Google Drive
Google Docs
Google Docs has all of the tools and resources necessary to ensure accessibility, however it is up to the user to utilize those tools effectively to create an accessible document.
Creating an accessible google doc can be simple if you follow these pointers:
- Structure & Heading – Use built-in heading styles (Heading 1 for Title, heading 2, heading 3, for section subheadings) for logical hierarchy, not just bold text with the font size increased.
- Built-in heading styles can be found in the menu bar next to the font. It will typically be labeled “normal text”, however, the drop down will provide different heading styles to choose from.
- Alternative Text – Images, charts, and logos that are meaningful and add context to your message so that screen readers can convey meaning to your content.
- Color Contrast – Ensure high color contrast between the text color, and the background color.
- Descriptive Links – Use descriptive text that provides end user clarity on where the link will take them. Use language like “Visit Grain Valley Schools” instead of “Check out our website at grainvalleyschools.org.
- Readable Fonts & Appropriate Sized Fonts – Font choice can make a huge impact on accessibility. Choosing clear, sans-serif fonts (Ariel) and sufficient text size.
Google Docs provides Extensions that can support digital accessibility while you are creating your content. To install these add-ons, follow these steps:
- Find the “Extensions” tab
- Click “add-on’s”
- Click “Get add-on’s”
- Search: Grackle Docs
- Click Install
Running the Add-on is simple.
- Find the “Extensions” tab
- Click “Grackle Docs” from the list of installed extensions
- Select “Launch”
Once launched, the Grackle Docs Add-on will pop up on the side of your screen. It will provide you a step by step look at what you can fix to ensure accessibility.
Google Slides
Google Slides has all of the tools and resources necessary to ensure accessibility, however it is up to the user to utilize those tools effectively to create an accessible document.
Tips to Ensure Accessibility
- Slide Layout – Use Google Slides templates and layouts to help screen readers follow the correct reading order.
- Slide Titles – Give each slide a different title that is descriptive for navigation.
- Reading Order – Check the tabbing order with the tab key to ensure content flows logically.
- Color Contrast – Ensure high color contrast between the text color, and the background color.
- Alt Text – Images, charts, and logos that are meaningful and add context to your message so that screen readers can convey meaning to your content.
- Videos – Ensure videos that are being used have accurate closed caption options.
- Descriptive Links – Use descriptive text that provides end user clarity on where the link will take them. Use language like “Visit Grain Valley Schools” instead of “Check out our website at grainvalleyschools.org."
Other Considerations:
- Fonts – Use Clean, sans-serif fonts (Ariel, Calibri, Verdona).
- Avoid – Italics, underlining (except links), and all caps for body of text.
- Lists – Use numbered or bulleted lists for structured information.
Google Slides provides Extensions that can support digital accessibility while you are creating your content. To install these add-ons, follow these steps:
- Find the “Extensions” tab
- Click “add-on’s”
- Click “Get add-on’s”
- Search: Grackle Slides
- Click Install
Running the Add-on is simple.
- Find the “Extensions” tab
- Click “Grackle Slides” from the list of installed extensions
- Select “Launch”
Once launched, the Grackle Slides Add-on will pop up on the side of your screen. It will provide you a step by step look at what you can fix to ensure accessibility.