When creating documents, most of the basic principles in creating accessible web content apply to ensuring accessibility. This page contains self-help resources to assist you in determining whether a document is accessible or guide you through the process of creating accessible documents.
Please note that is easier to create a document designed with accessibility principles rather than fix an inaccessible document that has already been created. Remediating documents for accessibility can be a time-consuming task, so the DPRC is available to consult with you on creating, evaluating, and remediating your documents for accessibility.
If you are unsure whether a document or flyer is accessible, please review our guide on determining whether a document is accessible.
The following resources will help you create accessible Microsoft Word documents or modify existing documents. Note that Microsoft Word has a built-in accessibility checker that will help guide you through the process of fixing any accessibility issues in your document.
- Creating Accessible Word Documents from WebAim
- Word Accessibility from the CSU
- Make your Word documents accessible from Microsoft
Making existing PDFs accessible can be one of the most challenging topics in document accessibility. However, if you are creating your own PDF and have access to the source document it is much easier.
Please note that all the resources below require the use of Adobe Acrobat Professional to evaluate, repair, and fix the accessibility of existing PDF files. SF State faculty, staff and student employees have access to this software license for no cost, so please visit the Adobe Licensing Guide for more information.
- PDF Accessibility from WebAim
- Verifying PDF Accessibility from Adobe
- Creating Accessible PDFs course by LinkedIn Learning (requires subscription)
If you plan to create a fillable PDF form with signatures, we highly recommend that you use the campus solution DocuSign instead of a fillable PDF. As an alternative, you may use Adobe Acrobat Professional with the resources below or contact the ATI team to help you create an accessible PDF form.
- Creating Accessible PDF Forms by SF State
- Accessible PDF forms from WebAIM
- Accessible Acrobat forms from Adobe
- Creating Accessible Excel files from Microsoft
- Check for Excel Accessibility Issues from Microsoft
- PowerPoint Accessibility Guide from WebAIM
- Create Accessible PowerPoint Documents Guide from Microsoft
- Video Tutorial on InDesign Accessibility from Adobe
- More Resources on InDesign from Adobe
Further Assistance
If you need assistance with ensuring a document is accessible, please contact DPRC at access@sfsu.edu