting, and the positioning of elements. Essentially, each master slide acts as a design template for the slide layout.\r\n\r\nIf you edit any aspect of the slide layout in the master slide, the change will affect all slides that were created based on it. For this reason, it is good practice to edit the master slide and use the slide layouts before building individual slides. It is essential that you create and use master slides that meet the accessibility requirements outlined in this document.\r\n\r\nOne way around this is to format a slide, ensuring its accessibility, and then create duplicates of that slide within your presentation. You can then edit the content of the duplicate slides, while ensuring that its layout meets accessibility requirements. In this way, the original slide acts as design template for the slides derived from it.\r\nTo duplicate a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > Duplicate slide<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Edit the content of your duplicate slide, ensuring your changes do not negatively affect accessibility of the slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To change a theme<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong>, then select Change theme.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- On the right sidebar, select the theme you want.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nNote:<\/em> If you would like to include a unique slide layout for a single slide, see Google: Learn how to apply a theme to only one slide<\/a>.\r\n
To customize a master slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong> > Edit master<\/strong>.\r\nOptional: <\/em> Before editing the master, you can first select a theme that is similar to the design you want before editing the master (select Theme<\/strong>, then select a theme from the right).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the master template editor, select the Master<\/strong> slide at the top.\r\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca\/docs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/78\/2019\/07\/gslide-master-slide.png\")
<\/li>\r\n \t- Make your edits to the master slide.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When finished, select the \"x\" at the top-righthand side of the menu to close.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Your presentation should be updated with the changes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on how to customize your presentation, see Google: Change the theme, background, or layout in Google Slides<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 4. Set a Logical Tab Order\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nMany presentation applications create content composed almost exclusively of \"floating\" objects. This means that they avoid the transitions between in-line content and secondary \"floating\" objects (text boxes, images, etc.) that can cause accessibility issues in word processors.\r\n\r\nHowever, when you are working with \"floating\" objects, it is important to remember that the way objects are positioned in two dimensions on the screen may be completely different from how the objects will be read by a screen reader or navigated using a keyboard. The order that content is navigated sequentially is called the \"Tab Order\" because often the \"Tab\" key is used to navigate from one \"floating\" object to the next.\r\n\r\n
Tips for setting a logical \u201ctab order\u201d for \"floating\" objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- The tab order of floating objects is usually from the \u201clowest\u201d object on the slide to the \u201chighest\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Because objects automatically appear \u201con top\u201d when they are inserted, the default tab order is from the first object inserted to the last. However, this will change if you use features such as \u201cbring to front\u201d and \u201csend to back\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- The slide\u2019s main heading should be first in the tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Headings should be placed in the tab order immediately before the items (text, diagrams, etc.) for which they are acting as a heading.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Labels should be in the reading order placed immediately before the objects that they label.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For simple slide layouts, it may be possible to simply insert objects in a logical tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For more complex layouts, it may be easier to simply to create the slide as usual and then set the tab order (see below).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To set the tab order<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the object.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to menu item Arrange<\/strong> > Order <\/strong>> Bring to front<\/strong>, Bring forward<\/strong>, Send backward<\/strong>, or Send to back<\/strong>.\r\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca\/docs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/78\/2019\/07\/gslides-arrange-order.png\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 5. Use Slide Notes\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nA useful aspect of presentation applications is the facility to add notes to slides, which can then be read by assistive technologies. You can use these slide notes to explain and expand on the contents of your slides in text format. Slide notes can be created as you build your presentation.\r\nTo add notes to your slides<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: View > Show Speaker Notes\r\n<\/strong>Note:<\/em> Once you have selected this option, the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane will appear on the right side of the window for each slide. If you close the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane, you will have to perform the above step to access it again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane on the right, enter notes to accompany each slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 6. Provide Text Alternatives for Images and Graphical Objects\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides offers a mechanism for adding alternative text to images and objects where it can be readily accessed by screen reader users. While you can add alt text, you will need to ensure that you provide the longer descriptions in the body of the document, near the images and objects. While this solution is not optimal for screen reader users and will complicate your own accessibility testing, it is necessary until long descriptions are supported.\r\n\r\nWhen using images or other graphical objects, such as charts and graphs, it is important to ensure that the information you intend to convey by the image is also conveyed to people who cannot see the image. This can be accomplished by adding concise alternative text of each image. If an image is too complicated to concisely describe in the alternative text alone (artwork, flowcharts, etc.), provide a short text alternative and a longer description as well.\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing alternative text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Try to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image does not convey any useful information, leave the alternative text blank<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image contains meaningful text, ensure all of the text is replicated<\/li>\r\n \t
- Alternative text should be fairly short, usually a sentence or less and rarely more than two sentences<\/li>\r\n \t
- If more description is required (e.g., for a chart or graph), provide a short description in the alternative text (e.g., a summary of the trend) and more detail in the long description, see below<\/li>\r\n \t
- Test by having others review the document with the images replaced by the alternative text<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing longer descriptions<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Long descriptions should be used when text alternatives (see above) are insufficient to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- In some situations, the information being conveyed will be how an image looks (e.g., an artwork, architectural detail, etc.). In these cases, try to describe the image without making too many of your own assumptions.<\/li>\r\n \t
- One approach is to imagine you are describing the image to a person over the phone<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you still provide concise alternative text to help readers decide if they are interested in the longer description<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlternatively, you can include the same information conveyed by the image within the body of the document, providing the images as an alternate to the text. In that case, you do not have to provide alternate text within the image.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To add alternative text to images and graphical objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n \t- Right-click* on the image.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Alt Text from the contextual menu.\r\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca\/docs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/78\/2019\/07\/gslides-alt-text-menu-1.png\")
<\/li>\r\n \t - Add your alt text to the Description <\/strong>field.\r\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca\/docs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/78\/2019\/10\/google-alt-description.png\")
<\/li>\r\n \t- Press OK<\/strong> to saveNote:<\/em> Enter a description in the <\/span>Title<\/strong> field will show a pop-up tooltip when users hover over the image with their mouse. However, it is recommended to put the image description in the <\/span>Description<\/strong> field.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 7. Use Built-In Structuring Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
7.1 Tables<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism that allows you to select and indicate headings for rows and columns. Since it is not possible to create complex tables in Google Slides that are accessible, avoid creating complex tables since table headers cannot be designated. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you use the Grackle Slides<\/a> add-on, tables can be given structure and table headings can be indicated. While these fixes won\u2019t be useful for making tables more accessible in Google Slides, it does allow you to export the document into another format with appropriate table tags intact. For more on Grackle Slides, see Technique 11<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhen using tables, it is important to ensure that they are clear and appropriately structured. This helps all users to better understand the information in the table and allows assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to provide context so that the information within the table can be conveyed in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nTips for tables<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Only use tables for tabular information, not for formatting.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use \u201creal tables\u201d rather than text formatted to look like tables using the TAB key or space bar. These will not be recognized by assistive technology.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Keep tables simple by avoiding merged cells and dividing complex data sets into separate smaller tables, where possible.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If tables split across pages, set the header to show at the top of each page. Also set the table to break between rows instead of in the middle of rows.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Create a text summary of the essential table contents. Any abbreviations used should be explained in the summary.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table captions or descriptions should answer the question \"what is the table's purpose and how is it organized?\" (e.g., \"A sample order form with separate columns for the item name, price and quantity\").<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table cells should be marked as table headers when they serve as labels to help interpret the other cells in the table.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table header cells labels should be concise and clear.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure the table is not \u201cfloating\u201d on the page (see Technique 4<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
7.2 Lists<\/h3>\r\nWhen you create lists, it is important to format them as \u201creal lists\u201d. Otherwise, assistive technologies will interpret your list as a series of short separate paragraphs instead of a coherent list of related items.\r\nTo create an ordered or unordered list<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the text box or highlight the text<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to the menu bar<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click the Numbered list<\/strong> or Bullet list<\/strong> button\r\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca\/docs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/78\/2019\/07\/gslides-list-button.png\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n7.3 Columns<\/h3>\r\nUse Columns feature for placing text in columns.\r\nNote:<\/em> Because columns can be a challenge for users of some assistive technologies, consider whether a column layout is really necessary.\r\n7.4 Document Title<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides makes use of a single document name. Within Google Slides, this serves well as a title, but when exporting to ODT, the document name is used to form the file name, and the ODT \u201cTitle\u201d properties field is left blank, or it lists the title used in the first slide<\/strong> of the presentation.\r\n\r\nIn case the document is ever converted into HTML, it should be given a descriptive and meaningful title.\r\nTo change the file name of the current document<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: File > Rename<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Rename Document<\/strong> dialog, enter a new document name<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click OK<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 8. Create Accessible Charts\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nIn Google Slides, you can insert data charts linked to an existing Google Sheet file (see Google Help: Link a chart or table to Google Slides<\/a> for instructions).\r\n\r\nCharts can be used to display data in meaningful ways for your audience. It is important to ensure that your chart is as accessible as possible to all members of your audience. All basic accessibility considerations that are applied to the rest of your document must also be applied to your charts and the elements within your charts. For example, use shape and color, rather than color alone, to convey information. As well, some further steps should be taken to ensure that the contents are your chart are appropriate labeled to give users reference points that will help to correctly interpret the information.\r\n
To add a new chart to a presentation<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to Insert<\/strong> > Chart<\/strong>.\r\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca\/docs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/78\/2019\/07\/gslide-insert-chart.png\")
<\/li>\r\n \t- Select the type of chart you want to add.\r\nNote: <\/em>To edit a chart, see Google Help: Edit or Update Chart Data<\/a>.\r\nNote: <\/em>To learn more about how to customize the chart you created, see BrightCarbon: Google Slides: The ULTIMATE guide (blog post)<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Other Chart Considerations<\/h3>\r\n\r\n \t- When creating line charts, use the formatting options to create different types of dotted lines to facilitate legibility for users who are color blind<\/li>\r\n \t
- When creating bar charts, it is helpful to apply textures instead of colors to differentiate the bars<\/li>\r\n \t
- Change the default colors to a color safe or gray-scale palette<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use the formatting options to change predefined colors, ensuring that they align with sufficient contrast requirements (see Technique 9.2<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 9. Make Content Easier to See\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
9.1 Format of Text<\/h3>\r\nWhen formatting text, especially when the text is likely to be printed, try to:\r\n\r\n \t- Use font sizes between 12 and 18 points for body text.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use fonts of normal weight, rather than bold or light weight fonts. If you do choose to use bold fonts for emphasis, use them sparingly.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use standard fonts with clear spacing and easily recognized upper and lower case characters. Sans serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Verdana) may sometimes be easier to read than serif fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Garamond).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid large amounts of text set all in caps, italic or underlined.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use normal or expanded character spacing, rather than condensed spacing.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid animated or scrolling text.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBut can\u2019t users just zoom in?<\/strong> Office applications do typically include accessibility features such as the ability to magnify documents and support for high contrast modes. However, because printing is an important aspect of many workflows and changing font sizes directly will change documents details such the pagination, the layout of tables, etc., it is best practice to always format text for a reasonable degree of accessibility.\r\n
<\/a>9.2 Use Sufficient Contrast<\/h3>\r\nThe visual presentation of text and images of text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. To help you determine the contrast, here are some examples on a white background:\r\n\r\n \t- Very good contrast (Foreground=black, Background=white, Ratio=21:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Acceptable contrast (Foreground=#767676, Background=white, Ratio=4.54:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Unacceptable contrast (Foreground=#AAAAAA, Background=white, Ratio=2.32:1)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlso, always use a single solid color for a text background rather than a pattern.\r\nIn order to determine whether the colors in your document have sufficient contrast, you can consult an online contrast checker, such as:\r\n
\r\n \t- WebAIM: Contrast Checker<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Juicy Studio: Luminosity Color Contrast Ratio Analyzer<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Spectrum Tester<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Comparison<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.3 Avoid Using Color Alone<\/h3>\r\nColor should not be used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. In order to spot where color might be the only visual means of conveying information, you can create a screenshot of the document and then view it with online gray-scale converting tools, such as:\r\n\r\n \t- GrayBit v2.0: Grayscale Conversion Contrast Accessibility Tool<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEditor's note: <\/strong>GrayBit v2.0 is no longer available. However, multiple tools can be found online: Google Search: gray-scale conversion tool<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
9.4 Avoid Relying on Sensory Characteristics<\/h3>\r\nThe instructions provided for understanding and operating content should not rely solely on sensory characteristics such as the color or shape of content elements. Here are two examples:\r\n\r\n \t- Do not track changes by simply changing the color of text you have edited and noting the color. Instead use Google Slides\u2019s change tracking features to track changes, such as revision history.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Do not distinguish between images by referring to their appearance (e.g. \u201cthe bigger one\u201d). Instead, label each image with a figure number and use that for references.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.5 Avoid Using Images of Text<\/h3>\r\nBefore you use an image to control the presentation of text (e.g., to ensure a certain font or color combination), consider whether you can achieve the same result by styling \u201creal text\u201d. If this is not possible, as with logos containing stylized text, make sure to provide alternative text for the image following the techniques noted above.\r\n9.6 Avoid Transitions<\/h3>\r\nTransitions between slides and elements in each slide (e.g., bullets in a list flying onto the screen) can be distracting to users with disabilities. It can also cause assistive technologies to read the slide incorrectly. For these reasons, it is best to avoid transitions altogether.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 10. Make Content Easier to Understand\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n10.1 Write Clearly<\/h3>\r\nBy taking the time to design your content in a consistent way, it will be easier to access, navigate and interpret for all users:\r\n\r\n \t- Whenever possible, write clearly with short sentences.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Introduce acronyms and spell out abbreviations.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid making the document too \u201cbusy\u201d by using lots of whitespace and by avoiding too many different colors, fonts and images.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If content is repeated on multiple pages within a document or within a set of documents (e.g., headings, footings, etc.), it should occur consistently each time it is repeated.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
10.2 Provide Context for Hyperlinks<\/h3>\r\nHyperlink text in your document should be meaningful when read out of context. To be an effective navigation aid, the link text should describe the destination of the link.\r\n\r\nConsider the experience of screen reader users: Generally, screen readers generate a list of links, and screen reader users navigate this list alphabetically. Hyperlink text such as \"click here\" or \"more\" is meaningless in this context.\r\n\r\nIn order to be useful to someone using a screen reader, ensure that hyperlink text is self-describing and meaningful on its own.\r\nTo add hyperlinks with meaningful text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Insert > Link. <\/strong>Alternately, you can select the text you'd like to add a link to and press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on Macs).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the pop-up box, enter descriptive text in the Text <\/strong>display box.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Enter the link address in the Link<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Apply<\/strong><\/strong>.\r\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca\/docs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/78\/2019\/10\/gdoc-link.png\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n10.3 Accessible Presentations<\/h3>\r\nIt is important to consider accessibility before, during, and after presentations. Below is a helpful link with guidance on how to make presentations accessible to all:\r\n\r\n \t- \u201cHow to Make Presentations Accessible to All\u201d (Source: W3C-WAI Draft)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Enable live automatic captions when presenting<\/h4>\r\nIn Google Slides, you can present slides with automatic captions that displays the speaker's words in real time at the bottom of the screen.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> This feature is only available on Chrome devices in U.S. English. Also, captions are not stored.\r\nStep 1: Set up your microphone<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Google Slides requires your computer's microphone or an external microphone paired with your computer to be turned on and working.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Devices and microphones vary, so be sure to check your computer's settings. Typically, these settings are found under System Preferences<\/a> on a Mac or in the Control Panel<\/a> on a PC.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Step 2: Present with captions<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Connect to the internet.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Open your presentation.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To start presenting, click Present<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn on captions, click CC<\/strong>.\r\nAs you speak, the captions (without punctuation) appear at the bottom of the screen.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn off captions, click CC<\/strong> again.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on enabling live automatic captions when presenting, see Google: Present slides with captions<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 11. Check Accessibility\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism to check for potential accessibility errors in your document prior to publishing. However, a third-party add-on called Grackle Sheets can be used to check the accessibility of your workbook (see below).\r\n\r\nIn order to get some indication of the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), then you may consider saving the file into HTML or PDF in order to perform an accessibility check in one of those formats, as described below.\r\n
To evaluate HTML accessibility<\/h4>\r\nIf you wish to check the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), one option is to save it into HTML format and use one of the web accessibility checkers available online. Such as:\r\n\r\n \t- AChecker <\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
File Formats<\/h3>\r\nGoogle Slides does not have a default file format, as it is a web-based authoring tool.\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides offers a number of presentation processor and web format saving options. Most of these have not been checked for accessibility, but some information and\/or instructions are available for the following formats in Technique 12<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \t- Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx)<\/li>\r\n \t
- ODP Document (.odp)<\/li>\r\n \t
- PDF Document (.pdf)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Plain Text (.txt)<\/li>\r\n \t
- JPEG image (.jpg, current slide)<\/li>\r\n \t
- PNG image (.png, current slide)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg, current slide)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Document Conventions<\/h3>\r\nWe have tried to formulate these techniques so that they are useful to all authors, regardless of whether they use a mouse. However, for clarity there are several instances where mouse-only language is used. Below are the mouse-only terms and their keyboard alternatives:\r\n\r\n \t- *Right-click:<\/strong> To right-click with the keyboard, select the object using the Shift+Arrow keys and then press either (1) the \u201cRight-Click\u201d key (some keyboard have this to the right of the spacebar) or Shift+F10.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Disclaimer and Testing Details<\/h3>\r\nFollowing these techniques will increase the accessibility of your documents, but it does not guarantee accessibility to any specific disability groups<\/strong>. In cases where more certainty is required, it is recommended that you test the office documents with end users with disabilities, including screen reader users. Files are easily saved as various file formats (see Technique 12<\/a>).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEditor's note: <\/strong>Since the content of this page has been heavily updated from the original article (Authoring Techniques for Accessible Office Documents: Google docs: Presentations<\/a>), the usual editor's notes that flag new content will be omitted. The application-specific steps and screenshots were updated in December 2019.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 1. Use Accessible Templates\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides lacks support for accessibility features such as table headings.\r\n\r\nAll office documents start with a template, which can be as simple as a blank standard-sized page or as complex as a nearly complete document with text, graphics and other content. For example, a \u201cMeeting Minutes\u201d template might include headings for information relevant to a business meeting, such as \u201cActions\u201d above a table with rows to denote time and columns for actions of the meeting.\r\n\r\nBecause templates provide the starting-point for so many documents, accessibility is critical. If you are unsure whether a template is accessible, you should check a sample document produced when the template is used (see Technique 11<\/a>).\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides\u2019s default template for new documents is a blank presentation. The basic installation also includes a wide variety of templates for business presentations. These are all accessible by virtue of being blank.\r\n\r\nIt is possible to create your own templates from scratch in Google Slides. As well, you can edit and modify the existing templates, ensuring their accessibility as you do so and saving them as a new template.\r\nTo select a template<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to Google Sheets<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- At the top right, click on Template Gallery<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select a template.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A copy of the template will open.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To create an accessible template<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Create a new document (from the default template or from an existing template).\r\nNote:<\/em> If creating a template from an existing document, go to File<\/strong> > Make a copy<\/strong>. Type a name and choose where to save it, then, click Ok<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Rename your document. Be sure to indicate that the document is an accessible template by using terms such as \u201caccessible\u201d (e.g., \u201cAccessible Memo Template\u201d). This will improve its searchability and promote its use as an accessible template.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you follow techniques in this document. You may also check the accessibility (see Technique 11<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To share your accessible template as a new document<\/em><\/h4>\r\nYou can share your accessible template, but it may be more useful to share the file as copy that other users can add to their Google Drive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the address bar change the end of the URL before sending it.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Replace \u201cedit\u201d at the end of the URL with \u201ccopy\u201d.\r\nFor example:<\/em>\r\nBefore:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/edit<\/strong><\/em>\r\nAfter:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/copy<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
