Creating Accessible Slide Decks

Designing slide decks with accessibility in mind is a powerful way to ensure all students, including those with disabilities, can engage and benefit from your presentation. Here are best practices tailored for accessibility:

♿️ Accessibility-Focused Best Practices for Slide Decks

🧠 General Principles

1. Design for InclusivityAssume you’ll have students with diverse needs (e.g., visual, auditory, cognitive, motor) and design accordingly.

2. Use Plain LanguageAvoid jargon, idioms, or complex sentences. Keep content concise and easy to understand.

👁️ For Students with Visual Impairments

1. Use High Contrast ColorsExample: Black text on white or yellow background. Avoid red-green combinations (color blindness).

   1. Use the Color Contrast Analyser to test the accesibility of your color combinations!

2. Text, Not Just ImagesDon’t rely solely on visuals to convey meaning. Explain charts, diagrams, or images in text.

3. Alt Text for ImagesAdd alternative text (alt text) to every image that conveys meaning, so screen readers can describe them.

4. Avoid Using Text as ImagesUse actual text, not screenshots of text, to ensure it can be read by screen readers and zoomed.

5. Readable Fonts

   • Sans-serif fonts (e.g. Calibri, Arial,) are easier to read.

   • Avoid italics or decorative fonts.

   • Minimum 24pt for body text.

👂 For Students with Hearing Impairments

1. Avoid Relying on Audio AloneProvide transcripts or closed captions for any embedded videos or audio clips.

2. Summarize Spoken Information on SlidesInclude key points and terminology in text, so nothing critical is missed if someone can’t hear. Consider adding information to the speaker notes area in your slide deck.

🧠 For Students with Cognitive or Learning Disabilities

1. Consistent LayoutsUse a predictable slide structure (e.g., title on top, text below, image right side). This helps reduce cognitive load.

2. Break Information into ChunksUse bullet points and whitespace to separate ideas clearly.

3. Use Visuals to Support, Not DistractRelevant diagrams or icons can aid comprehension—avoid animations or decorative effects that may distract.

4. Provide a Summary or Key TakeawaysHelp reinforce the most important information at the end of each section or slide.

⌨️ For Students with Motor Disabilities

1. Keyboard-Navigable LinksMake sure any links or buttons work with keyboard navigation (if interactive).

2. Avoid Auto-Advancing SlidesIf using timed transitions, allow for manual control so everyone can process at their own pace.

📄 Documentation & Supplementary Materials

1. Provide an Accessible CopyShare your slides in accessible formats (e.g., tagged PDF, accessible PowerPoint, or Google Slides with alt text and headings).

2. Offer a Transcript or NotesInclude speaker notes or a separate document with detailed explanations, especially for complex content.

3. Use Descriptive Slide TitlesHelp screen readers and students navigating through a deck find what they need quickly.

✅ Testing & Tools

1. Run an Accessibility CheckerMost presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides) have built-in checkers to identify issues.

2. Test with a Screen ReaderTry navigating your deck using a screen reader (like NVDA or VoiceOver) to understand the experience.

Would you like a version of this formatted as a checklist?

Download and use the Accessibility Slide Design Checklist to check your slide deck!