PowerPoint accessibility checklist

2 min readAug 23, 2022

Content

Remember that the purpose of a PowerPoint slides in a presentation is to reinforce what you are saying and make it memorable. Don’t put too much on your slides — that will give it more impact and make it more accessible.
Limit the number of bullet points on each slide
Use descriptive headings and simple language on slides
Use a minimum 18 point font size
Avoid using ALL CAPS, italics and underlines for text that isn’t a link

Use a simple slide background and check the colour contrast between the text and background
Images can help people understand what you want to communicate, but use them carefully. Make sure your images reflect what you’re trying to communicate and support comprehension.
Limit the number of images on each slide
Avoid using images with text in them because not all users will be able to read the text in an image
Add alt text to any images. You can do this by control clicking the image and choosing ‘Alt text’. Find out how to write good alt text.
Avoid using shape or colour alone to show meaning. For example, don’t just use colour to indicate different elements on a chart — also use text or texture.

Run the presentation through the PowerPoint accessibility checker. You do this by choosing ‘Review’ in the toolbar and then ‘Accessibility checker).
Ensure that subtitles start up automatically when you present a slideshow by going to ‘Slideshow’ and selecting ‘Always use subtitles’
If you record your presentation in Teams to share with others, remember to select ‘Start transcription’ beforehand