- Send the modified copy link.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When the recipient follows the modified copy link, they\u2019re instructed to click on Make a copy<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- They can then work on a copy of the accessible template.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more information, see the resources below:\r\n
\r\n \t- Google: Create document templates<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Google: Share \u201cMake a copy\u201d links to your files<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 2. Set Document Language\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time, Google Slides does not offer an explicit language selection mechanism to indicate the natural language of your document or changes in natural language at any point within the content. Google Slides defaults the natural language to the language selected for your Google Account. When exporting to other document formats, there is no guarantee that the natural language of your Google Account will be indicated as the natural language of your document.\r\n\r\nIn order for assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to be able to present your document accurately, it is important to indicate the natural language of the document. If a different natural language is used for a paragraph or selected text, this also needs to be clearly indicated.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 3. Use Built-In Layout and Styling Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides does not offer \"True Headings\" or \"Named Styles\".\r\n
3.1 Use Built-In Slide Layouts<\/h3>\r\nInstead of creating each slide in your presentation by starting from a blank slide, check whether there is a suitable built-in layout.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> The built-in layouts can be more accessible to users of assistive technologies because they technologies sometimes read the floating items on the slide in the order that they were placed on the slide. The built-in layouts have usually taken this into account (e.g., \u201cTitle\u201d first followed by other items, left to right and from top to bottom). If you create slide layouts from scratch, it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the order elements were placed.\r\nTo apply \u201ctrue layout\u201d to a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > New Slide\u2026 <\/strong>(Ctrl+M).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Layout<\/strong> drop-down on the toolbar, select a slide layout from the options.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- A new slide will be inserted into the presentation with the layout you selected<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
3.2 Customize Using Master Slides<\/h3>\r\nGoogle Slides is packaged with master slides available for your use. If a layout must be customized, it is recommended that Master Slides be used.\r\n\r\nEvery slide layout in a presentation is defined by its master slide. A master slide determines the formatting style for various elements of the slide layout. This includes font styles, character formatting, and the positioning of elements. Essentially, each master slide acts as a design template for the slide layout.\r\n\r\nIf you edit any aspect of the slide layout in the master slide, the change will affect all slides that were created based on it. For this reason, it is good practice to edit the master slide and use the slide layouts before building individual slides. It is essential that you create and use master slides that meet the accessibility requirements outlined in this document.\r\n\r\nOne way around this is to format a slide, ensuring its accessibility, and then create duplicates of that slide within your presentation. You can then edit the content of the duplicate slides, while ensuring that its layout meets accessibility requirements. In this way, the original slide acts as design template for the slides derived from it.\r\nTo duplicate a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > Duplicate slide<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Edit the content of your duplicate slide, ensuring your changes do not negatively affect accessibility of the slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To change a theme<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong>, then select Change theme.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- On the right sidebar, select the theme you want.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nNote:<\/em> If you would like to include a unique slide layout for a single slide, see Google: Learn how to apply a theme to only one slide<\/a>.\r\n
To customize a master slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong> > Edit master<\/strong>.\r\nOptional: <\/em> Before editing the master, you can first select a theme that is similar to the design you want before editing the master (select Theme<\/strong>, then select a theme from the right).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the master template editor, select the Master<\/strong> slide at the top.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Make your edits to the master slide.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When finished, select the \"x\" at the top-righthand side of the menu to close.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Your presentation should be updated with the changes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on how to customize your presentation, see Google: Change the theme, background, or layout in Google Slides<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 4. Set a Logical Tab Order\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nMany presentation applications create content composed almost exclusively of \"floating\" objects. This means that they avoid the transitions between in-line content and secondary \"floating\" objects (text boxes, images, etc.) that can cause accessibility issues in word processors.\r\n\r\nHowever, when you are working with \"floating\" objects, it is important to remember that the way objects are positioned in two dimensions on the screen may be completely different from how the objects will be read by a screen reader or navigated using a keyboard. The order that content is navigated sequentially is called the \"Tab Order\" because often the \"Tab\" key is used to navigate from one \"floating\" object to the next.\r\n\r\n
Tips for setting a logical \u201ctab order\u201d for \"floating\" objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- The tab order of floating objects is usually from the \u201clowest\u201d object on the slide to the \u201chighest\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Because objects automatically appear \u201con top\u201d when they are inserted, the default tab order is from the first object inserted to the last. However, this will change if you use features such as \u201cbring to front\u201d and \u201csend to back\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- The slide\u2019s main heading should be first in the tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Headings should be placed in the tab order immediately before the items (text, diagrams, etc.) for which they are acting as a heading.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Labels should be in the reading order placed immediately before the objects that they label.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For simple slide layouts, it may be possible to simply insert objects in a logical tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For more complex layouts, it may be easier to simply to create the slide as usual and then set the tab order (see below).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To set the tab order<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the object.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to menu item Arrange<\/strong> > Order <\/strong>> Bring to front<\/strong>, Bring forward<\/strong>, Send backward<\/strong>, or Send to back<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 5. Use Slide Notes\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nA useful aspect of presentation applications is the facility to add notes to slides, which can then be read by assistive technologies. You can use these slide notes to explain and expand on the contents of your slides in text format. Slide notes can be created as you build your presentation.\r\n
To add notes to your slides<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: View > Show Speaker Notes\r\n<\/strong>Note:<\/em> Once you have selected this option, the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane will appear on the right side of the window for each slide. If you close the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane, you will have to perform the above step to access it again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane on the right, enter notes to accompany each slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 6. Provide Text Alternatives for Images and Graphical Objects\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides offers a mechanism for adding alternative text to images and objects where it can be readily accessed by screen reader users. While you can add alt text, you will need to ensure that you provide the longer descriptions in the body of the document, near the images and objects. While this solution is not optimal for screen reader users and will complicate your own accessibility testing, it is necessary until long descriptions are supported.\r\n\r\nWhen using images or other graphical objects, such as charts and graphs, it is important to ensure that the information you intend to convey by the image is also conveyed to people who cannot see the image. This can be accomplished by adding concise alternative text of each image. If an image is too complicated to concisely describe in the alternative text alone (artwork, flowcharts, etc.), provide a short text alternative and a longer description as well.\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing alternative text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Try to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image does not convey any useful information, leave the alternative text blank<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image contains meaningful text, ensure all of the text is replicated<\/li>\r\n \t
- Alternative text should be fairly short, usually a sentence or less and rarely more than two sentences<\/li>\r\n \t
- If more description is required (e.g., for a chart or graph), provide a short description in the alternative text (e.g., a summary of the trend) and more detail in the long description, see below<\/li>\r\n \t
- Test by having others review the document with the images replaced by the alternative text<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing longer descriptions<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Long descriptions should be used when text alternatives (see above) are insufficient to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- In some situations, the information being conveyed will be how an image looks (e.g., an artwork, architectural detail, etc.). In these cases, try to describe the image without making too many of your own assumptions.<\/li>\r\n \t
- One approach is to imagine you are describing the image to a person over the phone<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you still provide concise alternative text to help readers decide if they are interested in the longer description<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlternatively, you can include the same information conveyed by the image within the body of the document, providing the images as an alternate to the text. In that case, you do not have to provide alternate text within the image.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To add alternative text to images and graphical objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n \t- Right-click* on the image.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Alt Text from the contextual menu.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Add your alt text to the Description <\/strong>field.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Press OK<\/strong> to saveNote:<\/em> Enter a description in the <\/span>Title<\/strong> field will show a pop-up tooltip when users hover over the image with their mouse. However, it is recommended to put the image description in the <\/span>Description<\/strong> field.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 7. Use Built-In Structuring Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
7.1 Tables<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism that allows you to select and indicate headings for rows and columns. Since it is not possible to create complex tables in Google Slides that are accessible, avoid creating complex tables since table headers cannot be designated. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you use the Grackle Slides<\/a> add-on, tables can be given structure and table headings can be indicated. While these fixes won\u2019t be useful for making tables more accessible in Google Slides, it does allow you to export the document into another format with appropriate table tags intact. For more on Grackle Slides, see Technique 11<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhen using tables, it is important to ensure that they are clear and appropriately structured. This helps all users to better understand the information in the table and allows assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to provide context so that the information within the table can be conveyed in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nTips for tables<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Only use tables for tabular information, not for formatting.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use \u201creal tables\u201d rather than text formatted to look like tables using the TAB key or space bar. These will not be recognized by assistive technology.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Keep tables simple by avoiding merged cells and dividing complex data sets into separate smaller tables, where possible.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If tables split across pages, set the header to show at the top of each page. Also set the table to break between rows instead of in the middle of rows.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Create a text summary of the essential table contents. Any abbreviations used should be explained in the summary.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table captions or descriptions should answer the question \"what is the table's purpose and how is it organized?\" (e.g., \"A sample order form with separate columns for the item name, price and quantity\").<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table cells should be marked as table headers when they serve as labels to help interpret the other cells in the table.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table header cells labels should be concise and clear.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure the table is not \u201cfloating\u201d on the page (see Technique 4<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
7.2 Lists<\/h3>\r\nWhen you create lists, it is important to format them as \u201creal lists\u201d. Otherwise, assistive technologies will interpret your list as a series of short separate paragraphs instead of a coherent list of related items.\r\nTo create an ordered or unordered list<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the text box or highlight the text<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to the menu bar<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click the Numbered list<\/strong> or Bullet list<\/strong> button\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
7.3 Columns<\/h3>\r\nUse Columns feature for placing text in columns.\r\nNote:<\/em> Because columns can be a challenge for users of some assistive technologies, consider whether a column layout is really necessary.\r\n7.4 Document Title<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides makes use of a single document name. Within Google Slides, this serves well as a title, but when exporting to ODT, the document name is used to form the file name, and the ODT \u201cTitle\u201d properties field is left blank, or it lists the title used in the first slide<\/strong> of the presentation.\r\n\r\nIn case the document is ever converted into HTML, it should be given a descriptive and meaningful title.\r\nTo change the file name of the current document<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: File > Rename<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Rename Document<\/strong> dialog, enter a new document name<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click OK<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 8. Create Accessible Charts\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nIn Google Slides, you can insert data charts linked to an existing Google Sheet file (see Google Help: Link a chart or table to Google Slides<\/a> for instructions).\r\n\r\nCharts can be used to display data in meaningful ways for your audience. It is important to ensure that your chart is as accessible as possible to all members of your audience. All basic accessibility considerations that are applied to the rest of your document must also be applied to your charts and the elements within your charts. For example, use shape and color, rather than color alone, to convey information. As well, some further steps should be taken to ensure that the contents are your chart are appropriate labeled to give users reference points that will help to correctly interpret the information.\r\n
To add a new chart to a presentation<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to Insert<\/strong> > Chart<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select the type of chart you want to add.\r\nNote: <\/em>To edit a chart, see Google Help: Edit or Update Chart Data<\/a>.\r\nNote: <\/em>To learn more about how to customize the chart you created, see BrightCarbon: Google Slides: The ULTIMATE guide (blog post)<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Other Chart Considerations<\/h3>\r\n\r\n \t- When creating line charts, use the formatting options to create different types of dotted lines to facilitate legibility for users who are color blind<\/li>\r\n \t
- When creating bar charts, it is helpful to apply textures instead of colors to differentiate the bars<\/li>\r\n \t
- Change the default colors to a color safe or gray-scale palette<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use the formatting options to change predefined colors, ensuring that they align with sufficient contrast requirements (see Technique 9.2<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 9. Make Content Easier to See\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
9.1 Format of Text<\/h3>\r\nWhen formatting text, especially when the text is likely to be printed, try to:\r\n\r\n \t- Use font sizes between 12 and 18 points for body text.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use fonts of normal weight, rather than bold or light weight fonts. If you do choose to use bold fonts for emphasis, use them sparingly.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use standard fonts with clear spacing and easily recognized upper and lower case characters. Sans serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Verdana) may sometimes be easier to read than serif fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Garamond).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid large amounts of text set all in caps, italic or underlined.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use normal or expanded character spacing, rather than condensed spacing.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid animated or scrolling text.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBut can\u2019t users just zoom in?<\/strong> Office applications do typically include accessibility features such as the ability to magnify documents and support for high contrast modes. However, because printing is an important aspect of many workflows and changing font sizes directly will change documents details such the pagination, the layout of tables, etc., it is best practice to always format text for a reasonable degree of accessibility.\r\n
<\/a>9.2 Use Sufficient Contrast<\/h3>\r\nThe visual presentation of text and images of text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. To help you determine the contrast, here are some examples on a white background:\r\n\r\n \t- Very good contrast (Foreground=black, Background=white, Ratio=21:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Acceptable contrast (Foreground=#767676, Background=white, Ratio=4.54:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Unacceptable contrast (Foreground=#AAAAAA, Background=white, Ratio=2.32:1)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlso, always use a single solid color for a text background rather than a pattern.\r\nIn order to determine whether the colors in your document have sufficient contrast, you can consult an online contrast checker, such as:\r\n
\r\n \t- WebAIM: Contrast Checker<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Juicy Studio: Luminosity Color Contrast Ratio Analyzer<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Spectrum Tester<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Comparison<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.3 Avoid Using Color Alone<\/h3>\r\nColor should not be used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. In order to spot where color might be the only visual means of conveying information, you can create a screenshot of the document and then view it with online gray-scale converting tools, such as:\r\n\r\n \t- GrayBit v2.0: Grayscale Conversion Contrast Accessibility Tool<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEditor's note: <\/strong>GrayBit v2.0 is no longer available. However, multiple tools can be found online: Google Search: gray-scale conversion tool<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
9.4 Avoid Relying on Sensory Characteristics<\/h3>\r\nThe instructions provided for understanding and operating content should not rely solely on sensory characteristics such as the color or shape of content elements. Here are two examples:\r\n\r\n \t- Do not track changes by simply changing the color of text you have edited and noting the color. Instead use Google Slides\u2019s change tracking features to track changes, such as revision history.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Do not distinguish between images by referring to their appearance (e.g. \u201cthe bigger one\u201d). Instead, label each image with a figure number and use that for references.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.5 Avoid Using Images of Text<\/h3>\r\nBefore you use an image to control the presentation of text (e.g., to ensure a certain font or color combination), consider whether you can achieve the same result by styling \u201creal text\u201d. If this is not possible, as with logos containing stylized text, make sure to provide alternative text for the image following the techniques noted above.\r\n9.6 Avoid Transitions<\/h3>\r\nTransitions between slides and elements in each slide (e.g., bullets in a list flying onto the screen) can be distracting to users with disabilities. It can also cause assistive technologies to read the slide incorrectly. For these reasons, it is best to avoid transitions altogether.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 10. Make Content Easier to Understand\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n10.1 Write Clearly<\/h3>\r\nBy taking the time to design your content in a consistent way, it will be easier to access, navigate and interpret for all users:\r\n\r\n \t- Whenever possible, write clearly with short sentences.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Introduce acronyms and spell out abbreviations.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid making the document too \u201cbusy\u201d by using lots of whitespace and by avoiding too many different colors, fonts and images.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If content is repeated on multiple pages within a document or within a set of documents (e.g., headings, footings, etc.), it should occur consistently each time it is repeated.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
10.2 Provide Context for Hyperlinks<\/h3>\r\nHyperlink text in your document should be meaningful when read out of context. To be an effective navigation aid, the link text should describe the destination of the link.\r\n\r\nConsider the experience of screen reader users: Generally, screen readers generate a list of links, and screen reader users navigate this list alphabetically. Hyperlink text such as \"click here\" or \"more\" is meaningless in this context.\r\n\r\nIn order to be useful to someone using a screen reader, ensure that hyperlink text is self-describing and meaningful on its own.\r\nTo add hyperlinks with meaningful text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Insert > Link. <\/strong>Alternately, you can select the text you'd like to add a link to and press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on Macs).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the pop-up box, enter descriptive text in the Text <\/strong>display box.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Enter the link address in the Link<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Apply<\/strong><\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
10.3 Accessible Presentations<\/h3>\r\nIt is important to consider accessibility before, during, and after presentations. Below is a helpful link with guidance on how to make presentations accessible to all:\r\n\r\n \t- \u201cHow to Make Presentations Accessible to All\u201d (Source: W3C-WAI Draft)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Enable live automatic captions when presenting<\/h4>\r\nIn Google Slides, you can present slides with automatic captions that displays the speaker's words in real time at the bottom of the screen.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> This feature is only available on Chrome devices in U.S. English. Also, captions are not stored.\r\nStep 1: Set up your microphone<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Google Slides requires your computer's microphone or an external microphone paired with your computer to be turned on and working.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Devices and microphones vary, so be sure to check your computer's settings. Typically, these settings are found under System Preferences<\/a> on a Mac or in the Control Panel<\/a> on a PC.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Step 2: Present with captions<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Connect to the internet.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Open your presentation.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To start presenting, click Present<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn on captions, click CC<\/strong>.\r\nAs you speak, the captions (without punctuation) appear at the bottom of the screen.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn off captions, click CC<\/strong> again.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on enabling live automatic captions when presenting, see Google: Present slides with captions<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 11. Check Accessibility\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism to check for potential accessibility errors in your document prior to publishing. However, a third-party add-on called Grackle Sheets can be used to check the accessibility of your workbook (see below).\r\n\r\nIn order to get some indication of the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), then you may consider saving the file into HTML or PDF in order to perform an accessibility check in one of those formats, as described below.\r\n
To evaluate HTML accessibility<\/h4>\r\nIf you wish to check the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), one option is to save it into HTML format and use one of the web accessibility checkers available online. Such as:\r\n\r\n \t- AChecker <\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
Document Conventions<\/h3>\r\nWe have tried to formulate these techniques so that they are useful to all authors, regardless of whether they use a mouse. However, for clarity there are several instances where mouse-only language is used. Below are the mouse-only terms and their keyboard alternatives:\r\n\r\n \t- *Right-click:<\/strong> To right-click with the keyboard, select the object using the Shift+Arrow keys and then press either (1) the \u201cRight-Click\u201d key (some keyboard have this to the right of the spacebar) or Shift+F10.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Disclaimer and Testing Details<\/h3>\r\nFollowing these techniques will increase the accessibility of your documents, but it does not guarantee accessibility to any specific disability groups<\/strong>. In cases where more certainty is required, it is recommended that you test the office documents with end users with disabilities, including screen reader users. Files are easily saved as various file formats (see Technique 12<\/a>).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEditor's note: <\/strong>Since the content of this page has been heavily updated from the original article (Authoring Techniques for Accessible Office Documents: Google docs: Presentations<\/a>), the usual editor's notes that flag new content will be omitted. The application-specific steps and screenshots were updated in December 2019.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 1. Use Accessible Templates\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides lacks support for accessibility features such as table headings.\r\n\r\nAll office documents start with a template, which can be as simple as a blank standard-sized page or as complex as a nearly complete document with text, graphics and other content. For example, a \u201cMeeting Minutes\u201d template might include headings for information relevant to a business meeting, such as \u201cActions\u201d above a table with rows to denote time and columns for actions of the meeting.\r\n\r\nBecause templates provide the starting-point for so many documents, accessibility is critical. If you are unsure whether a template is accessible, you should check a sample document produced when the template is used (see Technique 11<\/a>).\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides\u2019s default template for new documents is a blank presentation. The basic installation also includes a wide variety of templates for business presentations. These are all accessible by virtue of being blank.\r\n\r\nIt is possible to create your own templates from scratch in Google Slides. As well, you can edit and modify the existing templates, ensuring their accessibility as you do so and saving them as a new template.\r\nTo select a template<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to Google Sheets<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- At the top right, click on Template Gallery<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select a template.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A copy of the template will open.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To create an accessible template<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Create a new document (from the default template or from an existing template).\r\nNote:<\/em> If creating a template from an existing document, go to File<\/strong> > Make a copy<\/strong>. Type a name and choose where to save it, then, click Ok<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Rename your document. Be sure to indicate that the document is an accessible template by using terms such as \u201caccessible\u201d (e.g., \u201cAccessible Memo Template\u201d). This will improve its searchability and promote its use as an accessible template.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you follow techniques in this document. You may also check the accessibility (see Technique 11<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To share your accessible template as a new document<\/em><\/h4>\r\nYou can share your accessible template, but it may be more useful to share the file as copy that other users can add to their Google Drive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the address bar change the end of the URL before sending it.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Replace \u201cedit\u201d at the end of the URL with \u201ccopy\u201d.\r\nFor example:<\/em>\r\nBefore:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/edit<\/strong><\/em>\r\nAfter:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/copy<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
