Microsoft Office is the most commonly used software to create online documents, spreadsheets, or presentations; to compose emails or convert information into HTML. Ensuring the information we create in Microsoft Office is fully optimised for accessibility is an essential ingredient for a sustainable accessibility strategy. This advanced course will teach the skills needed to create accessible Word documents, Excel workbooks, PowerPoint presentations and Outlook emails.
Developed in accordance with WCAG 2.1 and best practices cultivated by our team of experts, our training supports inclusive design in alignment with the Australian Government’s Digital Service Standard.
This highly comprehensive course was designed for a general audience – no prior knowledge of accessibility is required. Taught using Microsoft Office 365 on PC, a basic working knowledge of Microsoft Office is recommended. Those who use a different version of Office (especially 2016 or 2019 desktop) are encouraged to attend as the learning outcomes will be the same.
We’ll teach you how to ensure your digital communications are accessible to everyone.
Our virtual training is live and interactive with an experienced instructor and runs as 2-hour sessions over 4 weeks.
Each attendee requires access to a desktop or laptop computer with a good internet connection and a headset or microphone and speakers. Instructions for Zoom will be sent with the invitation. You will receive a copy of the handbook and instructions via email before the first training session.
*Please Note: If you register to complete the Creating Accessible Documents training online, you will require Microsoft Office (2010 or later for PC and 2016 or later for Mac OS) installed on your computer to take part in remote training. It is recommended that users have Office 365 as this will be used by the trainer. If you do not have this already, you may be able to install a trial version (subject to the software owner’s agreement). Please bear this in mind when choosing to attend a remote version of this training.
Testimonials:
"This training was excellent. I am embarrassed at how little I knew about or considered the need for creating accessible documents before the course. The course was really practical and in-depth and the take home manual is a wonderful reference tool for the future to ensure I produce accessible document moving forward. Alex the facilitator was very thorough and thoughtful in his approach and added to the learning experience." Deanna, Unstuck
"The training was a brilliant introduction to accessibility for me. I learnt so much in a relatively short space of time and am now hugely more confident about creating accessible documents. When I think about what I used to do before the training, I really do cringe! Thank you!" Maria, La Trobe University
Dates and registration links:
Please follow the date links below to register for the training session of your choice.Tuesdays 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm AEST
Tuesdays 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm AEDT
2025
Tuesdays 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm AEDT
Thursdays 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm AEDT
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Course Content
1. Background to document accessibility:
- How inaccessible documents affect different disability groups
- How people use assistive technologies to access content within digital documents
- Australian legal requirements
- Applicability of WCAG 2.1 standards to electronic documents
- Techniques to create accessible Office documents:
- Language
- Use of colours
- Text format
- Links
- Layout
- Accessibility Checker
2. Techniques for accessible Word documents:
- Images and alternative text
- Including complex diagrams and charts
- Headings
- Lists
- Tables
- Columns
- Tables of content
- Text boxes
- Document title
3. Techniques for accessible forms:
- Simple
- Simulating form controls using tables
- Interactive
- Associate fields with labels
- Test and modify the focus order
- Apply editing restrictions
- Adding Help Key (F1) Help
- Error Messages
4. Demonstration of the MS Word Document Accessibility Toolbar (DAT)
5. Word to PDF:
- Use the built-in PDF maker
- Configure the PDF maker for accessibility
- Test the resulting PDF for accessibility
6. Core techniques for accessible Excel spreadsheets:
- Instructions
- Tables of content
- Worksheet title
- Charts
- Data Tables
7. Core techniques for accessible PowerPoint presentations:
- Slide layout
- Images and Shapes
- Reading order
- Motion, flashing, transitions and animations
8. Core techniques for accessible Outlook Emails:
- Format
- Structure in HTML documents
- Image placement
- Alternative text
- Hyperlinks
- Signatures
- Special characters and emoticons
- Attachments
- Subject
- Plain text email
Course Materials
You’ll receive a comprehensive manual containing:
- Step-by-step instructions on how to implement techniques using Microsoft Office.
- The rationale for using specific techniques and positive impacts for the end-user.
- Explanations, examples, tips and tricks to help you apply accessible practices day-to-day.
Cost:
Full Fee
- $795 including GST per registration
Group Discount (over four attendees)
- $725 including GST per registration
Course Enquiries
Email: [email protected]