A document audit for accessibility involves reviewing a document to ensure that it can be accessed and understood by people with disabilities. This can include individuals with visual, auditory, physical, or cognitive impairments.
Here are some steps to conduct a document audit for accessibility:
- Check the document format: Make sure the document is in a format that is accessible, such as HTML, PDF, or Word. Avoid using formats that are not accessible, such as scanned documents or images of text.
- Review the document structure: Ensure that the document is structured properly using headings, lists, and other formatting tools. Headings should be used in a logical order to provide an outline of the document’s content.
- Check the text formatting: Ensure that the text is formatted correctly, including font size, font style, and colour contrast. Use a sans-serif font, such as Arial or Verdana, and avoid using text that is too small or too large.
- Add alternative text for images: All images in the document should have alternative text (alt text) that describes the content of the image. This is especially important for individuals who use screen readers.
- Provide captions and transcripts for videos: If the document contains videos, ensure that they have closed captions or transcripts. This is important for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Check for accessibility of links: Ensure that links in the document are descriptive and clearly indicate where they lead. Avoid using generic terms like “click here” or “read more.”
- Use plain language: Use simple, easy-to-understand language in the document. Avoid using jargon or complex terminology that may be difficult for some readers to understand.
- Test the document for accessibility: Use accessibility tools, such as screen readers and keyboard navigation, to test the document for manual accessibility.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your document is accessible to a wider audience, including individuals with disabilities.