- Send the modified copy link.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When the recipient follows the modified copy link, they\u2019re instructed to click on Make a copy<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- They can then work on a copy of the accessible template.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more information, see the resources below:\r\n
\r\n \t- Google: Create document templates<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Google: Share \u201cMake a copy\u201d links to your files<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 2. Set Document Language\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time, Google Slides does not offer an explicit language selection mechanism to indicate the natural language of your document or changes in natural language at any point within the content. Google Slides defaults the natural language to the language selected for your Google Account. When exporting to other document formats, there is no guarantee that the natural language of your Google Account will be indicated as the natural language of your document.\r\n\r\nIn order for assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to be able to present your document accurately, it is important to indicate the natural language of the document. If a different natural language is used for a paragraph or selected text, this also needs to be clearly indicated.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 3. Use Built-In Layout and Styling Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides does not offer \"True Headings\" or \"Named Styles\".\r\n
3.1 Use Built-In Slide Layouts<\/h3>\r\nInstead of creating each slide in your presentation by starting from a blank slide, check whether there is a suitable built-in layout.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> The built-in layouts can be more accessible to users of assistive technologies because they technologies sometimes read the floating items on the slide in the order that they were placed on the slide. The built-in layouts have usually taken this into account (e.g., \u201cTitle\u201d first followed by other items, left to right and from top to bottom). If you create slide layouts from scratch, it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the order elements were placed.\r\nTo apply \u201ctrue layout\u201d to a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > New Slide\u2026 <\/strong>(Ctrl+M).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Layout<\/strong> drop-down on the toolbar, select a slide layout from the options.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- A new slide will be inserted into the presentation with the layout you selected<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
3.2 Customize Using Master Slides<\/h3>\r\nGoogle Slides is packaged with master slides available for your use. If a layout must be customized, it is recommended that Master Slides be used.\r\n\r\nEvery slide layout in a presentation is defined by its master slide. A master slide determines the formatting style for various elements of the slide layout. This includes font styles, character formatting, and the positioning of elements. Essentially, each master slide acts as a design template for the slide layout.\r\n\r\nIf you edit any aspect of the slide layout in the master slide, the change will affect all slides that were created based on it. For this reason, it is good practice to edit the master slide and use the slide layouts before building individual slides. It is essential that you create and use master slides that meet the accessibility requirements outlined in this document.\r\n\r\nOne way around this is to format a slide, ensuring its accessibility, and then create duplicates of that slide within your presentation. You can then edit the content of the duplicate slides, while ensuring that its layout meets accessibility requirements. In this way, the original slide acts as design template for the slides derived from it.\r\nTo duplicate a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > Duplicate slide<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Edit the content of your duplicate slide, ensuring your changes do not negatively affect accessibility of the slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To change a theme<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong>, then select Change theme.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- On the right sidebar, select the theme you want.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nNote:<\/em> If you would like to include a unique slide layout for a single slide, see Google: Learn how to apply a theme to only one slide<\/a>.\r\n
To customize a master slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong> > Edit master<\/strong>.\r\nOptional: <\/em> Before editing the master, you can first select a theme that is similar to the design you want before editing the master (select Theme<\/strong>, then select a theme from the right).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the master template editor, select the Master<\/strong> slide at the top.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Make your edits to the master slide.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When finished, select the \"x\" at the top-righthand side of the menu to close.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Your presentation should be updated with the changes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on how to customize your presentation, see Google: Change the theme, background, or layout in Google Slides<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 4. Set a Logical Tab Order\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nMany presentation applications create content composed almost exclusively of \"floating\" objects. This means that they avoid the transitions between in-line content and secondary \"floating\" objects (text boxes, images, etc.) that can cause accessibility issues in word processors.\r\n\r\nHowever, when you are working with \"floating\" objects, it is important to remember that the way objects are positioned in two dimensions on the screen may be completely different from how the objects will be read by a screen reader or navigated using a keyboard. The order that content is navigated sequentially is called the \"Tab Order\" because often the \"Tab\" key is used to navigate from one \"floating\" object to the next.\r\n\r\n
Tips for setting a logical \u201ctab order\u201d for \"floating\" objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- The tab order of floating objects is usually from the \u201clowest\u201d object on the slide to the \u201chighest\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Because objects automatically appear \u201con top\u201d when they are inserted, the default tab order is from the first object inserted to the last. However, this will change if you use features such as \u201cbring to front\u201d and \u201csend to back\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- The slide\u2019s main heading should be first in the tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Headings should be placed in the tab order immediately before the items (text, diagrams, etc.) for which they are acting as a heading.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Labels should be in the reading order placed immediately before the objects that they label.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For simple slide layouts, it may be possible to simply insert objects in a logical tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For more complex layouts, it may be easier to simply to create the slide as usual and then set the tab order (see below).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To set the tab order<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the object.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to menu item Arrange<\/strong> > Order <\/strong>> Bring to front<\/strong>, Bring forward<\/strong>, Send backward<\/strong>, or Send to back<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 5. Use Slide Notes\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nA useful aspect of presentation applications is the facility to add notes to slides, which can then be read by assistive technologies. You can use these slide notes to explain and expand on the contents of your slides in text format. Slide notes can be created as you build your presentation.\r\n
To add notes to your slides<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: View > Show Speaker Notes\r\n<\/strong>Note:<\/em> Once you have selected this option, the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane will appear on the right side of the window for each slide. If you close the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane, you will have to perform the above step to access it again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane on the right, enter notes to accompany each slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 6. Provide Text Alternatives for Images and Graphical Objects\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides offers a mechanism for adding alternative text to images and objects where it can be readily accessed by screen reader users. While you can add alt text, you will need to ensure that you provide the longer descriptions in the body of the document, near the images and objects. While this solution is not optimal for screen reader users and will complicate your own accessibility testing, it is necessary until long descriptions are supported.\r\n\r\nWhen using images or other graphical objects, such as charts and graphs, it is important to ensure that the information you intend to convey by the image is also conveyed to people who cannot see the image. This can be accomplished by adding concise alternative text of each image. If an image is too complicated to concisely describe in the alternative text alone (artwork, flowcharts, etc.), provide a short text alternative and a longer description as well.\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing alternative text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Try to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image does not convey any useful information, leave the alternative text blank<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image contains meaningful text, ensure all of the text is replicated<\/li>\r\n \t
- Alternative text should be fairly short, usually a sentence or less and rarely more than two sentences<\/li>\r\n \t
- If more description is required (e.g., for a chart or graph), provide a short description in the alternative text (e.g., a summary of the trend) and more detail in the long description, see below<\/li>\r\n \t
- Test by having others review the document with the images replaced by the alternative text<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing longer descriptions<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Long descriptions should be used when text alternatives (see above) are insufficient to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- In some situations, the information being conveyed will be how an image looks (e.g., an artwork, architectural detail, etc.). In these cases, try to describe the image without making too many of your own assumptions.<\/li>\r\n \t
- One approach is to imagine you are describing the image to a person over the phone<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you still provide concise alternative text to help readers decide if they are interested in the longer description<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlternatively, you can include the same information conveyed by the image within the body of the document, providing the images as an alternate to the text. In that case, you do not have to provide alternate text within the image.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To add alternative text to images and graphical objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n \t- Right-click* on the image.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Alt Text from the contextual menu.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Add your alt text to the Description <\/strong>field.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Press OK<\/strong> to saveNote:<\/em> Enter a description in the <\/span>Title<\/strong> field will show a pop-up tooltip when users hover over the image with their mouse. However, it is recommended to put the image description in the <\/span>Description<\/strong> field.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 7. Use Built-In Structuring Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
7.1 Tables<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism that allows you to select and indicate headings for rows and columns. Since it is not possible to create complex tables in Google Slides that are accessible, avoid creating complex tables since table headers cannot be designated. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you use the Grackle Slides<\/a> add-on, tables can be given structure and table headings can be indicated. While these fixes won\u2019t be useful for making tables more accessible in Google Slides, it does allow you to export the document into another format with appropriate table tags intact. For more on Grackle Slides, see Technique 11<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhen using tables, it is important to ensure that they are clear and appropriately structured. This helps all users to better understand the information in the table and allows assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to provide context so that the information within the table can be conveyed in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nTips for tables<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Only use tables for tabular information, not for formatting.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use \u201creal tables\u201d rather than text formatted to look like tables using the TAB key or space bar. These will not be recognized by assistive technology.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Keep tables simple by avoiding merged cells and dividing complex data sets into separate smaller tables, where possible.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If tables split across pages, set the header to show at the top of each page. Also set the table to break between rows instead of in the middle of rows.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Create a text summary of the essential table contents. Any abbreviations used should be explained in the summary.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table captions or descriptions should answer the question \"what is the table's purpose and how is it organized?\" (e.g., \"A sample order form with separate columns for the item name, price and quantity\").<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table cells should be marked as table headers when they serve as labels to help interpret the other cells in the table.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table header cells labels should be concise and clear.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure the table is not \u201cfloating\u201d on the page (see Technique 4<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
7.2 Lists<\/h3>\r\nWhen you create lists, it is important to format them as \u201creal lists\u201d. Otherwise, assistive technologies will interpret your list as a series of short separate paragraphs instead of a coherent list of related items.\r\nTo create an ordered or unordered list<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the text box or highlight the text<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to the menu bar<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click the Numbered list<\/strong> or Bullet list<\/strong> button\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
7.3 Columns<\/h3>\r\nUse Columns feature for placing text in columns.\r\nNote:<\/em> Because columns can be a challenge for users of some assistive technologies, consider whether a column layout is really necessary.\r\n7.4 Document Title<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides makes use of a single document name. Within Google Slides, this serves well as a title, but when exporting to ODT, the document name is used to form the file name, and the ODT \u201cTitle\u201d properties field is left blank, or it lists the title used in the first slide<\/strong> of the presentation.\r\n\r\nIn case the document is ever converted into HTML, it should be given a descriptive and meaningful title.\r\nTo change the file name of the current document<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: File > Rename<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Rename Document<\/strong> dialog, enter a new document name<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click OK<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 8. Create Accessible Charts\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nIn Google Slides, you can insert data charts linked to an existing Google Sheet file (see Google Help: Link a chart or table to Google Slides<\/a> for instructions).\r\n\r\nCharts can be used to display data in meaningful ways for your audience. It is important to ensure that your chart is as accessible as possible to all members of your audience. All basic accessibility considerations that are applied to the rest of your document must also be applied to your charts and the elements within your charts. For example, use shape and color, rather than color alone, to convey information. As well, some further steps should be taken to ensure that the contents are your chart are appropriate labeled to give users reference points that will help to correctly interpret the information.\r\n
To add a new chart to a presentation<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to Insert<\/strong> > Chart<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select the type of chart you want to add.\r\nNote: <\/em>To edit a chart, see Google Help: Edit or Update Chart Data<\/a>.\r\nNote: <\/em>To learn more about how to customize the chart you created, see BrightCarbon: Google Slides: The ULTIMATE guide (blog post)<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Other Chart Considerations<\/h3>\r\n\r\n \t- When creating line charts, use the formatting options to create different types of dotted lines to facilitate legibility for users who are color blind<\/li>\r\n \t
- When creating bar charts, it is helpful to apply textures instead of colors to differentiate the bars<\/li>\r\n \t
- Change the default colors to a color safe or gray-scale palette<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use the formatting options to change predefined colors, ensuring that they align with sufficient contrast requirements (see Technique 9.2<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 9. Make Content Easier to See\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
9.1 Format of Text<\/h3>\r\nWhen formatting text, especially when the text is likely to be printed, try to:\r\n\r\n \t- Use font sizes between 12 and 18 points for body text.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use fonts of normal weight, rather than bold or light weight fonts. If you do choose to use bold fonts for emphasis, use them sparingly.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use standard fonts with clear spacing and easily recognized upper and lower case characters. Sans serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Verdana) may sometimes be easier to read than serif fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Garamond).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid large amounts of text set all in caps, italic or underlined.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use normal or expanded character spacing, rather than condensed spacing.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid animated or scrolling text.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBut can\u2019t users just zoom in?<\/strong> Office applications do typically include accessibility features such as the ability to magnify documents and support for high contrast modes. However, because printing is an important aspect of many workflows and changing font sizes directly will change documents details such the pagination, the layout of tables, etc., it is best practice to always format text for a reasonable degree of accessibility.\r\n
<\/a>9.2 Use Sufficient Contrast<\/h3>\r\nThe visual presentation of text and images of text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. To help you determine the contrast, here are some examples on a white background:\r\n\r\n \t- Very good contrast (Foreground=black, Background=white, Ratio=21:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Acceptable contrast (Foreground=#767676, Background=white, Ratio=4.54:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Unacceptable contrast (Foreground=#AAAAAA, Background=white, Ratio=2.32:1)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlso, always use a single solid color for a text background rather than a pattern.\r\nIn order to determine whether the colors in your document have sufficient contrast, you can consult an online contrast checker, such as:\r\n
\r\n \t- WebAIM: Contrast Checker<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Juicy Studio: Luminosity Color Contrast Ratio Analyzer<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Spectrum Tester<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Comparison<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.3 Avoid Using Color Alone<\/h3>\r\nColor should not be used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. In order to spot where color might be the only visual means of conveying information, you can create a screenshot of the document and then view it with online gray-scale converting tools, such as:\r\n\r\n \t- GrayBit v2.0: Grayscale Conversion Contrast Accessibility Tool<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEditor's note: <\/strong>GrayBit v2.0 is no longer available. However, multiple tools can be found online: Google Search: gray-scale conversion tool<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
9.4 Avoid Relying on Sensory Characteristics<\/h3>\r\nThe instructions provided for understanding and operating content should not rely solely on sensory characteristics such as the color or shape of content elements. Here are two examples:\r\n\r\n \t- Do not track changes by simply changing the color of text you have edited and noting the color. Instead use Google Slides\u2019s change tracking features to track changes, such as revision history.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Do not distinguish between images by referring to their appearance (e.g. \u201cthe bigger one\u201d). Instead, label each image with a figure number and use that for references.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.5 Avoid Using Images of Text<\/h3>\r\nBefore you use an image to control the presentation of text (e.g., to ensure a certain font or color combination), consider whether you can achieve the same result by styling \u201creal text\u201d. If this is not possible, as with logos containing stylized text, make sure to provide alternative text for the image following the techniques noted above.\r\n9.6 Avoid Transitions<\/h3>\r\nTransitions between slides and elements in each slide (e.g., bullets in a list flying onto the screen) can be distracting to users with disabilities. It can also cause assistive technologies to read the slide incorrectly. For these reasons, it is best to avoid transitions altogether.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 10. Make Content Easier to Understand\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n10.1 Write Clearly<\/h3>\r\nBy taking the time to design your content in a consistent way, it will be easier to access, navigate and interpret for all users:\r\n\r\n \t- Whenever possible, write clearly with short sentences.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Introduce acronyms and spell out abbreviations.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid making the document too \u201cbusy\u201d by using lots of whitespace and by avoiding too many different colors, fonts and images.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If content is repeated on multiple pages within a document or within a set of documents (e.g., headings, footings, etc.), it should occur consistently each time it is repeated.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
10.2 Provide Context for Hyperlinks<\/h3>\r\nHyperlink text in your document should be meaningful when read out of context. To be an effective navigation aid, the link text should describe the destination of the link.\r\n\r\nConsider the experience of screen reader users: Generally, screen readers generate a list of links, and screen reader users navigate this list alphabetically. Hyperlink text such as \"click here\" or \"more\" is meaningless in this context.\r\n\r\nIn order to be useful to someone using a screen reader, ensure that hyperlink text is self-describing and meaningful on its own.\r\nTo add hyperlinks with meaningful text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Insert > Link. <\/strong>Alternately, you can select the text you'd like to add a link to and press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on Macs).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the pop-up box, enter descriptive text in the Text <\/strong>display box.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Enter the link address in the Link<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Apply<\/strong><\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
10.3 Accessible Presentations<\/h3>\r\nIt is important to consider accessibility before, during, and after presentations. Below is a helpful link with guidance on how to make presentations accessible to all:\r\n\r\n \t- \u201cHow to Make Presentations Accessible to All\u201d (Source: W3C-WAI Draft)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Enable live automatic captions when presenting<\/h4>\r\nIn Google Slides, you can present slides with automatic captions that displays the speaker's words in real time at the bottom of the screen.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> This feature is only available on Chrome devices in U.S. English. Also, captions are not stored.\r\nStep 1: Set up your microphone<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Google Slides requires your computer's microphone or an external microphone paired with your computer to be turned on and working.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Devices and microphones vary, so be sure to check your computer's settings. Typically, these settings are found under System Preferences<\/a> on a Mac or in the Control Panel<\/a> on a PC.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Step 2: Present with captions<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Connect to the internet.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Open your presentation.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To start presenting, click Present<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn on captions, click CC<\/strong>.\r\nAs you speak, the captions (without punctuation) appear at the bottom of the screen.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn off captions, click CC<\/strong> again.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on enabling live automatic captions when presenting, see Google: Present slides with captions<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 11. Check Accessibility\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism to check for potential accessibility errors in your document prior to publishing. However, a third-party add-on called Grackle Sheets can be used to check the accessibility of your workbook (see below).\r\n\r\nIn order to get some indication of the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), then you may consider saving the file into HTML or PDF in order to perform an accessibility check in one of those formats, as described below.\r\n
To evaluate HTML accessibility<\/h4>\r\nIf you wish to check the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), one option is to save it into HTML format and use one of the web accessibility checkers available online. Such as:\r\n\r\n \t- AChecker <\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
