2.1 Accessible Document Creation

Adding visuals like shapes, images, graphs etc. definitely makes the document more interesting but you have to make sure that the information conveyed through these visuals are reaching everyone.

While adding any graphic/image or a shape it is important to make sure that it is wrapped in-line with text. Otherwise the reading order for screen reader might be difficult, as the object might be floating and it is confusing.

Also pay attention to colour and contrast as prescribed. While adding charts make sure that the content of the chart is appropriately labelled. Also for bar charts it is recommended to apply different texture along with different colour to differentiate the bars.

Always use tables for tabular information. Avoid formatting text to look like tables using tab key or space bar.  Avoid nested tables. Give clear table header.

It is a good practice to provide summary of the essential table contents. When you describe tables in its descriptions, give the table’s purpose and the way it is organized (For example “A sample student details sheet with separate columns for the  name, Batch and Year of admission”).

* Better use predefined colours while formatting charts and tables