M365 Accessibility features
Microsoft includes a number of built-in accessibility tools in Microsoft 365 applications and the Windows operating system. For a full overview of their tools and learning opportunities, check out the Accessibility help & learning hub on Microsoft Support.
They also have extensive resources you can use to make sure any content you create—like documents, emails, or SharePoint sites— is accessible for your audience.
Resources for users
If you're looking for accessibility tools for yourself or others, Microsoft Support has several easy to read lists of their tools.
- Accessibility tools for vision has tools for people who are blind, people with low vision, and people with a vision disability, such as colour blindness.
- Accessibility tools for hearing has tools for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Accessibility tools for neurodiversity has tools for people with dyslexia, seizures, autism, ADHD, or other cognitive disabilities.
- Accessibility tools for learning has tools to improve reading, writing, and math skills.
- Accessibility tools for mobility has tools for people who have limited reach, strength, or dexterity or physical or mobility disabilities.
Resources for making accessible content
It's important to think about accessibility when making content for others at UVic. Every document, email, and webpage we write should be created with as few barriers as possible. Some simple changes in your process can make a world of difference to a student, colleague, or community member with different physical and cognitive abilities.
This section includes UVic resources as well as information from vendors like Microsoft and Adobe.
How to make accessible UVic webpages and SharePoint sites
- UCAM created a great guide to web accessibility. It includes examples and resources on how to improve your site content so it reaches a broader audience.
- Make your SharePoint site accessible to people with disabilities
How to make accessible documents and emails
- Accessibility video training series teaches you how to create accessible documents, emails, and presentations using Microsoft 365.
- Create and verify PDF accessibility (Acrobat Pro) from Adobe Help is a comprehensive guide on making accessible PDFs.
- Make your content accessible to everyone using the Accessibility Checker in Microsoft 365.
How to make your presentations more accessible
- Accessible events guide teaches you how to run accessible events. It covers communications and advertising, running virtual and hybrid events, venue selection, and more.
- Best practices for making accessible PowerPoint presentations covers designing and creating good presentations.
- Make your Sway design accessible to people with disabilities
How to make Microsoft Teams more accessible
- Make your Microsoft Teams meetings, calls, and messages accessible to people with disabilities.
- Share slides in a Teams meeting with PowerPoint Live so your participants can turn accessibility features like captions or high contrast mode.
- Accessibility tips for inclusive Microsoft Teams meetings and live events covers information for organizers and presenters.
Support
If you need any help with setting up an accessibility feature in Microsoft 365 or have questions about creating accessible content, please contact the Computer Help Desk.