Disclaimer and Testing Details<\/h3>\r\nFollowing these techniques will increase the accessibility of your documents, but it does not guarantee accessibility to any specific disability groups<\/strong>. In cases where more certainty is required, it is recommended that you test the office documents with end users with disabilities, including screen reader users. Files are easily saved as various file formats (see Technique 12<\/a>).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEditor's note: <\/strong>Since the content of this page has been heavily updated from the original article (Authoring Techniques for Accessible Office Documents: Google docs: Presentations<\/a>), the usual editor's notes that flag new content will be omitted. The application-specific steps and screenshots were updated in December 2019.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 1. Use Accessible Templates\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides lacks support for accessibility features such as table headings.\r\n\r\nAll office documents start with a template, which can be as simple as a blank standard-sized page or as complex as a nearly complete document with text, graphics and other content. For example, a \u201cMeeting Minutes\u201d template might include headings for information relevant to a business meeting, such as \u201cActions\u201d above a table with rows to denote time and columns for actions of the meeting.\r\n\r\nBecause templates provide the starting-point for so many documents, accessibility is critical. If you are unsure whether a template is accessible, you should check a sample document produced when the template is used (see Technique 11<\/a>).\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides\u2019s default template for new documents is a blank presentation. The basic installation also includes a wide variety of templates for business presentations. These are all accessible by virtue of being blank.\r\n\r\nIt is possible to create your own templates from scratch in Google Slides. As well, you can edit and modify the existing templates, ensuring their accessibility as you do so and saving them as a new template.\r\nTo select a template<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to Google Sheets<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- At the top right, click on Template Gallery<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select a template.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A copy of the template will open.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To create an accessible template<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Create a new document (from the default template or from an existing template).\r\nNote:<\/em> If creating a template from an existing document, go to File<\/strong> > Make a copy<\/strong>. Type a name and choose where to save it, then, click Ok<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Rename your document. Be sure to indicate that the document is an accessible template by using terms such as \u201caccessible\u201d (e.g., \u201cAccessible Memo Template\u201d). This will improve its searchability and promote its use as an accessible template.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you follow techniques in this document. You may also check the accessibility (see Technique 11<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To share your accessible template as a new document<\/em><\/h4>\r\nYou can share your accessible template, but it may be more useful to share the file as copy that other users can add to their Google Drive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the address bar change the end of the URL before sending it.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Replace \u201cedit\u201d at the end of the URL with \u201ccopy\u201d.\r\nFor example:<\/em>\r\nBefore:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/edit<\/strong><\/em>\r\nAfter:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/copy<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
- Send the modified copy link.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When the recipient follows the modified copy link, they\u2019re instructed to click on Make a copy<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- They can then work on a copy of the accessible template.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more information, see the resources below:\r\n
\r\n \t- Google: Create document templates<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Google: Share \u201cMake a copy\u201d links to your files<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 2. Set Document Language\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time, Google Slides does not offer an explicit language selection mechanism to indicate the natural language of your document or changes in natural language at any point within the content. Google Slides defaults the natural language to the language selected for your Google Account. When exporting to other document formats, there is no guarantee that the natural language of your Google Account will be indicated as the natural language of your document.\r\n\r\nIn order for assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to be able to present your document accurately, it is important to indicate the natural language of the document. If a different natural language is used for a paragraph or selected text, this also needs to be clearly indicated.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 3. Use Built-In Layout and Styling Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides does not offer \"True Headings\" or \"Named Styles\".\r\n
3.1 Use Built-In Slide Layouts<\/h3>\r\nInstead of creating each slide in your presentation by starting from a blank slide, check whether there is a suitable built-in layout.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> The built-in layouts can be more accessible to users of assistive technologies because they technologies sometimes read the floating items on the slide in the order that they were placed on the slide. The built-in layouts have usually taken this into account (e.g., \u201cTitle\u201d first followed by other items, left to right and from top to bottom). If you create slide layouts from scratch, it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the order elements were placed.\r\nTo apply \u201ctrue layout\u201d to a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > New Slide\u2026 <\/strong>(Ctrl+M).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Layout<\/strong> drop-down on the toolbar, select a slide layout from the options.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- A new slide will be inserted into the presentation with the layout you selected<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
3.2 Customize Using Master Slides<\/h3>\r\nGoogle Slides is packaged with master slides available for your use. If a layout must be customized, it is recommended that Master Slides be used.\r\n\r\nEvery slide layout in a presentation is defined by its master slide. A master slide determines the formatting style for various elements of the slide layout. This includes font styles, character formatting, and the positioning of elements. Essentially, each master slide acts as a design template for the slide layout.\r\n\r\nIf you edit any aspect of the slide layout in the master slide, the change will affect all slides that were created based on it. For this reason, it is good practice to edit the master slide and use the slide layouts before building individual slides. It is essential that you create and use master slides that meet the accessibility requirements outlined in this document.\r\n\r\nOne way around this is to format a slide, ensuring its accessibility, and then create duplicates of that slide within your presentation. You can then edit the content of the duplicate slides, while ensuring that its layout meets accessibility requirements. In this way, the original slide acts as design template for the slides derived from it.\r\nTo duplicate a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > Duplicate slide<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Edit the content of your duplicate slide, ensuring your changes do not negatively affect accessibility of the slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To change a theme<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong>, then select Change theme.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- On the right sidebar, select the theme you want.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nNote:<\/em> If you would like to include a unique slide layout for a single slide, see Google: Learn how to apply a theme to only one slide<\/a>.\r\n
To customize a master slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong> > Edit master<\/strong>.\r\nOptional: <\/em> Before editing the master, you can first select a theme that is similar to the design you want before editing the master (select Theme<\/strong>, then select a theme from the right).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the master template editor, select the Master<\/strong> slide at the top.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Make your edits to the master slide.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When finished, select the \"x\" at the top-righthand side of the menu to close.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Your presentation should be updated with the changes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on how to customize your presentation, see Google: Change the theme, background, or layout in Google Slides<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 4. Set a Logical Tab Order\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nMany presentation applications create content composed almost exclusively of \"floating\" objects. This means that they avoid the transitions between in-line content and secondary \"floating\" objects (text boxes, images, etc.) that can cause accessibility issues in word processors.\r\n\r\nHowever, when you are working with \"floating\" objects, it is important to remember that the way objects are positioned in two dimensions on the screen may be completely different from how the objects will be read by a screen reader or navigated using a keyboard. The order that content is navigated sequentially is called the \"Tab Order\" because often the \"Tab\" key is used to navigate from one \"floating\" object to the next.\r\n\r\n
Tips for setting a logical \u201ctab order\u201d for \"floating\" objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- The tab order of floating objects is usually from the \u201clowest\u201d object on the slide to the \u201chighest\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Because objects automatically appear \u201con top\u201d when they are inserted, the default tab order is from the first object inserted to the last. However, this will change if you use features such as \u201cbring to front\u201d and \u201csend to back\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- The slide\u2019s main heading should be first in the tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Headings should be placed in the tab order immediately before the items (text, diagrams, etc.) for which they are acting as a heading.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Labels should be in the reading order placed immediately before the objects that they label.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For simple slide layouts, it may be possible to simply insert objects in a logical tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For more complex layouts, it may be easier to simply to create the slide as usual and then set the tab order (see below).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To set the tab order<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the object.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to menu item Arrange<\/strong> > Order <\/strong>> Bring to front<\/strong>, Bring forward<\/strong>, Send backward<\/strong>, or Send to back<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 5. Use Slide Notes\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nA useful aspect of presentation applications is the facility to add notes to slides, which can then be read by assistive technologies. You can use these slide notes to explain and expand on the contents of your slides in text format. Slide notes can be created as you build your presentation.\r\n
To add notes to your slides<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: View > Show Speaker Notes\r\n<\/strong>Note:<\/em> Once you have selected this option, the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane will appear on the right side of the window for each slide. If you close the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane, you will have to perform the above step to access it again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane on the right, enter notes to accompany each slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 6. Provide Text Alternatives for Images and Graphical Objects\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides offers a mechanism for adding alternative text to images and objects where it can be readily accessed by screen reader users. While you can add alt text, you will need to ensure that you provide the longer descriptions in the body of the document, near the images and objects. While this solution is not optimal for screen reader users and will complicate your own accessibility testing, it is necessary until long descriptions are supported.\r\n\r\nWhen using images or other graphical objects, such as charts and graphs, it is important to ensure that the information you intend to convey by the image is also conveyed to people who cannot see the image. This can be accomplished by adding concise alternative text of each image. If an image is too complicated to concisely describe in the alternative text alone (artwork, flowcharts, etc.), provide a short text alternative and a longer description as well.\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing alternative text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Try to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image does not convey any useful information, leave the alternative text blank<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image contains meaningful text, ensure all of the text is replicated<\/li>\r\n \t
- Alternative text should be fairly short, usually a sentence or less and rarely more than two sentences<\/li>\r\n \t
- If more description is required (e.g., for a chart or graph), provide a short description in the alternative text (e.g., a summary of the trend) and more detail in the long description, see below<\/li>\r\n \t
- Test by having others review the document with the images replaced by the alternative text<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing longer descriptions<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Long descriptions should be used when text alternatives (see above) are insufficient to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- In some situations, the information being conveyed will be how an image looks (e.g., an artwork, architectural detail, etc.). In these cases, try to describe the image without making too many of your own assumptions.<\/li>\r\n \t
- One approach is to imagine you are describing the image to a person over the phone<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you still provide concise alternative text to help readers decide if they are interested in the longer description<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlternatively, you can include the same information conveyed by the image within the body of the document, providing the images as an alternate to the text. In that case, you do not have to provide alternate text within the image.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To add alternative text to images and graphical objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n \t- Right-click* on the image.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Alt Text from the contextual menu.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Add your alt text to the Description <\/strong>field.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Press OK<\/strong> to saveNote:<\/em> Enter a description in the <\/span>Title<\/strong> field will show a pop-up tooltip when users hover over the image with their mouse. However, it is recommended to put the image description in the <\/span>Description<\/strong> field.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 7. Use Built-In Structuring Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
7.1 Tables<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism that allows you to select and indicate headings for rows and columns. Since it is not possible to create complex tables in Google Slides that are accessible, avoid creating complex tables since table headers cannot be designated. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you use the Grackle Slides<\/a> add-on, tables can be given structure and table headings can be indicated. While these fixes won\u2019t be useful for making tables more accessible in Google Slides, it does allow you to export the document into another format with appropriate table tags intact. For more on Grackle Slides, see Technique 11<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhen using tables, it is important to ensure that they are clear and appropriately structured. This helps all users to better understand the information in the table and allows assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to provide context so that the information within the table can be conveyed in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nTips for tables<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Only use tables for tabular information, not for formatting.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use \u201creal tables\u201d rather than text formatted to look like tables using the TAB key or space bar. These will not be recognized by assistive technology.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Keep tables simple by avoiding merged cells and dividing complex data sets into separate smaller tables, where possible.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If tables split across pages, set the header to show at the top of each page. Also set the table to break between rows instead of in the middle of rows.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Create a text summary of the essential table contents. Any abbreviations used should be explained in the summary.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table captions or descriptions should answer the question \"what is the table's purpose and how is it organized?\" (e.g., \"A sample order form with separate columns for the item name, price and quantity\").<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table cells should be marked as table headers when they serve as labels to help interpret the other cells in the table.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table header cells labels should be concise and clear.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure the table is not \u201cfloating\u201d on the page (see Technique 4<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
7.2 Lists<\/h3>\r\nWhen you create lists, it is important to format them as \u201creal lists\u201d. Otherwise, assistive technologies will interpret your list as a series of short separate paragraphs instead of a coherent list of related items.\r\nTo create an ordered or unordered list<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the text box or highlight the text<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to the menu bar<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click the Numbered list<\/strong> or Bullet list<\/strong> button\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
7.3 Columns<\/h3>\r\nUse Columns feature for placing text in columns.\r\nNote:<\/em> Because columns can be a challenge for users of some assistive technologies, consider whether a column layout is really necessary.\r\n7.4 Document Title<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides makes use of a single document name. Within Google Slides, this serves well as a title, but when exporting to ODT, the document name is used to form the file name, and the ODT \u201cTitle\u201d properties field is left blank, or it lists the title used in the first slide<\/strong> of the presentation.\r\n\r\nIn case the document is ever converted into HTML, it should be given a descriptive and meaningful title.\r\nTo change the file name of the current document<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: File > Rename<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Rename Document<\/strong> dialog, enter a new document name<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click OK<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 8. Create Accessible Charts\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nIn Google Slides, you can insert data charts linked to an existing Google Sheet file (see Google Help: Link a chart or table to Google Slides<\/a> for instructions).\r\n\r\nCharts can be used to display data in meaningful ways for your audience. It is important to ensure that your chart is as accessible as possible to all members of your audience. All basic accessibility considerations that are applied to the rest of your document must also be applied to your charts and the elements within your charts. For example, use shape and color, rather than color alone, to convey information. As well, some further steps should be taken to ensure that the contents are your chart are appropriate labeled to give users reference points that will help to correctly interpret the information.\r\n
To add a new chart to a presentation<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to Insert<\/strong> > Chart<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select the type of chart you want to add.\r\nNote: <\/em>To edit a chart, see Google Help: Edit or Update Chart Data<\/a>.\r\nNote: <\/em>To learn more about how to customize the chart you created, see BrightCarbon: Google Slides: The ULTIMATE guide (blog post)<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Other Chart Considerations<\/h3>\r\n\r\n \t- When creating line charts, use the formatting options to create different types of dotted lines to facilitate legibility for users who are color blind<\/li>\r\n \t
- When creating bar charts, it is helpful to apply textures instead of colors to differentiate the bars<\/li>\r\n \t
- Change the default colors to a color safe or gray-scale palette<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use the formatting options to change predefined colors, ensuring that they align with sufficient contrast requirements (see Technique 9.2<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 9. Make Content Easier to See\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
9.1 Format of Text<\/h3>\r\nWhen formatting text, especially when the text is likely to be printed, try to:\r\n\r\n \t- Use font sizes between 12 and 18 points for body text.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use fonts of normal weight, rather than bold or light weight fonts. If you do choose to use bold fonts for emphasis, use them sparingly.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use standard fonts with clear spacing and easily recognized upper and lower case characters. Sans serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Verdana) may sometimes be easier to read than serif fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Garamond).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid large amounts of text set all in caps, italic or underlined.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use normal or expanded character spacing, rather than condensed spacing.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid animated or scrolling text.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBut can\u2019t users just zoom in?<\/strong> Office applications do typically include accessibility features such as the ability to magnify documents and support for high contrast modes. However, because printing is an important aspect of many workflows and changing font sizes directly will change documents details such the pagination, the layout of tables, etc., it is best practice to always format text for a reasonable degree of accessibility.\r\n
<\/a>9.2 Use Sufficient Contrast<\/h3>\r\nThe visual presentation of text and images of text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. To help you determine the contrast, here are some examples on a white background:\r\n\r\n \t- Very good contrast (Foreground=black, Background=white, Ratio=21:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Acceptable contrast (Foreground=#767676, Background=white, Ratio=4.54:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Unacceptable contrast (Foreground=#AAAAAA, Background=white, Ratio=2.32:1)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlso, always use a single solid color for a text background rather than a pattern.\r\nIn order to determine whether the colors in your document have sufficient contrast, you can consult an online contrast checker, such as:\r\n
\r\n \t- WebAIM: Contrast Checker<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Juicy Studio: Luminosity Color Contrast Ratio Analyzer<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Spectrum Tester<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Comparison<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.3 Avoid Using Color Alone<\/h3>\r\nColor should not be used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. In order to spot where color might be the only visual means of conveying information, you can create a screenshot of the document and then view it with online gray-scale converting tools, such as:\r\n\r\n \t- GrayBit v2.0: Grayscale Conversion Contrast Accessibility Tool<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEditor's note: <\/strong>GrayBit v2.0 is no longer available. However, multiple tools can be found online: Google Search: gray-scale conversion tool<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
9.4 Avoid Relying on Sensory Characteristics<\/h3>\r\nThe instructions provided for understanding and operating content should not rely solely on sensory characteristics such as the color or shape of content elements. Here are two examples:\r\n\r\n \t- Do not track changes by simply changing the color of text you have edited and noting the color. Instead use Google Slides\u2019s change tracking features to track changes, such as revision history.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Do not distinguish between images by referring to their appearance (e.g. \u201cthe bigger one\u201d). Instead, label each image with a figure number and use that for references.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.5 Avoid Using Images of Text<\/h3>\r\nBefore you use an image to control the presentation of text (e.g., to ensure a certain font or color combination), consider whether you can achieve the same result by styling \u201creal text\u201d. If this is not possible, as with logos containing stylized text, make sure to provide alternative text for the image following the techniques noted above.\r\n9.6 Avoid Transitions<\/h3>\r\nTransitions between slides and elements in each slide (e.g., bullets in a list flying onto the screen) can be distracting to users with disabilities. It can also cause assistive technologies to read the slide incorrectly. For these reasons, it is best to avoid transitions altogether.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 10. Make Content Easier to Understand\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n10.1 Write Clearly<\/h3>\r\nBy taking the time to design your content in a consistent way, it will be easier to access, navigate and interpret for all users:\r\n\r\n \t- Whenever possible, write clearly with short sentences.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Introduce acronyms and spell out abbreviations.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid making the document too \u201cbusy\u201d by using lots of whitespace and by avoiding too many different colors, fonts and images.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If content is repeated on multiple pages within a document or within a set of documents (e.g., headings, footings, etc.), it should occur consistently each time it is repeated.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
10.2 Provide Context for Hyperlinks<\/h3>\r\nHyperlink text in your document should be meaningful when read out of context. To be an effective navigation aid, the link text should describe the destination of the link.\r\n\r\nConsider the experience of screen reader users: Generally, screen readers generate a list of links, and screen reader users navigate this list alphabetically. Hyperlink text such as \"click here\" or \"more\" is meaningless in this context.\r\n\r\nIn order to be useful to someone using a screen reader, ensure that hyperlink text is self-describing and meaningful on its own.\r\nTo add hyperlinks with meaningful text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Insert > Link. <\/strong>Alternately, you can select the text you'd like to add a link to and press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on Macs).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the pop-up box, enter descriptive text in the Text <\/strong>display box.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Enter the link address in the Link<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Apply<\/strong><\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
10.3 Accessible Presentations<\/h3>\r\nIt is important to consider accessibility before, during, and after presentations. Below is a helpful link with guidance on how to make presentations accessible to all:\r\n\r\n \t- \u201cHow to Make Presentations Accessible to All\u201d (Source: W3C-WAI Draft)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Enable live automatic captions when presenting<\/h4>\r\nIn Google Slides, you can present slides with automatic captions that displays the speaker's words in real time at the bottom of the screen.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> This feature is only available on Chrome devices in U.S. English. Also, captions are not stored.\r\nStep 1: Set up your microphone<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Google Slides requires your computer's microphone or an external microphone paired with your computer to be turned on and working.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Devices and microphones vary, so be sure to check your computer's settings. Typically, these settings are found under System Preferences<\/a> on a Mac or in the Control Panel<\/a> on a PC.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Step 2: Present with captions<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Connect to the internet.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Open your presentation.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To start presenting, click Present<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn on captions, click CC<\/strong>.\r\nAs you speak, the captions (without punctuation) appear at the bottom of the screen.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn off captions, click CC<\/strong> again.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on enabling live automatic captions when presenting, see Google: Present slides with captions<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 11. Check Accessibility\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism to check for potential accessibility errors in your document prior to publishing. However, a third-party add-on called Grackle Sheets can be used to check the accessibility of your workbook (see below).\r\n\r\nIn order to get some indication of the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), then you may consider saving the file into HTML or PDF in order to perform an accessibility check in one of those formats, as described below.\r\n
