Why Document Accessibility?
Digital documents are used and shared across every context at U-M. Course syllabi, meeting minutes, hiring materials, and much more. Document accessibility means using best practices, tools, and workflows, so that you can easily create accessible documents each and every time. And that means your docs can be used by everyone without barriers, including people with disabilities, and people who rely on assistive technology.
Learn on Your own
Explore tools and step-by-step guidance on how to improve your documents at your own pace.
- Best Practices for Documents: Learn simple, practical techniques like headings, alt text, and clear structure to improve accessibility of any document.
- Document Accessibility (Canvas course): Learn the fundamentals of creating accessible documents using tools and best practices available at U-M.
- Accessible Document Templates: Start with ready-to-use templates from U-M units, designed to help you create accessible documents from the beginning.
- Grackle Docs (Google Docs Accessibility Tool): Use Grackle Docs to check and improve accessibility directly within your Google Docs workflow.
- Document Accessibility Checklist: Follow a step-by-step training guide to build your knowledge and apply accessibility practices in your daily work.
Make Progress
Make small changes to improve document accessibility as you go. Begin anywhere and build on the momentum. Do one (or more) of the following this month:
- Use Heading Styles instead of bold text to structure your document.
- Add Alt Text to your document images.
- Check the color contrast in your documents for readability.
- Adopt or create an accessible template that is well-designed and U-M branded.
For Faculty and Instructors
- Check your syllabus for accessibility, with Grackle or Microsoft Word, and make improvements.
- Add alt text to instructional images.
- Use templates to create consistent, accessible materials.
For Content Editors and Communicators
- Use accessible templates for reports, newsletters, and materials.
- Write descriptive link text (avoid “click here”).
- Ensure proper heading structure for readability.
- Build accessibility into your content workflows.
For Developers and Technical Teams
- Ensure document outputs from systems are accessible by default.
- Provide accessible templates for teams and users.
- Support tools like Grackle Docs across units.
- Test document accessibility in workflows and integrations.
- Partner with content creators to reduce accessibility gaps.
Focus on the documents you create most often to build accessibility into your workflows now and moving forward.
