Requirements for All Word Files

• Blank Characters
  • Do not use blank spaces for formatting purposes. For example, multiple carriage returns, and the use of tabs and spaces to align text. Using these will create reading issues for non-sighted users.
• Columns
  • Use True Columns
• Document
  • Define Document Properties
  • Define Document Language
• Fonts
  • Ensure that font size is sufficient, around 12 points. Use one of the recommended fonts:
    • Times New Roman
    • Verdana
    • Arial
    • Tahoma
    • Helvetica
    • Calibri
• Footnotes
  • Use Word Footnote linking
• Headings
  • Format the document by using Style elements.
• Images
  • Do not use background images or watermarks
  • All images are to appear crisp and legible.
  • Images are to be in line with text.
  • All images have meaningful alt text
  • Add a caption to your image.
• Links
  • All links contain descriptive text
  • Do not use links like "Click Here" or "More Info"
  • Links go to correct websites/URLs
• Lists
  • Use list style instead of manually typing characters (e.g. hyphens, numbers or graphics)
• Page Numbers
  • Do not manually type page numbers. Use Insert > Page Number
• Tables
  • Insert Table is to be used. Do not use tabs or spaces to present tabular data.
    • Uncheck "Allow row to break across pages"
    • First row is to be designated as the "Header Row" in the table properties.
    • All tables need a description
  • Do not use blank cells
  • Do not merge cells
  • Table are to have a logical reading order from left to right, top to bottom.
• Text
  • Do not use flashing, flickering or animated text
  • Text is easy to read. There is sufficient contrast.
  • Do not use color to emphasize the importance of selected text.

Please Note: If, after reviewing these tools, you still have questions about the web accessibility procedures, you may contact your Web Content Manager or the SED Help Desk. You may also submit your question to the NYSED Web Accessibility Support Forum.