To evaluate HTML accessibility<\/h4>\r\nIf you wish to check the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), one option is to save it into HTML format and use one of the web accessibility checkers available online. Such as:\r\n\r\n \t- AChecker <\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
\r\n\r\nEditor's note: <\/strong>Since the content of this page has been heavily updated from the original article (Authoring Techniques for Accessible Office Documents: Google docs: Presentations<\/a>), the usual editor's notes that flag new content will be omitted. The application-specific steps and screenshots were updated in December 2019.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 1. Use Accessible Templates\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides lacks support for accessibility features such as table headings.\r\n\r\nAll office documents start with a template, which can be as simple as a blank standard-sized page or as complex as a nearly complete document with text, graphics and other content. For example, a \u201cMeeting Minutes\u201d template might include headings for information relevant to a business meeting, such as \u201cActions\u201d above a table with rows to denote time and columns for actions of the meeting.\r\n\r\nBecause templates provide the starting-point for so many documents, accessibility is critical. If you are unsure whether a template is accessible, you should check a sample document produced when the template is used (see Technique 11<\/a>).\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides\u2019s default template for new documents is a blank presentation. The basic installation also includes a wide variety of templates for business presentations. These are all accessible by virtue of being blank.\r\n\r\nIt is possible to create your own templates from scratch in Google Slides. As well, you can edit and modify the existing templates, ensuring their accessibility as you do so and saving them as a new template.\r\nTo select a template<\/h4>\r\n
To select a template<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to Google Sheets<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- At the top right, click on Template Gallery<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select a template.<\/li>\r\n \t
- A copy of the template will open.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To create an accessible template<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Create a new document (from the default template or from an existing template).\r\nNote:<\/em> If creating a template from an existing document, go to File<\/strong> > Make a copy<\/strong>. Type a name and choose where to save it, then, click Ok<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Rename your document. Be sure to indicate that the document is an accessible template by using terms such as \u201caccessible\u201d (e.g., \u201cAccessible Memo Template\u201d). This will improve its searchability and promote its use as an accessible template.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you follow techniques in this document. You may also check the accessibility (see Technique 11<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To share your accessible template as a new document<\/em><\/h4>\r\nYou can share your accessible template, but it may be more useful to share the file as copy that other users can add to their Google Drive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the address bar change the end of the URL before sending it.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Replace \u201cedit\u201d at the end of the URL with \u201ccopy\u201d.\r\nFor example:<\/em>\r\nBefore:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/edit<\/strong><\/em>\r\nAfter:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/copy<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
- Send the modified copy link.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When the recipient follows the modified copy link, they\u2019re instructed to click on Make a copy<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- They can then work on a copy of the accessible template.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more information, see the resources below:\r\n
\r\n \t- Google: Create document templates<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Google: Share \u201cMake a copy\u201d links to your files<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 2. Set Document Language\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time, Google Slides does not offer an explicit language selection mechanism to indicate the natural language of your document or changes in natural language at any point within the content. Google Slides defaults the natural language to the language selected for your Google Account. When exporting to other document formats, there is no guarantee that the natural language of your Google Account will be indicated as the natural language of your document.\r\n\r\nIn order for assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to be able to present your document accurately, it is important to indicate the natural language of the document. If a different natural language is used for a paragraph or selected text, this also needs to be clearly indicated.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 3. Use Built-In Layout and Styling Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides does not offer \"True Headings\" or \"Named Styles\".\r\n
3.1 Use Built-In Slide Layouts<\/h3>\r\nInstead of creating each slide in your presentation by starting from a blank slide, check whether there is a suitable built-in layout.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> The built-in layouts can be more accessible to users of assistive technologies because they technologies sometimes read the floating items on the slide in the order that they were placed on the slide. The built-in layouts have usually taken this into account (e.g., \u201cTitle\u201d first followed by other items, left to right and from top to bottom). If you create slide layouts from scratch, it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the order elements were placed.\r\nTo apply \u201ctrue layout\u201d to a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > New Slide\u2026 <\/strong>(Ctrl+M).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Layout<\/strong> drop-down on the toolbar, select a slide layout from the options.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- A new slide will be inserted into the presentation with the layout you selected<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
3.2 Customize Using Master Slides<\/h3>\r\nGoogle Slides is packaged with master slides available for your use. If a layout must be customized, it is recommended that Master Slides be used.\r\n\r\nEvery slide layout in a presentation is defined by its master slide. A master slide determines the formatting style for various elements of the slide layout. This includes font styles, character formatting, and the positioning of elements. Essentially, each master slide acts as a design template for the slide layout.\r\n\r\nIf you edit any aspect of the slide layout in the master slide, the change will affect all slides that were created based on it. For this reason, it is good practice to edit the master slide and use the slide layouts before building individual slides. It is essential that you create and use master slides that meet the accessibility requirements outlined in this document.\r\n\r\nOne way around this is to format a slide, ensuring its accessibility, and then create duplicates of that slide within your presentation. You can then edit the content of the duplicate slides, while ensuring that its layout meets accessibility requirements. In this way, the original slide acts as design template for the slides derived from it.\r\nTo duplicate a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > Duplicate slide<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Edit the content of your duplicate slide, ensuring your changes do not negatively affect accessibility of the slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To change a theme<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong>, then select Change theme.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- On the right sidebar, select the theme you want.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nNote:<\/em> If you would like to include a unique slide layout for a single slide, see Google: Learn how to apply a theme to only one slide<\/a>.\r\n
To customize a master slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong> > Edit master<\/strong>.\r\nOptional: <\/em> Before editing the master, you can first select a theme that is similar to the design you want before editing the master (select Theme<\/strong>, then select a theme from the right).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the master template editor, select the Master<\/strong> slide at the top.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Make your edits to the master slide.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When finished, select the \"x\" at the top-righthand side of the menu to close.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Your presentation should be updated with the changes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on how to customize your presentation, see Google: Change the theme, background, or layout in Google Slides<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 4. Set a Logical Tab Order\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nMany presentation applications create content composed almost exclusively of \"floating\" objects. This means that they avoid the transitions between in-line content and secondary \"floating\" objects (text boxes, images, etc.) that can cause accessibility issues in word processors.\r\n\r\nHowever, when you are working with \"floating\" objects, it is important to remember that the way objects are positioned in two dimensions on the screen may be completely different from how the objects will be read by a screen reader or navigated using a keyboard. The order that content is navigated sequentially is called the \"Tab Order\" because often the \"Tab\" key is used to navigate from one \"floating\" object to the next.\r\n\r\n
Tips for setting a logical \u201ctab order\u201d for \"floating\" objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- The tab order of floating objects is usually from the \u201clowest\u201d object on the slide to the \u201chighest\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Because objects automatically appear \u201con top\u201d when they are inserted, the default tab order is from the first object inserted to the last. However, this will change if you use features such as \u201cbring to front\u201d and \u201csend to back\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- The slide\u2019s main heading should be first in the tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Headings should be placed in the tab order immediately before the items (text, diagrams, etc.) for which they are acting as a heading.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Labels should be in the reading order placed immediately before the objects that they label.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For simple slide layouts, it may be possible to simply insert objects in a logical tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For more complex layouts, it may be easier to simply to create the slide as usual and then set the tab order (see below).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To set the tab order<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the object.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to menu item Arrange<\/strong> > Order <\/strong>> Bring to front<\/strong>, Bring forward<\/strong>, Send backward<\/strong>, or Send to back<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 5. Use Slide Notes\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nA useful aspect of presentation applications is the facility to add notes to slides, which can then be read by assistive technologies. You can use these slide notes to explain and expand on the contents of your slides in text format. Slide notes can be created as you build your presentation.\r\n
To add notes to your slides<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: View > Show Speaker Notes\r\n<\/strong>Note:<\/em> Once you have selected this option, the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane will appear on the right side of the window for each slide. If you close the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane, you will have to perform the above step to access it again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane on the right, enter notes to accompany each slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 6. Provide Text Alternatives for Images and Graphical Objects\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides offers a mechanism for adding alternative text to images and objects where it can be readily accessed by screen reader users. While you can add alt text, you will need to ensure that you provide the longer descriptions in the body of the document, near the images and objects. While this solution is not optimal for screen reader users and will complicate your own accessibility testing, it is necessary until long descriptions are supported.\r\n\r\nWhen using images or other graphical objects, such as charts and graphs, it is important to ensure that the information you intend to convey by the image is also conveyed to people who cannot see the image. This can be accomplished by adding concise alternative text of each image. If an image is too complicated to concisely describe in the alternative text alone (artwork, flowcharts, etc.), provide a short text alternative and a longer description as well.\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing alternative text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Try to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image does not convey any useful information, leave the alternative text blank<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image contains meaningful text, ensure all of the text is replicated<\/li>\r\n \t
- Alternative text should be fairly short, usually a sentence or less and rarely more than two sentences<\/li>\r\n \t
- If more description is required (e.g., for a chart or graph), provide a short description in the alternative text (e.g., a summary of the trend) and more detail in the long description, see below<\/li>\r\n \t
- Test by having others review the document with the images replaced by the alternative text<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing longer descriptions<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Long descriptions should be used when text alternatives (see above) are insufficient to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- In some situations, the information being conveyed will be how an image looks (e.g., an artwork, architectural detail, etc.). In these cases, try to describe the image without making too many of your own assumptions.<\/li>\r\n \t
- One approach is to imagine you are describing the image to a person over the phone<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you still provide concise alternative text to help readers decide if they are interested in the longer description<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlternatively, you can include the same information conveyed by the image within the body of the document, providing the images as an alternate to the text. In that case, you do not have to provide alternate text within the image.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To add alternative text to images and graphical objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n \t- Right-click* on the image.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Alt Text from the contextual menu.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Add your alt text to the Description <\/strong>field.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Press OK<\/strong> to saveNote:<\/em> Enter a description in the <\/span>Title<\/strong> field will show a pop-up tooltip when users hover over the image with their mouse. However, it is recommended to put the image description in the <\/span>Description<\/strong> field.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 7. Use Built-In Structuring Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
7.1 Tables<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism that allows you to select and indicate headings for rows and columns. Since it is not possible to create complex tables in Google Slides that are accessible, avoid creating complex tables since table headers cannot be designated. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you use the Grackle Slides<\/a> add-on, tables can be given structure and table headings can be indicated. While these fixes won\u2019t be useful for making tables more accessible in Google Slides, it does allow you to export the document into another format with appropriate table tags intact. For more on Grackle Slides, see Technique 11<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhen using tables, it is important to ensure that they are clear and appropriately structured. This helps all users to better understand the information in the table and allows assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to provide context so that the information within the table can be conveyed in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nTips for tables<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Only use tables for tabular information, not for formatting.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use \u201creal tables\u201d rather than text formatted to look like tables using the TAB key or space bar. These will not be recognized by assistive technology.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Keep tables simple by avoiding merged cells and dividing complex data sets into separate smaller tables, where possible.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If tables split across pages, set the header to show at the top of each page. Also set the table to break between rows instead of in the middle of rows.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Create a text summary of the essential table contents. Any abbreviations used should be explained in the summary.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table captions or descriptions should answer the question \"what is the table's purpose and how is it organized?\" (e.g., \"A sample order form with separate columns for the item name, price and quantity\").<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table cells should be marked as table headers when they serve as labels to help interpret the other cells in the table.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table header cells labels should be concise and clear.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure the table is not \u201cfloating\u201d on the page (see Technique 4<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
7.2 Lists<\/h3>\r\nWhen you create lists, it is important to format them as \u201creal lists\u201d. Otherwise, assistive technologies will interpret your list as a series of short separate paragraphs instead of a coherent list of related items.\r\nTo create an ordered or unordered list<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the text box or highlight the text<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to the menu bar<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click the Numbered list<\/strong> or Bullet list<\/strong> button\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
7.3 Columns<\/h3>\r\nUse Columns feature for placing text in columns.\r\nNote:<\/em> Because columns can be a challenge for users of some assistive technologies, consider whether a column layout is really necessary.\r\n7.4 Document Title<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides makes use of a single document name. Within Google Slides, this serves well as a title, but when exporting to ODT, the document name is used to form the file name, and the ODT \u201cTitle\u201d properties field is left blank, or it lists the title used in the first slide<\/strong> of the presentation.\r\n\r\nIn case the document is ever converted into HTML, it should be given a descriptive and meaningful title.\r\nTo change the file name of the current document<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: File > Rename<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Rename Document<\/strong> dialog, enter a new document name<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click OK<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 8. Create Accessible Charts\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nIn Google Slides, you can insert data charts linked to an existing Google Sheet file (see Google Help: Link a chart or table to Google Slides<\/a> for instructions).\r\n\r\nCharts can be used to display data in meaningful ways for your audience. It is important to ensure that your chart is as accessible as possible to all members of your audience. All basic accessibility considerations that are applied to the rest of your document must also be applied to your charts and the elements within your charts. For example, use shape and color, rather than color alone, to convey information. As well, some further steps should be taken to ensure that the contents are your chart are appropriate labeled to give users reference points that will help to correctly interpret the information.\r\n
To add a new chart to a presentation<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to Insert<\/strong> > Chart<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select the type of chart you want to add.\r\nNote: <\/em>To edit a chart, see Google Help: Edit or Update Chart Data<\/a>.\r\nNote: <\/em>To learn more about how to customize the chart you created, see BrightCarbon: Google Slides: The ULTIMATE guide (blog post)<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Other Chart Considerations<\/h3>\r\n\r\n \t- When creating line charts, use the formatting options to create different types of dotted lines to facilitate legibility for users who are color blind<\/li>\r\n \t
- When creating bar charts, it is helpful to apply textures instead of colors to differentiate the bars<\/li>\r\n \t
- Change the default colors to a color safe or gray-scale palette<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use the formatting options to change predefined colors, ensuring that they align with sufficient contrast requirements (see Technique 9.2<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 9. Make Content Easier to See\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
9.1 Format of Text<\/h3>\r\nWhen formatting text, especially when the text is likely to be printed, try to:\r\n\r\n \t- Use font sizes between 12 and 18 points for body text.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use fonts of normal weight, rather than bold or light weight fonts. If you do choose to use bold fonts for emphasis, use them sparingly.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use standard fonts with clear spacing and easily recognized upper and lower case characters. Sans serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Verdana) may sometimes be easier to read than serif fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Garamond).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid large amounts of text set all in caps, italic or underlined.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use normal or expanded character spacing, rather than condensed spacing.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid animated or scrolling text.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBut can\u2019t users just zoom in?<\/strong> Office applications do typically include accessibility features such as the ability to magnify documents and support for high contrast modes. However, because printing is an important aspect of many workflows and changing font sizes directly will change documents details such the pagination, the layout of tables, etc., it is best practice to always format text for a reasonable degree of accessibility.\r\n
<\/a>9.2 Use Sufficient Contrast<\/h3>\r\nThe visual presentation of text and images of text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. To help you determine the contrast, here are some examples on a white background:\r\n\r\n \t- Very good contrast (Foreground=black, Background=white, Ratio=21:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Acceptable contrast (Foreground=#767676, Background=white, Ratio=4.54:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Unacceptable contrast (Foreground=#AAAAAA, Background=white, Ratio=2.32:1)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlso, always use a single solid color for a text background rather than a pattern.\r\nIn order to determine whether the colors in your document have sufficient contrast, you can consult an online contrast checker, such as:\r\n
\r\n \t- WebAIM: Contrast Checker<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Juicy Studio: Luminosity Color Contrast Ratio Analyzer<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Spectrum Tester<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Comparison<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.3 Avoid Using Color Alone<\/h3>\r\nColor should not be used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. In order to spot where color might be the only visual means of conveying information, you can create a screenshot of the document and then view it with online gray-scale converting tools, such as:\r\n\r\n \t- GrayBit v2.0: Grayscale Conversion Contrast Accessibility Tool<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEditor's note: <\/strong>GrayBit v2.0 is no longer available. However, multiple tools can be found online: Google Search: gray-scale conversion tool<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
9.4 Avoid Relying on Sensory Characteristics<\/h3>\r\nThe instructions provided for understanding and operating content should not rely solely on sensory characteristics such as the color or shape of content elements. Here are two examples:\r\n\r\n \t- Do not track changes by simply changing the color of text you have edited and noting the color. Instead use Google Slides\u2019s change tracking features to track changes, such as revision history.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Do not distinguish between images by referring to their appearance (e.g. \u201cthe bigger one\u201d). Instead, label each image with a figure number and use that for references.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.5 Avoid Using Images of Text<\/h3>\r\nBefore you use an image to control the presentation of text (e.g., to ensure a certain font or color combination), consider whether you can achieve the same result by styling \u201creal text\u201d. If this is not possible, as with logos containing stylized text, make sure to provide alternative text for the image following the techniques noted above.\r\n9.6 Avoid Transitions<\/h3>\r\nTransitions between slides and elements in each slide (e.g., bullets in a list flying onto the screen) can be distracting to users with disabilities. It can also cause assistive technologies to read the slide incorrectly. For these reasons, it is best to avoid transitions altogether.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 10. Make Content Easier to Understand\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n10.1 Write Clearly<\/h3>\r\nBy taking the time to design your content in a consistent way, it will be easier to access, navigate and interpret for all users:\r\n\r\n \t- Whenever possible, write clearly with short sentences.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Introduce acronyms and spell out abbreviations.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid making the document too \u201cbusy\u201d by using lots of whitespace and by avoiding too many different colors, fonts and images.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If content is repeated on multiple pages within a document or within a set of documents (e.g., headings, footings, etc.), it should occur consistently each time it is repeated.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
10.2 Provide Context for Hyperlinks<\/h3>\r\nHyperlink text in your document should be meaningful when read out of context. To be an effective navigation aid, the link text should describe the destination of the link.\r\n\r\nConsider the experience of screen reader users: Generally, screen readers generate a list of links, and screen reader users navigate this list alphabetically. Hyperlink text such as \"click here\" or \"more\" is meaningless in this context.\r\n\r\nIn order to be useful to someone using a screen reader, ensure that hyperlink text is self-describing and meaningful on its own.\r\nTo add hyperlinks with meaningful text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Insert > Link. <\/strong>Alternately, you can select the text you'd like to add a link to and press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on Macs).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the pop-up box, enter descriptive text in the Text <\/strong>display box.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Enter the link address in the Link<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Apply<\/strong><\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
10.3 Accessible Presentations<\/h3>\r\nIt is important to consider accessibility before, during, and after presentations. Below is a helpful link with guidance on how to make presentations accessible to all:\r\n\r\n \t- \u201cHow to Make Presentations Accessible to All\u201d (Source: W3C-WAI Draft)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Enable live automatic captions when presenting<\/h4>\r\nIn Google Slides, you can present slides with automatic captions that displays the speaker's words in real time at the bottom of the screen.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> This feature is only available on Chrome devices in U.S. English. Also, captions are not stored.\r\nStep 1: Set up your microphone<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Google Slides requires your computer's microphone or an external microphone paired with your computer to be turned on and working.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Devices and microphones vary, so be sure to check your computer's settings. Typically, these settings are found under System Preferences<\/a> on a Mac or in the Control Panel<\/a> on a PC.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Step 2: Present with captions<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Connect to the internet.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Open your presentation.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To start presenting, click Present<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn on captions, click CC<\/strong>.\r\nAs you speak, the captions (without punctuation) appear at the bottom of the screen.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn off captions, click CC<\/strong> again.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on enabling live automatic captions when presenting, see Google: Present slides with captions<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 11. Check Accessibility\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism to check for potential accessibility errors in your document prior to publishing. However, a third-party add-on called Grackle Sheets can be used to check the accessibility of your workbook (see below).\r\n\r\nIn order to get some indication of the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), then you may consider saving the file into HTML or PDF in order to perform an accessibility check in one of those formats, as described below.\r\n
