Creating accessible content ensures all learners, including those with disabilities, can engage fully with course materials. This includes documents, presentations, videos, spreadsheets, and Brightspace content. Below are key practices and support resources:
Documents – Word and PDFs
Accessible documents are designed to be usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. In Word and PDFs, this means using clear headings, readable fonts, alt text for images, and proper reading order. Creating accessible documents ensures compatibility with screen readers and improves overall usability. Simple adjustments during formatting can make a significant difference in inclusion.
CELT has created checklists to verify the accessibility of documents: [Word] [PDF]
For more support from the tools directly: [Microsoft Word] [Adobe]
Videos and PowerPoints
Accessible videos and PowerPoints ensure all viewers can engage with the content, including those with disabilities. Key features include captions, transcripts, clear visuals, and high color contrast. For PowerPoints, using built-in layouts, descriptive slide titles, and alt text supports screen reader navigation. These practices make presentations more inclusive and effective for diverse audiences.
CELT has created checklists to verify the accessibility of videos and PowerPoints [Editing Captions on a Kaltura Video] [PowerPoint]
For more support from the tool directly: [Microsoft PowerPoint]
Excel Spreadsheets
Accessible Excel files allow all users, including those using screen readers, to understand and navigate data effectively. Key practices include using clear headers, avoiding merged cells, and naming sheets meaningfully. Adding alt text to charts and using consistent, simple formatting also improves accessibility. These steps ensure that the data is both readable and usable by everyone.
CELT has created a checklist to verify the accessibility of spreadsheets: [Excel]
For more support from the tool directly: [Microsoft Excel]
Brightspace Accessibility Checker
Brightspace has an Accessibility Checker to help instructors determine if the content they are adding into a module is accessible. The Accessibility Checker is only available when an instructor “Creates a File” in Brightspace. This will not work on uploaded files. The Accessibility Checker is available in the HTML editor. To use the tool, within the HTML editor, select the three dots (…) on the right side of the editor to reveal additional tools. Select the tool that is an eye with a checkmark. 
For more support from D2L directly: [Accessibility Checker in Brightspace HTML Editor] [Accessibility in Higher Education]
Accommodations & Assistive Technology
The Disability Access Center is committed to promoting and ensuring equal access and opportunity for students with disabilities at Purdue Fort Wayne. Students with disabilities can work with the center to access reasonable accommodations and other support. They also work with campus partners to create an inclusive university experience and environment. [Policies & Concerns]
Have additional questions? Contact the Disability Access Center at dac@pfw.edu or 260-481-6657. They're located in Walb Union, Room 113.
Additional Resources
