Use this quick card to build Word documents that everyone can read, navigate, and understand — including people who use screen readers, keyboards, or magnification.
This Field Guide is part of the Digital Accessibility Field Guides collection from DASH. Use it as a quick reference while you work, and download the printable Word version to share with your team.
Use an accessibility checker
- Open Review > Check Accessibility to find barriers and get suggested fixes.
- Resolve Errors first, then Warnings, then Tips before sharing the document.
Add meaningful hyperlink text
- Use descriptive link text instead of raw URLs (for example, “Registration form”).
- Avoid vague phrases like “click here” or “learn more.”
- Make every link text unique within the document.
Add alternative text to visuals
- Apply alt text to pictures, charts, SmartArt, shapes, and embedded objects.
- Describe the image’s purpose in clear, concise terms.
- Mark purely decorative visuals with “Mark as decorative.”
Use simple table structure
- Insert tables with Insert > Table — never draw them with tabs or spaces.
- Check Header Row in Table Design so the first row is announced as headers.
- Avoid nested tables, merged cells, and blank cells that confuse navigation.
Use built-in heading styles
- Apply Heading 1, Heading 2, and Heading 3 in logical order.
- Write short, descriptive heading text that summarizes each section.
- Organize content into small chunks under each heading.
Printable version
Download a one-page printable Word version of this Field Guide to keep at your desk or share with your team:
Related DASH resources
For more detailed guidance on digital accessibility, explore these related DASH pages:
- Digital Accessibility Field Guides – Browse every Field Guide in the collection.
- Digital Accessibility Checkpoints – Detailed checkpoints for every stage of content creation.
- Create Accessible Content – In-depth guidance for every content type.
- DASH Tools and Resources – Testing tools and utilities to help you check accessibility.
Getting help
If you have questions or need assistance applying this Field Guide, contact the Digital Accessibility Services Hub (DASH) Team. The DASH Team is available to support colleges, schools, and administrative units as they build sustainable accessibility practices.
- Contact DASH at [email protected] for consultations, training, or technical assistance.
- Visit the DASH training page for resources and learning opportunities.
Accessibility is a shared responsibility, and every step you take makes UGA’s digital environment more inclusive.