To evaluate HTML accessibility<\/h4>\r\nIf you wish to check the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), one option is to save it into HTML format and use one of the web accessibility checkers available online. Such as:\r\n\r\n \t- AChecker <\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
<\/li>\r\n \tTo create an accessible template<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Create a new document (from the default template or from an existing template).\r\nNote:<\/em> If creating a template from an existing document, go to File<\/strong> > Make a copy<\/strong>. Type a name and choose where to save it, then, click Ok<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Rename your document. Be sure to indicate that the document is an accessible template by using terms such as \u201caccessible\u201d (e.g., \u201cAccessible Memo Template\u201d). This will improve its searchability and promote its use as an accessible template.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you follow techniques in this document. You may also check the accessibility (see Technique 11<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To share your accessible template as a new document<\/em><\/h4>\r\nYou can share your accessible template, but it may be more useful to share the file as copy that other users can add to their Google Drive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the address bar change the end of the URL before sending it.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Replace \u201cedit\u201d at the end of the URL with \u201ccopy\u201d.\r\nFor example:<\/em>\r\nBefore:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/edit<\/strong><\/em>\r\nAfter:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/copy<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
- Send the modified copy link.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When the recipient follows the modified copy link, they\u2019re instructed to click on Make a copy<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- They can then work on a copy of the accessible template.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more information, see the resources below:\r\n
\r\n \t- Google: Create document templates<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Google: Share \u201cMake a copy\u201d links to your files<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 2. Set Document Language\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time, Google Slides does not offer an explicit language selection mechanism to indicate the natural language of your document or changes in natural language at any point within the content. Google Slides defaults the natural language to the language selected for your Google Account. When exporting to other document formats, there is no guarantee that the natural language of your Google Account will be indicated as the natural language of your document.\r\n\r\nIn order for assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to be able to present your document accurately, it is important to indicate the natural language of the document. If a different natural language is used for a paragraph or selected text, this also needs to be clearly indicated.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 3. Use Built-In Layout and Styling Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides does not offer \"True Headings\" or \"Named Styles\".\r\n
3.1 Use Built-In Slide Layouts<\/h3>\r\nInstead of creating each slide in your presentation by starting from a blank slide, check whether there is a suitable built-in layout.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> The built-in layouts can be more accessible to users of assistive technologies because they technologies sometimes read the floating items on the slide in the order that they were placed on the slide. The built-in layouts have usually taken this into account (e.g., \u201cTitle\u201d first followed by other items, left to right and from top to bottom). If you create slide layouts from scratch, it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the order elements were placed.\r\nTo apply \u201ctrue layout\u201d to a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > New Slide\u2026 <\/strong>(Ctrl+M).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Layout<\/strong> drop-down on the toolbar, select a slide layout from the options.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- A new slide will be inserted into the presentation with the layout you selected<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
3.2 Customize Using Master Slides<\/h3>\r\nGoogle Slides is packaged with master slides available for your use. If a layout must be customized, it is recommended that Master Slides be used.\r\n\r\nEvery slide layout in a presentation is defined by its master slide. A master slide determines the formatting style for various elements of the slide layout. This includes font styles, character formatting, and the positioning of elements. Essentially, each master slide acts as a design template for the slide layout.\r\n\r\nIf you edit any aspect of the slide layout in the master slide, the change will affect all slides that were created based on it. For this reason, it is good practice to edit the master slide and use the slide layouts before building individual slides. It is essential that you create and use master slides that meet the accessibility requirements outlined in this document.\r\n\r\nOne way around this is to format a slide, ensuring its accessibility, and then create duplicates of that slide within your presentation. You can then edit the content of the duplicate slides, while ensuring that its layout meets accessibility requirements. In this way, the original slide acts as design template for the slides derived from it.\r\nTo duplicate a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > Duplicate slide<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Edit the content of your duplicate slide, ensuring your changes do not negatively affect accessibility of the slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To change a theme<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong>, then select Change theme.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- On the right sidebar, select the theme you want.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nNote:<\/em> If you would like to include a unique slide layout for a single slide, see Google: Learn how to apply a theme to only one slide<\/a>.\r\n
To customize a master slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong> > Edit master<\/strong>.\r\nOptional: <\/em> Before editing the master, you can first select a theme that is similar to the design you want before editing the master (select Theme<\/strong>, then select a theme from the right).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the master template editor, select the Master<\/strong> slide at the top.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Make your edits to the master slide.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When finished, select the \"x\" at the top-righthand side of the menu to close.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Your presentation should be updated with the changes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on how to customize your presentation, see Google: Change the theme, background, or layout in Google Slides<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 4. Set a Logical Tab Order\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nMany presentation applications create content composed almost exclusively of \"floating\" objects. This means that they avoid the transitions between in-line content and secondary \"floating\" objects (text boxes, images, etc.) that can cause accessibility issues in word processors.\r\n\r\nHowever, when you are working with \"floating\" objects, it is important to remember that the way objects are positioned in two dimensions on the screen may be completely different from how the objects will be read by a screen reader or navigated using a keyboard. The order that content is navigated sequentially is called the \"Tab Order\" because often the \"Tab\" key is used to navigate from one \"floating\" object to the next.\r\n\r\n
Tips for setting a logical \u201ctab order\u201d for \"floating\" objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- The tab order of floating objects is usually from the \u201clowest\u201d object on the slide to the \u201chighest\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Because objects automatically appear \u201con top\u201d when they are inserted, the default tab order is from the first object inserted to the last. However, this will change if you use features such as \u201cbring to front\u201d and \u201csend to back\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- The slide\u2019s main heading should be first in the tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Headings should be placed in the tab order immediately before the items (text, diagrams, etc.) for which they are acting as a heading.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Labels should be in the reading order placed immediately before the objects that they label.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For simple slide layouts, it may be possible to simply insert objects in a logical tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For more complex layouts, it may be easier to simply to create the slide as usual and then set the tab order (see below).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To set the tab order<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the object.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to menu item Arrange<\/strong> > Order <\/strong>> Bring to front<\/strong>, Bring forward<\/strong>, Send backward<\/strong>, or Send to back<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 5. Use Slide Notes\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nA useful aspect of presentation applications is the facility to add notes to slides, which can then be read by assistive technologies. You can use these slide notes to explain and expand on the contents of your slides in text format. Slide notes can be created as you build your presentation.\r\n
To add notes to your slides<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: View > Show Speaker Notes\r\n<\/strong>Note:<\/em> Once you have selected this option, the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane will appear on the right side of the window for each slide. If you close the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane, you will have to perform the above step to access it again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane on the right, enter notes to accompany each slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 6. Provide Text Alternatives for Images and Graphical Objects\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides offers a mechanism for adding alternative text to images and objects where it can be readily accessed by screen reader users. While you can add alt text, you will need to ensure that you provide the longer descriptions in the body of the document, near the images and objects. While this solution is not optimal for screen reader users and will complicate your own accessibility testing, it is necessary until long descriptions are supported.\r\n\r\nWhen using images or other graphical objects, such as charts and graphs, it is important to ensure that the information you intend to convey by the image is also conveyed to people who cannot see the image. This can be accomplished by adding concise alternative text of each image. If an image is too complicated to concisely describe in the alternative text alone (artwork, flowcharts, etc.), provide a short text alternative and a longer description as well.\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing alternative text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Try to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image does not convey any useful information, leave the alternative text blank<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image contains meaningful text, ensure all of the text is replicated<\/li>\r\n \t
- Alternative text should be fairly short, usually a sentence or less and rarely more than two sentences<\/li>\r\n \t
- If more description is required (e.g., for a chart or graph), provide a short description in the alternative text (e.g., a summary of the trend) and more detail in the long description, see below<\/li>\r\n \t
- Test by having others review the document with the images replaced by the alternative text<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing longer descriptions<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Long descriptions should be used when text alternatives (see above) are insufficient to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- In some situations, the information being conveyed will be how an image looks (e.g., an artwork, architectural detail, etc.). In these cases, try to describe the image without making too many of your own assumptions.<\/li>\r\n \t
- One approach is to imagine you are describing the image to a person over the phone<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you still provide concise alternative text to help readers decide if they are interested in the longer description<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlternatively, you can include the same information conveyed by the image within the body of the document, providing the images as an alternate to the text. In that case, you do not have to provide alternate text within the image.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To add alternative text to images and graphical objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n \t- Right-click* on the image.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Alt Text from the contextual menu.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Add your alt text to the Description <\/strong>field.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Press OK<\/strong> to saveNote:<\/em> Enter a description in the <\/span>Title<\/strong> field will show a pop-up tooltip when users hover over the image with their mouse. However, it is recommended to put the image description in the <\/span>Description<\/strong> field.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 7. Use Built-In Structuring Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
7.1 Tables<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism that allows you to select and indicate headings for rows and columns. Since it is not possible to create complex tables in Google Slides that are accessible, avoid creating complex tables since table headers cannot be designated. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you use the Grackle Slides<\/a> add-on, tables can be given structure and table headings can be indicated. While these fixes won\u2019t be useful for making tables more accessible in Google Slides, it does allow you to export the document into another format with appropriate table tags intact. For more on Grackle Slides, see Technique 11<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhen using tables, it is important to ensure that they are clear and appropriately structured. This helps all users to better understand the information in the table and allows assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to provide context so that the information within the table can be conveyed in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nTips for tables<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Only use tables for tabular information, not for formatting.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use \u201creal tables\u201d rather than text formatted to look like tables using the TAB key or space bar. These will not be recognized by assistive technology.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Keep tables simple by avoiding merged cells and dividing complex data sets into separate smaller tables, where possible.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If tables split across pages, set the header to show at the top of each page. Also set the table to break between rows instead of in the middle of rows.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Create a text summary of the essential table contents. Any abbreviations used should be explained in the summary.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table captions or descriptions should answer the question \"what is the table's purpose and how is it organized?\" (e.g., \"A sample order form with separate columns for the item name, price and quantity\").<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table cells should be marked as table headers when they serve as labels to help interpret the other cells in the table.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table header cells labels should be concise and clear.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure the table is not \u201cfloating\u201d on the page (see Technique 4<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
7.2 Lists<\/h3>\r\nWhen you create lists, it is important to format them as \u201creal lists\u201d. Otherwise, assistive technologies will interpret your list as a series of short separate paragraphs instead of a coherent list of related items.\r\nTo create an ordered or unordered list<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the text box or highlight the text<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to the menu bar<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click the Numbered list<\/strong> or Bullet list<\/strong> button\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
7.3 Columns<\/h3>\r\nUse Columns feature for placing text in columns.\r\nNote:<\/em> Because columns can be a challenge for users of some assistive technologies, consider whether a column layout is really necessary.\r\n7.4 Document Title<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides makes use of a single document name. Within Google Slides, this serves well as a title, but when exporting to ODT, the document name is used to form the file name, and the ODT \u201cTitle\u201d properties field is left blank, or it lists the title used in the first slide<\/strong> of the presentation.\r\n\r\nIn case the document is ever converted into HTML, it should be given a descriptive and meaningful title.\r\nTo change the file name of the current document<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: File > Rename<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Rename Document<\/strong> dialog, enter a new document name<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click OK<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 8. Create Accessible Charts\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nIn Google Slides, you can insert data charts linked to an existing Google Sheet file (see Google Help: Link a chart or table to Google Slides<\/a> for instructions).\r\n\r\nCharts can be used to display data in meaningful ways for your audience. It is important to ensure that your chart is as accessible as possible to all members of your audience. All basic accessibility considerations that are applied to the rest of your document must also be applied to your charts and the elements within your charts. For example, use shape and color, rather than color alone, to convey information. As well, some further steps should be taken to ensure that the contents are your chart are appropriate labeled to give users reference points that will help to correctly interpret the information.\r\n
To add a new chart to a presentation<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to Insert<\/strong> > Chart<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select the type of chart you want to add.\r\nNote: <\/em>To edit a chart, see Google Help: Edit or Update Chart Data<\/a>.\r\nNote: <\/em>To learn more about how to customize the chart you created, see BrightCarbon: Google Slides: The ULTIMATE guide (blog post)<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Other Chart Considerations<\/h3>\r\n\r\n \t- When creating line charts, use the formatting options to create different types of dotted lines to facilitate legibility for users who are color blind<\/li>\r\n \t
- When creating bar charts, it is helpful to apply textures instead of colors to differentiate the bars<\/li>\r\n \t
- Change the default colors to a color safe or gray-scale palette<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use the formatting options to change predefined colors, ensuring that they align with sufficient contrast requirements (see Technique 9.2<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 9. Make Content Easier to See\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
9.1 Format of Text<\/h3>\r\nWhen formatting text, especially when the text is likely to be printed, try to:\r\n\r\n \t- Use font sizes between 12 and 18 points for body text.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use fonts of normal weight, rather than bold or light weight fonts. If you do choose to use bold fonts for emphasis, use them sparingly.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use standard fonts with clear spacing and easily recognized upper and lower case characters. Sans serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Verdana) may sometimes be easier to read than serif fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Garamond).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid large amounts of text set all in caps, italic or underlined.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use normal or expanded character spacing, rather than condensed spacing.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid animated or scrolling text.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBut can\u2019t users just zoom in?<\/strong> Office applications do typically include accessibility features such as the ability to magnify documents and support for high contrast modes. However, because printing is an important aspect of many workflows and changing font sizes directly will change documents details such the pagination, the layout of tables, etc., it is best practice to always format text for a reasonable degree of accessibility.\r\n
<\/a>9.2 Use Sufficient Contrast<\/h3>\r\nThe visual presentation of text and images of text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. To help you determine the contrast, here are some examples on a white background:\r\n\r\n \t- Very good contrast (Foreground=black, Background=white, Ratio=21:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Acceptable contrast (Foreground=#767676, Background=white, Ratio=4.54:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Unacceptable contrast (Foreground=#AAAAAA, Background=white, Ratio=2.32:1)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlso, always use a single solid color for a text background rather than a pattern.\r\nIn order to determine whether the colors in your document have sufficient contrast, you can consult an online contrast checker, such as:\r\n
\r\n \t- WebAIM: Contrast Checker<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Juicy Studio: Luminosity Color Contrast Ratio Analyzer<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Spectrum Tester<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Comparison<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.3 Avoid Using Color Alone<\/h3>\r\nColor should not be used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. In order to spot where color might be the only visual means of conveying information, you can create a screenshot of the document and then view it with online gray-scale converting tools, such as:\r\n\r\n \t- GrayBit v2.0: Grayscale Conversion Contrast Accessibility Tool<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEditor's note: <\/strong>GrayBit v2.0 is no longer available. However, multiple tools can be found online: Google Search: gray-scale conversion tool<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
9.4 Avoid Relying on Sensory Characteristics<\/h3>\r\nThe instructions provided for understanding and operating content should not rely solely on sensory characteristics such as the color or shape of content elements. Here are two examples:\r\n\r\n \t- Do not track changes by simply changing the color of text you have edited and noting the color. Instead use Google Slides\u2019s change tracking features to track changes, such as revision history.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Do not distinguish between images by referring to their appearance (e.g. \u201cthe bigger one\u201d). Instead, label each image with a figure number and use that for references.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.5 Avoid Using Images of Text<\/h3>\r\nBefore you use an image to control the presentation of text (e.g., to ensure a certain font or color combination), consider whether you can achieve the same result by styling \u201creal text\u201d. If this is not possible, as with logos containing stylized text, make sure to provide alternative text for the image following the techniques noted above.\r\n9.6 Avoid Transitions<\/h3>\r\nTransitions between slides and elements in each slide (e.g., bullets in a list flying onto the screen) can be distracting to users with disabilities. It can also cause assistive technologies to read the slide incorrectly. For these reasons, it is best to avoid transitions altogether.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 10. Make Content Easier to Understand\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n10.1 Write Clearly<\/h3>\r\nBy taking the time to design your content in a consistent way, it will be easier to access, navigate and interpret for all users:\r\n\r\n \t- Whenever possible, write clearly with short sentences.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Introduce acronyms and spell out abbreviations.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid making the document too \u201cbusy\u201d by using lots of whitespace and by avoiding too many different colors, fonts and images.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If content is repeated on multiple pages within a document or within a set of documents (e.g., headings, footings, etc.), it should occur consistently each time it is repeated.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
10.2 Provide Context for Hyperlinks<\/h3>\r\nHyperlink text in your document should be meaningful when read out of context. To be an effective navigation aid, the link text should describe the destination of the link.\r\n\r\nConsider the experience of screen reader users: Generally, screen readers generate a list of links, and screen reader users navigate this list alphabetically. Hyperlink text such as \"click here\" or \"more\" is meaningless in this context.\r\n\r\nIn order to be useful to someone using a screen reader, ensure that hyperlink text is self-describing and meaningful on its own.\r\nTo add hyperlinks with meaningful text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Insert > Link. <\/strong>Alternately, you can select the text you'd like to add a link to and press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on Macs).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the pop-up box, enter descriptive text in the Text <\/strong>display box.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Enter the link address in the Link<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Apply<\/strong><\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
10.3 Accessible Presentations<\/h3>\r\nIt is important to consider accessibility before, during, and after presentations. Below is a helpful link with guidance on how to make presentations accessible to all:\r\n\r\n \t- \u201cHow to Make Presentations Accessible to All\u201d (Source: W3C-WAI Draft)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Enable live automatic captions when presenting<\/h4>\r\nIn Google Slides, you can present slides with automatic captions that displays the speaker's words in real time at the bottom of the screen.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> This feature is only available on Chrome devices in U.S. English. Also, captions are not stored.\r\nStep 1: Set up your microphone<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Google Slides requires your computer's microphone or an external microphone paired with your computer to be turned on and working.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Devices and microphones vary, so be sure to check your computer's settings. Typically, these settings are found under System Preferences<\/a> on a Mac or in the Control Panel<\/a> on a PC.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Step 2: Present with captions<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Connect to the internet.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Open your presentation.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To start presenting, click Present<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn on captions, click CC<\/strong>.\r\nAs you speak, the captions (without punctuation) appear at the bottom of the screen.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn off captions, click CC<\/strong> again.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on enabling live automatic captions when presenting, see Google: Present slides with captions<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 11. Check Accessibility\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism to check for potential accessibility errors in your document prior to publishing. However, a third-party add-on called Grackle Sheets can be used to check the accessibility of your workbook (see below).\r\n\r\nIn order to get some indication of the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), then you may consider saving the file into HTML or PDF in order to perform an accessibility check in one of those formats, as described below.\r\n
