Messaging Architects, an eMazzanti Technologies Company and Microsoft 365 expert, explains several PowerPoint accessibility features in a new article. The informative article first cautions that audience members with visual or hearing impairments may miss critical elements of a presentation.
The author then examines several potential remedies, including alt text for images, longer descriptions for complex graphics, and reading order for screen reader support. He continues by encouraging the use of subtitles and captions for translation and hearing support. He concludes by explaining how to run the PowerPoint Accessibility Checker.
“Audience members with visual or hearing impairments or people who speak other languages may miss critical elements of a PowerPoint presentation,” stated Greg Smith, Vice President of Services Delivery at Messaging Architects. “Accessibility features help to ensure everyone can access the content.”
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Add Longer Descriptions for Complex Graphics
“Complex graphics, such as infographics, that convey critical information may require more detail. In that case, enter a short description in the alt text. Then, write a longer description in a content placeholder such as a text box. If you move the content placeholder off-screen, it will not appear on the slide, but the screen reader will still access it.”
Check Reading Order for Screen Reader Support
“Presenters need to understand that, by default, screen readers read slide elements in the order they were added. That can differ significantly from the order the elements appear on the slide. Fortunately, PowerPoint allows users to define the reading order for a slide.”
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Add Subtitles and Captions for Translation and Hearing Support
“For live presentations, PowerPoint can transcribe the presenter’s words and display captions on-screen in real time. For example, subtitles make presentations accessible to hard of hearing audience members or those who need to view the presentation with the sound off. Additionally, PowerPoint can translate the presenter’s words and display subtitles in a different language.”
Microsoft Office Accessibility Checker
“Finally, be sure to run the Accessibility Checker as you review your presentation. The Accessibility Checker will check to make sure all non-text elements include alt text. It will also check that all slides have unique titles, verify that video elements include captions and provide additional suggestions.”
Harness the Power of Microsoft 365
Accessibility features represent just one way that Microsoft works to improve productivity and collaboration. To take advantage of the power of Microsoft products, business leaders should talk with Messaging Architects consultants about migrating to Microsoft 365.
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