Open Educational Resources and Zero-Cost Learning: How to create an accessible syllabus

A few key Word Document accessibility points:

• For printed text, serif fonts such as Times and Times New Roman are regarded as the most readable font family.
• Use 12 point or larger.
• Give documents descriptive titles.
• Use the built in styles to structure and organize your document.
• Use built-in headings.
• Use built-in lists for related items.
• Use page layout/columns to create columns, do not use tabs or spaces to create columns.
• Use tables to display data, not for layout. Keep tables simple.
• Use alternative text (alt-text) for images, tables, charts and graphs you include in your document so they are “visible” to everyone. 
• For complex tables and charts provide a detailed transcript.
• Use descriptive text for links, don’t use  “click here” or “more”
• Include a table of contents for long documents (Word can generate if you use styles).
• Be cautious as to the colors you choose.
• Provide sufficient color contrast.
• Don’t use color as the sole way you relay information.
• Check how document looks for colorblind individuals.

Video created by Nashville State Community College on how to evaluate if your Word document is accessible.

This is a broad checklist of things to think about in your creation of an accessible course.