To evaluate HTML accessibility<\/h4>\r\nIf you wish to check the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), one option is to save it into HTML format and use one of the web accessibility checkers available online. Such as:\r\n\r\n \t- AChecker <\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
To share your accessible template as a new document<\/em><\/h4>\r\nYou can share your accessible template, but it may be more useful to share the file as copy that other users can add to their Google Drive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the address bar change the end of the URL before sending it.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Replace \u201cedit\u201d at the end of the URL with \u201ccopy\u201d.\r\nFor example:<\/em>\r\nBefore:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/edit<\/strong><\/em>\r\nAfter:<\/strong> http:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/12345678\/copy<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
- Send the modified copy link.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When the recipient follows the modified copy link, they\u2019re instructed to click on Make a copy<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- They can then work on a copy of the accessible template.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more information, see the resources below:\r\n
\r\n \t- Google: Create document templates<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Google: Share \u201cMake a copy\u201d links to your files<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 2. Set Document Language\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time, Google Slides does not offer an explicit language selection mechanism to indicate the natural language of your document or changes in natural language at any point within the content. Google Slides defaults the natural language to the language selected for your Google Account. When exporting to other document formats, there is no guarantee that the natural language of your Google Account will be indicated as the natural language of your document.\r\n\r\nIn order for assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to be able to present your document accurately, it is important to indicate the natural language of the document. If a different natural language is used for a paragraph or selected text, this also needs to be clearly indicated.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 3. Use Built-In Layout and Styling Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides does not offer \"True Headings\" or \"Named Styles\".\r\n
3.1 Use Built-In Slide Layouts<\/h3>\r\nInstead of creating each slide in your presentation by starting from a blank slide, check whether there is a suitable built-in layout.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> The built-in layouts can be more accessible to users of assistive technologies because they technologies sometimes read the floating items on the slide in the order that they were placed on the slide. The built-in layouts have usually taken this into account (e.g., \u201cTitle\u201d first followed by other items, left to right and from top to bottom). If you create slide layouts from scratch, it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the order elements were placed.\r\nTo apply \u201ctrue layout\u201d to a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > New Slide\u2026 <\/strong>(Ctrl+M).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Layout<\/strong> drop-down on the toolbar, select a slide layout from the options.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- A new slide will be inserted into the presentation with the layout you selected<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
3.2 Customize Using Master Slides<\/h3>\r\nGoogle Slides is packaged with master slides available for your use. If a layout must be customized, it is recommended that Master Slides be used.\r\n\r\nEvery slide layout in a presentation is defined by its master slide. A master slide determines the formatting style for various elements of the slide layout. This includes font styles, character formatting, and the positioning of elements. Essentially, each master slide acts as a design template for the slide layout.\r\n\r\nIf you edit any aspect of the slide layout in the master slide, the change will affect all slides that were created based on it. For this reason, it is good practice to edit the master slide and use the slide layouts before building individual slides. It is essential that you create and use master slides that meet the accessibility requirements outlined in this document.\r\n\r\nOne way around this is to format a slide, ensuring its accessibility, and then create duplicates of that slide within your presentation. You can then edit the content of the duplicate slides, while ensuring that its layout meets accessibility requirements. In this way, the original slide acts as design template for the slides derived from it.\r\nTo duplicate a slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Slide > Duplicate slide<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Edit the content of your duplicate slide, ensuring your changes do not negatively affect accessibility of the slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To change a theme<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong>, then select Change theme.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- On the right sidebar, select the theme you want.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nNote:<\/em> If you would like to include a unique slide layout for a single slide, see Google: Learn how to apply a theme to only one slide<\/a>.\r\n
To customize a master slide<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong> > Edit master<\/strong>.\r\nOptional: <\/em> Before editing the master, you can first select a theme that is similar to the design you want before editing the master (select Theme<\/strong>, then select a theme from the right).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the master template editor, select the Master<\/strong> slide at the top.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Make your edits to the master slide.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When finished, select the \"x\" at the top-righthand side of the menu to close.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Your presentation should be updated with the changes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on how to customize your presentation, see Google: Change the theme, background, or layout in Google Slides<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 4. Set a Logical Tab Order\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nMany presentation applications create content composed almost exclusively of \"floating\" objects. This means that they avoid the transitions between in-line content and secondary \"floating\" objects (text boxes, images, etc.) that can cause accessibility issues in word processors.\r\n\r\nHowever, when you are working with \"floating\" objects, it is important to remember that the way objects are positioned in two dimensions on the screen may be completely different from how the objects will be read by a screen reader or navigated using a keyboard. The order that content is navigated sequentially is called the \"Tab Order\" because often the \"Tab\" key is used to navigate from one \"floating\" object to the next.\r\n\r\n
Tips for setting a logical \u201ctab order\u201d for \"floating\" objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- The tab order of floating objects is usually from the \u201clowest\u201d object on the slide to the \u201chighest\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Because objects automatically appear \u201con top\u201d when they are inserted, the default tab order is from the first object inserted to the last. However, this will change if you use features such as \u201cbring to front\u201d and \u201csend to back\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- The slide\u2019s main heading should be first in the tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Headings should be placed in the tab order immediately before the items (text, diagrams, etc.) for which they are acting as a heading.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Labels should be in the reading order placed immediately before the objects that they label.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For simple slide layouts, it may be possible to simply insert objects in a logical tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For more complex layouts, it may be easier to simply to create the slide as usual and then set the tab order (see below).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To set the tab order<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the object.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to menu item Arrange<\/strong> > Order <\/strong>> Bring to front<\/strong>, Bring forward<\/strong>, Send backward<\/strong>, or Send to back<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 5. Use Slide Notes\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nA useful aspect of presentation applications is the facility to add notes to slides, which can then be read by assistive technologies. You can use these slide notes to explain and expand on the contents of your slides in text format. Slide notes can be created as you build your presentation.\r\n
To add notes to your slides<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: View > Show Speaker Notes\r\n<\/strong>Note:<\/em> Once you have selected this option, the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane will appear on the right side of the window for each slide. If you close the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane, you will have to perform the above step to access it again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane on the right, enter notes to accompany each slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 6. Provide Text Alternatives for Images and Graphical Objects\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides offers a mechanism for adding alternative text to images and objects where it can be readily accessed by screen reader users. While you can add alt text, you will need to ensure that you provide the longer descriptions in the body of the document, near the images and objects. While this solution is not optimal for screen reader users and will complicate your own accessibility testing, it is necessary until long descriptions are supported.\r\n\r\nWhen using images or other graphical objects, such as charts and graphs, it is important to ensure that the information you intend to convey by the image is also conveyed to people who cannot see the image. This can be accomplished by adding concise alternative text of each image. If an image is too complicated to concisely describe in the alternative text alone (artwork, flowcharts, etc.), provide a short text alternative and a longer description as well.\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing alternative text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Try to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image does not convey any useful information, leave the alternative text blank<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image contains meaningful text, ensure all of the text is replicated<\/li>\r\n \t
- Alternative text should be fairly short, usually a sentence or less and rarely more than two sentences<\/li>\r\n \t
- If more description is required (e.g., for a chart or graph), provide a short description in the alternative text (e.g., a summary of the trend) and more detail in the long description, see below<\/li>\r\n \t
- Test by having others review the document with the images replaced by the alternative text<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing longer descriptions<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Long descriptions should be used when text alternatives (see above) are insufficient to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- In some situations, the information being conveyed will be how an image looks (e.g., an artwork, architectural detail, etc.). In these cases, try to describe the image without making too many of your own assumptions.<\/li>\r\n \t
- One approach is to imagine you are describing the image to a person over the phone<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you still provide concise alternative text to help readers decide if they are interested in the longer description<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlternatively, you can include the same information conveyed by the image within the body of the document, providing the images as an alternate to the text. In that case, you do not have to provide alternate text within the image.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To add alternative text to images and graphical objects<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n \t- Right-click* on the image.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Alt Text from the contextual menu.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Add your alt text to the Description <\/strong>field.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Press OK<\/strong> to saveNote:<\/em> Enter a description in the <\/span>Title<\/strong> field will show a pop-up tooltip when users hover over the image with their mouse. However, it is recommended to put the image description in the <\/span>Description<\/strong> field.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 7. Use Built-In Structuring Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
7.1 Tables<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism that allows you to select and indicate headings for rows and columns. Since it is not possible to create complex tables in Google Slides that are accessible, avoid creating complex tables since table headers cannot be designated. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you use the Grackle Slides<\/a> add-on, tables can be given structure and table headings can be indicated. While these fixes won\u2019t be useful for making tables more accessible in Google Slides, it does allow you to export the document into another format with appropriate table tags intact. For more on Grackle Slides, see Technique 11<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhen using tables, it is important to ensure that they are clear and appropriately structured. This helps all users to better understand the information in the table and allows assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to provide context so that the information within the table can be conveyed in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nTips for tables<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Only use tables for tabular information, not for formatting.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use \u201creal tables\u201d rather than text formatted to look like tables using the TAB key or space bar. These will not be recognized by assistive technology.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Keep tables simple by avoiding merged cells and dividing complex data sets into separate smaller tables, where possible.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If tables split across pages, set the header to show at the top of each page. Also set the table to break between rows instead of in the middle of rows.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Create a text summary of the essential table contents. Any abbreviations used should be explained in the summary.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table captions or descriptions should answer the question \"what is the table's purpose and how is it organized?\" (e.g., \"A sample order form with separate columns for the item name, price and quantity\").<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table cells should be marked as table headers when they serve as labels to help interpret the other cells in the table.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table header cells labels should be concise and clear.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure the table is not \u201cfloating\u201d on the page (see Technique 4<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
7.2 Lists<\/h3>\r\nWhen you create lists, it is important to format them as \u201creal lists\u201d. Otherwise, assistive technologies will interpret your list as a series of short separate paragraphs instead of a coherent list of related items.\r\nTo create an ordered or unordered list<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Select the text box or highlight the text<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to the menu bar<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click the Numbered list<\/strong> or Bullet list<\/strong> button\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
7.3 Columns<\/h3>\r\nUse Columns feature for placing text in columns.\r\nNote:<\/em> Because columns can be a challenge for users of some assistive technologies, consider whether a column layout is really necessary.\r\n7.4 Document Title<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides makes use of a single document name. Within Google Slides, this serves well as a title, but when exporting to ODT, the document name is used to form the file name, and the ODT \u201cTitle\u201d properties field is left blank, or it lists the title used in the first slide<\/strong> of the presentation.\r\n\r\nIn case the document is ever converted into HTML, it should be given a descriptive and meaningful title.\r\nTo change the file name of the current document<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: File > Rename<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Rename Document<\/strong> dialog, enter a new document name<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click OK<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 8. Create Accessible Charts\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nIn Google Slides, you can insert data charts linked to an existing Google Sheet file (see Google Help: Link a chart or table to Google Slides<\/a> for instructions).\r\n\r\nCharts can be used to display data in meaningful ways for your audience. It is important to ensure that your chart is as accessible as possible to all members of your audience. All basic accessibility considerations that are applied to the rest of your document must also be applied to your charts and the elements within your charts. For example, use shape and color, rather than color alone, to convey information. As well, some further steps should be taken to ensure that the contents are your chart are appropriate labeled to give users reference points that will help to correctly interpret the information.\r\n
To add a new chart to a presentation<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to Insert<\/strong> > Chart<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select the type of chart you want to add.\r\nNote: <\/em>To edit a chart, see Google Help: Edit or Update Chart Data<\/a>.\r\nNote: <\/em>To learn more about how to customize the chart you created, see BrightCarbon: Google Slides: The ULTIMATE guide (blog post)<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Other Chart Considerations<\/h3>\r\n\r\n \t- When creating line charts, use the formatting options to create different types of dotted lines to facilitate legibility for users who are color blind<\/li>\r\n \t
- When creating bar charts, it is helpful to apply textures instead of colors to differentiate the bars<\/li>\r\n \t
- Change the default colors to a color safe or gray-scale palette<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use the formatting options to change predefined colors, ensuring that they align with sufficient contrast requirements (see Technique 9.2<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 9. Make Content Easier to See\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
9.1 Format of Text<\/h3>\r\nWhen formatting text, especially when the text is likely to be printed, try to:\r\n\r\n \t- Use font sizes between 12 and 18 points for body text.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use fonts of normal weight, rather than bold or light weight fonts. If you do choose to use bold fonts for emphasis, use them sparingly.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use standard fonts with clear spacing and easily recognized upper and lower case characters. Sans serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Verdana) may sometimes be easier to read than serif fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Garamond).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid large amounts of text set all in caps, italic or underlined.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use normal or expanded character spacing, rather than condensed spacing.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid animated or scrolling text.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBut can\u2019t users just zoom in?<\/strong> Office applications do typically include accessibility features such as the ability to magnify documents and support for high contrast modes. However, because printing is an important aspect of many workflows and changing font sizes directly will change documents details such the pagination, the layout of tables, etc., it is best practice to always format text for a reasonable degree of accessibility.\r\n
<\/a>9.2 Use Sufficient Contrast<\/h3>\r\nThe visual presentation of text and images of text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. To help you determine the contrast, here are some examples on a white background:\r\n\r\n \t- Very good contrast (Foreground=black, Background=white, Ratio=21:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Acceptable contrast (Foreground=#767676, Background=white, Ratio=4.54:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Unacceptable contrast (Foreground=#AAAAAA, Background=white, Ratio=2.32:1)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlso, always use a single solid color for a text background rather than a pattern.\r\nIn order to determine whether the colors in your document have sufficient contrast, you can consult an online contrast checker, such as:\r\n
\r\n \t- WebAIM: Contrast Checker<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Juicy Studio: Luminosity Color Contrast Ratio Analyzer<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Spectrum Tester<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Comparison<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.3 Avoid Using Color Alone<\/h3>\r\nColor should not be used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. In order to spot where color might be the only visual means of conveying information, you can create a screenshot of the document and then view it with online gray-scale converting tools, such as:\r\n\r\n \t- GrayBit v2.0: Grayscale Conversion Contrast Accessibility Tool<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEditor's note: <\/strong>GrayBit v2.0 is no longer available. However, multiple tools can be found online: Google Search: gray-scale conversion tool<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
9.4 Avoid Relying on Sensory Characteristics<\/h3>\r\nThe instructions provided for understanding and operating content should not rely solely on sensory characteristics such as the color or shape of content elements. Here are two examples:\r\n\r\n \t- Do not track changes by simply changing the color of text you have edited and noting the color. Instead use Google Slides\u2019s change tracking features to track changes, such as revision history.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Do not distinguish between images by referring to their appearance (e.g. \u201cthe bigger one\u201d). Instead, label each image with a figure number and use that for references.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.5 Avoid Using Images of Text<\/h3>\r\nBefore you use an image to control the presentation of text (e.g., to ensure a certain font or color combination), consider whether you can achieve the same result by styling \u201creal text\u201d. If this is not possible, as with logos containing stylized text, make sure to provide alternative text for the image following the techniques noted above.\r\n9.6 Avoid Transitions<\/h3>\r\nTransitions between slides and elements in each slide (e.g., bullets in a list flying onto the screen) can be distracting to users with disabilities. It can also cause assistive technologies to read the slide incorrectly. For these reasons, it is best to avoid transitions altogether.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 10. Make Content Easier to Understand\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n10.1 Write Clearly<\/h3>\r\nBy taking the time to design your content in a consistent way, it will be easier to access, navigate and interpret for all users:\r\n\r\n \t- Whenever possible, write clearly with short sentences.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Introduce acronyms and spell out abbreviations.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid making the document too \u201cbusy\u201d by using lots of whitespace and by avoiding too many different colors, fonts and images.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If content is repeated on multiple pages within a document or within a set of documents (e.g., headings, footings, etc.), it should occur consistently each time it is repeated.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
10.2 Provide Context for Hyperlinks<\/h3>\r\nHyperlink text in your document should be meaningful when read out of context. To be an effective navigation aid, the link text should describe the destination of the link.\r\n\r\nConsider the experience of screen reader users: Generally, screen readers generate a list of links, and screen reader users navigate this list alphabetically. Hyperlink text such as \"click here\" or \"more\" is meaningless in this context.\r\n\r\nIn order to be useful to someone using a screen reader, ensure that hyperlink text is self-describing and meaningful on its own.\r\nTo add hyperlinks with meaningful text<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \t- Go to menu item: Insert > Link. <\/strong>Alternately, you can select the text you'd like to add a link to and press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on Macs).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the pop-up box, enter descriptive text in the Text <\/strong>display box.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Enter the link address in the Link<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Apply<\/strong><\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
10.3 Accessible Presentations<\/h3>\r\nIt is important to consider accessibility before, during, and after presentations. Below is a helpful link with guidance on how to make presentations accessible to all:\r\n\r\n \t- \u201cHow to Make Presentations Accessible to All\u201d (Source: W3C-WAI Draft)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Enable live automatic captions when presenting<\/h4>\r\nIn Google Slides, you can present slides with automatic captions that displays the speaker's words in real time at the bottom of the screen.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> This feature is only available on Chrome devices in U.S. English. Also, captions are not stored.\r\nStep 1: Set up your microphone<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Google Slides requires your computer's microphone or an external microphone paired with your computer to be turned on and working.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Devices and microphones vary, so be sure to check your computer's settings. Typically, these settings are found under System Preferences<\/a> on a Mac or in the Control Panel<\/a> on a PC.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Step 2: Present with captions<\/h5>\r\n\r\n \t- Connect to the internet.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Open your presentation.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To start presenting, click Present<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn on captions, click CC<\/strong>.\r\nAs you speak, the captions (without punctuation) appear at the bottom of the screen.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn off captions, click CC<\/strong> again.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on enabling live automatic captions when presenting, see Google: Present slides with captions<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 11. Check Accessibility\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism to check for potential accessibility errors in your document prior to publishing. However, a third-party add-on called Grackle Sheets can be used to check the accessibility of your workbook (see below).\r\n\r\nIn order to get some indication of the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), then you may consider saving the file into HTML or PDF in order to perform an accessibility check in one of those formats, as described below.\r\n
To evaluate HTML accessibility<\/h4>\r\nIf you wish to check the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), one option is to save it into HTML format and use one of the web accessibility checkers available online. Such as:\r\n\r\n \t- AChecker <\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- \r\n \t
- Google: Create document templates<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Google: Share \u201cMake a copy\u201d links to your files<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 2. Set Document Language\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time, Google Slides does not offer an explicit language selection mechanism to indicate the natural language of your document or changes in natural language at any point within the content. Google Slides defaults the natural language to the language selected for your Google Account. When exporting to other document formats, there is no guarantee that the natural language of your Google Account will be indicated as the natural language of your document.\r\n\r\nIn order for assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to be able to present your document accurately, it is important to indicate the natural language of the document. If a different natural language is used for a paragraph or selected text, this also needs to be clearly indicated.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 3. Use Built-In Layout and Styling Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides does not offer \"True Headings\" or \"Named Styles\".\r\n
3.1 Use Built-In Slide Layouts<\/h3>\r\nInstead of creating each slide in your presentation by starting from a blank slide, check whether there is a suitable built-in layout.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> The built-in layouts can be more accessible to users of assistive technologies because they technologies sometimes read the floating items on the slide in the order that they were placed on the slide. The built-in layouts have usually taken this into account (e.g., \u201cTitle\u201d first followed by other items, left to right and from top to bottom). If you create slide layouts from scratch, it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the order elements were placed.\r\n
