Digital Accessibility Quick Tips & Tools
Tips
Accessibility doesn’t have to be complicated. While the standards are technical, the core of digital inclusion is simply good design. This page is your "cheat sheet" for creating content that works for everyone. Below, you’ll find digital accessibility best practices and some tools we recommend to help you stay compliant and accessible.
Make sure your content and documents are always following these core standards:
Logical Headings
Use headings in chronological order. Never skip a level (don't go from H2 to H4). Screen readers use headings as a "Table of Contents" to jump to different sections.
Descriptive Link Text
Avoid "Click Here" or "Read More." Instead Use: "Download the 2026 Budget PDF" or "Register for the Faculty Workshop."
Proper Color Contrast
Text must be easy to read against its background. Avoid light colored text on white backgrounds and dark colored text on black backgrounds. High contrast (like black on white) is always safest.
Accessible Tables
Use tables for data only, not for page layout. Ensure you designate a header row so screen readers know which label applies to which cell. Avoid merging or splitting cells.
Large Readable Text
For web content, 16px is the standard. For Word docs/PDFs, stay at 12pt or larger. Avoid overly decorative or "script" fonts for body text.
Tools
The Microsoft Office Accessibility Checker: In Word, PowerPoint, or Excel, go to the Review tab and click Check Accessibility. It will list every error and tell you exactly how to fix it. Learn more about accessibility in Microsoft.
The Canvas in-application accessibility checker: When editing any page in Canvas, click the small icon of a person in a circle at the bottom of the editor.
University of Pittsburgh Accessibility Resource Hub
University of Pittsburgh Accessibility Training