To apply \u201ctrue layout\u201d to a slide<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Go to menu item: Slide > New Slide\u2026 <\/strong>(Ctrl+M).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Layout<\/strong> drop-down on the toolbar, select a slide layout from the options.\r\n
<\/li>\r\n \t- A new slide will be inserted into the presentation with the layout you selected<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
3.2 Customize Using Master Slides<\/h3>\r\nGoogle Slides is packaged with master slides available for your use. If a layout must be customized, it is recommended that Master Slides be used.\r\n\r\nEvery slide layout in a presentation is defined by its master slide. A master slide determines the formatting style for various elements of the slide layout. This includes font styles, character formatting, and the positioning of elements. Essentially, each master slide acts as a design template for the slide layout.\r\n\r\nIf you edit any aspect of the slide layout in the master slide, the change will affect all slides that were created based on it. For this reason, it is good practice to edit the master slide and use the slide layouts before building individual slides. It is essential that you create and use master slides that meet the accessibility requirements outlined in this document.\r\n\r\nOne way around this is to format a slide, ensuring its accessibility, and then create duplicates of that slide within your presentation. You can then edit the content of the duplicate slides, while ensuring that its layout meets accessibility requirements. In this way, the original slide acts as design template for the slides derived from it.\r\n
To duplicate a slide<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Go to menu item: Slide > Duplicate slide<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Edit the content of your duplicate slide, ensuring your changes do not negatively affect accessibility of the slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
To change a theme<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong>, then select Change theme.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- On the right sidebar, select the theme you want.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nNote:<\/em> If you would like to include a unique slide layout for a single slide, see Google: Learn how to apply a theme to only one slide<\/a>.\r\n
To customize a master slide<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Go to the menu item Slide<\/strong> > Edit master<\/strong>.\r\nOptional: <\/em> Before editing the master, you can first select a theme that is similar to the design you want before editing the master (select Theme<\/strong>, then select a theme from the right).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the master template editor, select the Master<\/strong> slide at the top.\r\n
<\/li>\r\n \t- Make your edits to the master slide.<\/li>\r\n \t
- When finished, select the \"x\" at the top-righthand side of the menu to close.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Your presentation should be updated with the changes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on how to customize your presentation, see Google: Change the theme, background, or layout in Google Slides<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 4. Set a Logical Tab Order\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nMany presentation applications create content composed almost exclusively of \"floating\" objects. This means that they avoid the transitions between in-line content and secondary \"floating\" objects (text boxes, images, etc.) that can cause accessibility issues in word processors.\r\n\r\nHowever, when you are working with \"floating\" objects, it is important to remember that the way objects are positioned in two dimensions on the screen may be completely different from how the objects will be read by a screen reader or navigated using a keyboard. The order that content is navigated sequentially is called the \"Tab Order\" because often the \"Tab\" key is used to navigate from one \"floating\" object to the next.\r\n
\r\nTips for setting a logical \u201ctab order\u201d for \"floating\" objects<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- The tab order of floating objects is usually from the \u201clowest\u201d object on the slide to the \u201chighest\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Because objects automatically appear \u201con top\u201d when they are inserted, the default tab order is from the first object inserted to the last. However, this will change if you use features such as \u201cbring to front\u201d and \u201csend to back\u201d.<\/li>\r\n \t
- The slide\u2019s main heading should be first in the tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Headings should be placed in the tab order immediately before the items (text, diagrams, etc.) for which they are acting as a heading.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Labels should be in the reading order placed immediately before the objects that they label.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For simple slide layouts, it may be possible to simply insert objects in a logical tab order.<\/li>\r\n \t
- For more complex layouts, it may be easier to simply to create the slide as usual and then set the tab order (see below).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To set the tab order<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Select the object.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to menu item Arrange<\/strong> > Order <\/strong>> Bring to front<\/strong>, Bring forward<\/strong>, Send backward<\/strong>, or Send to back<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 5. Use Slide Notes\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nA useful aspect of presentation applications is the facility to add notes to slides, which can then be read by assistive technologies. You can use these slide notes to explain and expand on the contents of your slides in text format. Slide notes can be created as you build your presentation.\r\n
To add notes to your slides<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Go to menu item: View > Show Speaker Notes\r\n<\/strong>Note:<\/em> Once you have selected this option, the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane will appear on the right side of the window for each slide. If you close the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane, you will have to perform the above step to access it again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane on the right, enter notes to accompany each slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 6. Provide Text Alternatives for Images and Graphical Objects\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides offers a mechanism for adding alternative text to images and objects where it can be readily accessed by screen reader users. While you can add alt text, you will need to ensure that you provide the longer descriptions in the body of the document, near the images and objects. While this solution is not optimal for screen reader users and will complicate your own accessibility testing, it is necessary until long descriptions are supported.\r\n\r\nWhen using images or other graphical objects, such as charts and graphs, it is important to ensure that the information you intend to convey by the image is also conveyed to people who cannot see the image. This can be accomplished by adding concise alternative text of each image. If an image is too complicated to concisely describe in the alternative text alone (artwork, flowcharts, etc.), provide a short text alternative and a longer description as well.\r\n
\r\nTips for writing alternative text<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Try to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image does not convey any useful information, leave the alternative text blank<\/li>\r\n \t
- If the image contains meaningful text, ensure all of the text is replicated<\/li>\r\n \t
- Alternative text should be fairly short, usually a sentence or less and rarely more than two sentences<\/li>\r\n \t
- If more description is required (e.g., for a chart or graph), provide a short description in the alternative text (e.g., a summary of the trend) and more detail in the long description, see below<\/li>\r\n \t
- Test by having others review the document with the images replaced by the alternative text<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
Tips for writing longer descriptions<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Long descriptions should be used when text alternatives (see above) are insufficient to answer the question \"what information is the image conveying?\"<\/li>\r\n \t
- In some situations, the information being conveyed will be how an image looks (e.g., an artwork, architectural detail, etc.). In these cases, try to describe the image without making too many of your own assumptions.<\/li>\r\n \t
- One approach is to imagine you are describing the image to a person over the phone<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure that you still provide concise alternative text to help readers decide if they are interested in the longer description<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlternatively, you can include the same information conveyed by the image within the body of the document, providing the images as an alternate to the text. In that case, you do not have to provide alternate text within the image.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
To add alternative text to images and graphical objects<\/h4>\r\n
\r\n- \r\n \t
- Right-click* on the image.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Alt Text from the contextual menu.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Add your alt text to the Description <\/strong>field.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Press OK<\/strong> to saveNote:<\/em> Enter a description in the <\/span>Title<\/strong> field will show a pop-up tooltip when users hover over the image with their mouse. However, it is recommended to put the image description in the <\/span>Description<\/strong> field.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 7. Use Built-In Structuring Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
7.1 Tables<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism that allows you to select and indicate headings for rows and columns. Since it is not possible to create complex tables in Google Slides that are accessible, avoid creating complex tables since table headers cannot be designated. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you use the Grackle Slides<\/a> add-on, tables can be given structure and table headings can be indicated. While these fixes won\u2019t be useful for making tables more accessible in Google Slides, it does allow you to export the document into another format with appropriate table tags intact. For more on Grackle Slides, see Technique 11<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhen using tables, it is important to ensure that they are clear and appropriately structured. This helps all users to better understand the information in the table and allows assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to provide context so that the information within the table can be conveyed in a meaningful way.\r\n
\r\nTips for tables<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Only use tables for tabular information, not for formatting.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use \u201creal tables\u201d rather than text formatted to look like tables using the TAB key or space bar. These will not be recognized by assistive technology.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Keep tables simple by avoiding merged cells and dividing complex data sets into separate smaller tables, where possible.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If tables split across pages, set the header to show at the top of each page. Also set the table to break between rows instead of in the middle of rows.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Create a text summary of the essential table contents. Any abbreviations used should be explained in the summary.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table captions or descriptions should answer the question \"what is the table's purpose and how is it organized?\" (e.g., \"A sample order form with separate columns for the item name, price and quantity\").<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table cells should be marked as table headers when they serve as labels to help interpret the other cells in the table.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Table header cells labels should be concise and clear.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Ensure the table is not \u201cfloating\u201d on the page (see Technique 4<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
7.2 Lists<\/h3>\r\nWhen you create lists, it is important to format them as \u201creal lists\u201d. Otherwise, assistive technologies will interpret your list as a series of short separate paragraphs instead of a coherent list of related items.\r\n
To create an ordered or unordered list<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Select the text box or highlight the text<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to the menu bar<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click the Numbered list<\/strong> or Bullet list<\/strong> button\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
7.3 Columns<\/h3>\r\nUse Columns feature for placing text in columns.\r\nNote:<\/em> Because columns can be a challenge for users of some assistive technologies, consider whether a column layout is really necessary.\r\n
7.4 Document Title<\/h3>\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides makes use of a single document name. Within Google Slides, this serves well as a title, but when exporting to ODT, the document name is used to form the file name, and the ODT \u201cTitle\u201d properties field is left blank, or it lists the title used in the first slide<\/strong> of the presentation.\r\n\r\nIn case the document is ever converted into HTML, it should be given a descriptive and meaningful title.\r\n
To change the file name of the current document<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Go to menu item: File > Rename<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- In the Rename Document<\/strong> dialog, enter a new document name<\/li>\r\n \t
- Click OK<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 8. Create Accessible Charts\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nIn Google Slides, you can insert data charts linked to an existing Google Sheet file (see Google Help: Link a chart or table to Google Slides<\/a> for instructions).\r\n\r\nCharts can be used to display data in meaningful ways for your audience. It is important to ensure that your chart is as accessible as possible to all members of your audience. All basic accessibility considerations that are applied to the rest of your document must also be applied to your charts and the elements within your charts. For example, use shape and color, rather than color alone, to convey information. As well, some further steps should be taken to ensure that the contents are your chart are appropriate labeled to give users reference points that will help to correctly interpret the information.\r\n
To add a new chart to a presentation<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Go to Insert<\/strong> > Chart<\/strong>.\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select the type of chart you want to add.\r\nNote: <\/em>To edit a chart, see Google Help: Edit or Update Chart Data<\/a>.\r\nNote: <\/em>To learn more about how to customize the chart you created, see BrightCarbon: Google Slides: The ULTIMATE guide (blog post)<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Other Chart Considerations<\/h3>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- When creating line charts, use the formatting options to create different types of dotted lines to facilitate legibility for users who are color blind<\/li>\r\n \t
- When creating bar charts, it is helpful to apply textures instead of colors to differentiate the bars<\/li>\r\n \t
- Change the default colors to a color safe or gray-scale palette<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use the formatting options to change predefined colors, ensuring that they align with sufficient contrast requirements (see Technique 9.2<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 9. Make Content Easier to See\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
9.1 Format of Text<\/h3>\r\nWhen formatting text, especially when the text is likely to be printed, try to:\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Use font sizes between 12 and 18 points for body text.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use fonts of normal weight, rather than bold or light weight fonts. If you do choose to use bold fonts for emphasis, use them sparingly.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use standard fonts with clear spacing and easily recognized upper and lower case characters. Sans serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Verdana) may sometimes be easier to read than serif fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Garamond).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid large amounts of text set all in caps, italic or underlined.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Use normal or expanded character spacing, rather than condensed spacing.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid animated or scrolling text.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBut can\u2019t users just zoom in?<\/strong> Office applications do typically include accessibility features such as the ability to magnify documents and support for high contrast modes. However, because printing is an important aspect of many workflows and changing font sizes directly will change documents details such the pagination, the layout of tables, etc., it is best practice to always format text for a reasonable degree of accessibility.\r\n
<\/a>9.2 Use Sufficient Contrast<\/h3>\r\nThe visual presentation of text and images of text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. To help you determine the contrast, here are some examples on a white background:\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Very good contrast (Foreground=black, Background=white, Ratio=21:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Acceptable contrast (Foreground=#767676, Background=white, Ratio=4.54:1)<\/li>\r\n \t
- Unacceptable contrast (Foreground=#AAAAAA, Background=white, Ratio=2.32:1)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAlso, always use a single solid color for a text background rather than a pattern.\r\nIn order to determine whether the colors in your document have sufficient contrast, you can consult an online contrast checker, such as:\r\n
- \r\n \t
- WebAIM: Contrast Checker<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Juicy Studio: Luminosity Color Contrast Ratio Analyzer<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Spectrum Tester<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Joe Dolson Color Contrast Comparison<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.3 Avoid Using Color Alone<\/h3>\r\nColor should not be used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. In order to spot where color might be the only visual means of conveying information, you can create a screenshot of the document and then view it with online gray-scale converting tools, such as:\r\n
- \r\n \t
- GrayBit v2.0: Grayscale Conversion Contrast Accessibility Tool<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEditor's note: <\/strong>GrayBit v2.0 is no longer available. However, multiple tools can be found online: Google Search: gray-scale conversion tool<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
9.4 Avoid Relying on Sensory Characteristics<\/h3>\r\nThe instructions provided for understanding and operating content should not rely solely on sensory characteristics such as the color or shape of content elements. Here are two examples:\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Do not track changes by simply changing the color of text you have edited and noting the color. Instead use Google Slides\u2019s change tracking features to track changes, such as revision history.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Do not distinguish between images by referring to their appearance (e.g. \u201cthe bigger one\u201d). Instead, label each image with a figure number and use that for references.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
9.5 Avoid Using Images of Text<\/h3>\r\nBefore you use an image to control the presentation of text (e.g., to ensure a certain font or color combination), consider whether you can achieve the same result by styling \u201creal text\u201d. If this is not possible, as with logos containing stylized text, make sure to provide alternative text for the image following the techniques noted above.\r\n
9.6 Avoid Transitions<\/h3>\r\nTransitions between slides and elements in each slide (e.g., bullets in a list flying onto the screen) can be distracting to users with disabilities. It can also cause assistive technologies to read the slide incorrectly. For these reasons, it is best to avoid transitions altogether.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 10. Make Content Easier to Understand\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
10.1 Write Clearly<\/h3>\r\nBy taking the time to design your content in a consistent way, it will be easier to access, navigate and interpret for all users:\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Whenever possible, write clearly with short sentences.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Introduce acronyms and spell out abbreviations.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Avoid making the document too \u201cbusy\u201d by using lots of whitespace and by avoiding too many different colors, fonts and images.<\/li>\r\n \t
- If content is repeated on multiple pages within a document or within a set of documents (e.g., headings, footings, etc.), it should occur consistently each time it is repeated.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
10.2 Provide Context for Hyperlinks<\/h3>\r\nHyperlink text in your document should be meaningful when read out of context. To be an effective navigation aid, the link text should describe the destination of the link.\r\n\r\nConsider the experience of screen reader users: Generally, screen readers generate a list of links, and screen reader users navigate this list alphabetically. Hyperlink text such as \"click here\" or \"more\" is meaningless in this context.\r\n\r\nIn order to be useful to someone using a screen reader, ensure that hyperlink text is self-describing and meaningful on its own.\r\n
To add hyperlinks with meaningful text<\/h4>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Go to menu item: Insert > Link. <\/strong>Alternately, you can select the text you'd like to add a link to and press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on Macs).<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the pop-up box, enter descriptive text in the Text <\/strong>display box.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Enter the link address in the Link<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Select Apply<\/strong><\/strong>.\r\n
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n10.3 Accessible Presentations<\/h3>\r\nIt is important to consider accessibility before, during, and after presentations. Below is a helpful link with guidance on how to make presentations accessible to all:\r\n
- \r\n \t
- \u201cHow to Make Presentations Accessible to All\u201d (Source: W3C-WAI Draft)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Enable live automatic captions when presenting<\/h4>\r\nIn Google Slides, you can present slides with automatic captions that displays the speaker's words in real time at the bottom of the screen.\r\n\r\nNote:<\/em> This feature is only available on Chrome devices in U.S. English. Also, captions are not stored.\r\n
Step 1: Set up your microphone<\/h5>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Google Slides requires your computer's microphone or an external microphone paired with your computer to be turned on and working.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Devices and microphones vary, so be sure to check your computer's settings. Typically, these settings are found under System Preferences<\/a> on a Mac or in the Control Panel<\/a> on a PC.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Step 2: Present with captions<\/h5>\r\n
- \r\n \t
- Connect to the internet.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Open your presentation.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To start presenting, click Present<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn on captions, click CC<\/strong>.\r\nAs you speak, the captions (without punctuation) appear at the bottom of the screen.<\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn off captions, click CC<\/strong> again.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nFor more details on enabling live automatic captions when presenting, see Google: Present slides with captions<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n<\/a>[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 11. Check Accessibility\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time (December 2019), Google Slides does not offer a mechanism to check for potential accessibility errors in your document prior to publishing. However, a third-party add-on called Grackle Sheets can be used to check the accessibility of your workbook (see below).\r\n\r\nIn order to get some indication of the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), then you may consider saving the file into HTML or PDF in order to perform an accessibility check in one of those formats, as described below.\r\n
To evaluate HTML accessibility<\/h4>\r\nIf you wish to check the accessibility of your document or template (see Technique 1<\/a>), one option is to save it into HTML format and use one of the web accessibility checkers available online. Such as:\r\n
- \r\n \t
- AChecker <\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- To turn on captions, click CC<\/strong>.\r\nAs you speak, the captions (without punctuation) appear at the bottom of the screen.<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the pop-up box, enter descriptive text in the Text <\/strong>display box.<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to menu item: Insert > Link. <\/strong>Alternately, you can select the text you'd like to add a link to and press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on Macs).<\/li>\r\n \t
- Juicy Studio: Luminosity Color Contrast Ratio Analyzer<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- WebAIM: Contrast Checker<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Select the type of chart you want to add.\r\nNote: <\/em>To edit a chart, see Google Help: Edit or Update Chart Data<\/a>.\r\nNote: <\/em>To learn more about how to customize the chart you created, see BrightCarbon: Google Slides: The ULTIMATE guide (blog post)<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
- In the Rename Document<\/strong> dialog, enter a new document name<\/li>\r\n \t
- Go to menu item: File > Rename<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
- Press OK<\/strong> to saveNote:<\/em> Enter a description in the <\/span>Title<\/strong> field will show a pop-up tooltip when users hover over the image with their mouse. However, it is recommended to put the image description in the <\/span>Description<\/strong> field.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 7. Use Built-In Structuring Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n
- In the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane on the right, enter notes to accompany each slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 6. Provide Text Alternatives for Images and Graphical Objects\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides offers a mechanism for adding alternative text to images and objects where it can be readily accessed by screen reader users. While you can add alt text, you will need to ensure that you provide the longer descriptions in the body of the document, near the images and objects. While this solution is not optimal for screen reader users and will complicate your own accessibility testing, it is necessary until long descriptions are supported.\r\n\r\nWhen using images or other graphical objects, such as charts and graphs, it is important to ensure that the information you intend to convey by the image is also conveyed to people who cannot see the image. This can be accomplished by adding concise alternative text of each image. If an image is too complicated to concisely describe in the alternative text alone (artwork, flowcharts, etc.), provide a short text alternative and a longer description as well.\r\n
- Go to menu item: View > Show Speaker Notes\r\n<\/strong>Note:<\/em> Once you have selected this option, the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane will appear on the right side of the window for each slide. If you close the Speaker notes<\/strong> pane, you will have to perform the above step to access it again.<\/li>\r\n \t
- In the master template editor, select the Master<\/strong> slide at the top.\r\n
- On the right sidebar, select the theme you want.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nNote:<\/em> If you would like to include a unique slide layout for a single slide, see Google: Learn how to apply a theme to only one slide<\/a>.\r\n
- Edit the content of your duplicate slide, ensuring your changes do not negatively affect accessibility of the slide.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
- In the Layout<\/strong> drop-down on the toolbar, select a slide layout from the options.\r\n
- Google: Share \u201cMake a copy\u201d links to your files<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 2. Set Document Language\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nAt this time, Google Slides does not offer an explicit language selection mechanism to indicate the natural language of your document or changes in natural language at any point within the content. Google Slides defaults the natural language to the language selected for your Google Account. When exporting to other document formats, there is no guarantee that the natural language of your Google Account will be indicated as the natural language of your document.\r\n\r\nIn order for assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) to be able to present your document accurately, it is important to indicate the natural language of the document. If a different natural language is used for a paragraph or selected text, this also needs to be clearly indicated.\r\n\r\n[\/rl_collapsible_section]\r\n\r\n[rl_collapsible_section title=\"Technique 3. Use Built-In Layout and Styling Features\" title-tag=\"h2\" collapsed=\"yes\"]\r\n\r\nGoogle Slides does not offer \"True Headings\" or \"Named Styles\".\r\n