{"id":261,"date":"2026-06-22T11:44:35","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T15:44:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.web.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/?page_id=261"},"modified":"2026-07-06T15:58:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T19:58:20","slug":"creating-accessible-presentations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/guides\/creating-accessible-presentations\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating Accessible Presentations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover fb-cover-text-box wp-duotone-black-and-white\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;min-height:100%;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-content\/themes\/flintblock\/assets\/images\/sidewalk-art.jpg\" style=\"object-position:50% 95%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"50% 95%\"\/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-90 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient has-blue-gradient-gradient-background\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-15d3db16 wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-xx-large-font-size wp-elements-aa2fbb6b97c38594302769388077fcdd\">Creating Accessible Presentations<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><nav class=\"is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-bd946717 wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Sidebar Navigation\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Open menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-open\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.openMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 7.5h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><path d=\"M4 15h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container\"  id=\"modal-2\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--has-modal-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--is-menu-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\"\n\t\t\t\ttabindex=\"-1\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-close\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-dialog\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"state.ariaModal\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.ariaLabel\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--role=\"state.roleAttribute\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button aria-label=\"Close menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-close\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.closeMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"m13.06 12 6.47-6.47-1.06-1.06L12 10.94 5.53 4.47 4.47 5.53 10.94 12l-6.47 6.47 1.06 1.06L12 13.06l6.47 6.47 1.06-1.06L13.06 12Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-content\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.focusFirstElement\"\n\t\t\t id=\"modal-2-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container is-responsive is-vertical is-style-sidebar is-style-sidebar--1 wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Home<\/span><\/a><\/li><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null, &quot;previousFocus&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/resources\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Campus Resources<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"Campus Resources submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/resources\/grackle\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Grackle<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/resources\/panorama\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Panorama<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/resources\/syllabus-template\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Syllabus Template<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/meeting-minutes-templates\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Meeting Minutes Templates<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/guides\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Best Practices Guides<\/span><\/a><\/li><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null, &quot;previousFocus&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/rethinking-pdfs\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Rethinking PDFs<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"Rethinking PDFs submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/rethinking-pdfs\/shortcomings-and-frustrations-of-pdfs\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Shortcomings and Frustrations of PDFs<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/rethinking-pdfs\/myths-and-paths-forward\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Myths and Paths Forward<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/rethinking-pdfs\/sharing-read-only-files\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Sharing Read-Only Files<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/rethinking-pdfs\/converting-a-pdf-to-word\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Converting a PDF to Word<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/rethinking-pdfs\/pdf-alternatives\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">PDF Alternatives<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/email-archive\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Email Communications<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/spg.umich.edu\/policy\/601.20\" target=\"_blank\"  ><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Accessibility Standard Practice Guide (SPG)<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Why Accessible Presentations Matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Presentations are a key part of learning, but without careful design, they can present barriers for people who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies. Ensuring that presentations are accessible means that everyone can follow along and understand the content, regardless of their abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Providing Accessible Downloads in Canvas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Add a Download Link<\/strong>: When uploading your presentation to Canvas, always include a downloadable version of the slides. Make sure the version uploaded has already been checked for accessibility. Provide a clear link such as \u201cDownload Accessible Presentation Slides.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Export to PDF with Tags<\/strong>: If possible, export your presentation as a PDF with accessibility tags. This helps maintain the reading order and provides a consistent experience for students.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">How to Check the Reading Order of Slides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-0e47273b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Understand Reading Order<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The reading order of a slide determines how the elements (e.g., titles, text boxes, images) are read aloud by a screen reader. Ensuring a logical order is crucial for students who rely on screen readers to navigate through your presentation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Check Reading Order in PowerPoint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In PowerPoint, use the&nbsp;<strong>Selection Pane<\/strong>&nbsp;to verify the reading order. The order of items from top to bottom in the pane is how the screen reader will read them. Adjust the order by dragging elements until they are in a logical sequence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tip<\/strong>: Make sure the slide title is the first item in the reading order, followed by main content elements in the sequence they should be understood.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Check Reading Order in Google Slides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In Google Slides, use the&nbsp;<strong>Arrange<\/strong>&nbsp;menu to help manage the order of objects. You can also use the&nbsp;<strong>Accessibility Panel<\/strong>&nbsp;to inspect and modify the reading order.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tip<\/strong>: Test your slides by using the accessibility tools in Google Slides to preview how a screen reader would announce the content.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Use Built-In Accessibility Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Both PowerPoint and Google Slides have built-in accessibility checkers. Run these checkers to identify potential issues such as missing alt text, incorrect reading order, or improper use of slide titles.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PowerPoint: Go to&nbsp;<strong>Review<\/strong>&nbsp;&gt;&nbsp;<strong>Check Accessibility<\/strong>&nbsp;to run a report on your slides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Google Slides: First, make sure to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/resources\/grackle\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"126\">install the Grackle add-on extension<\/a>. Then, go to <strong>Extensions &gt; Grackle Slides &gt; Launch<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-text-alternate-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--0)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Tips for Faculty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Use a Logical Layout<\/strong>: Ensure that your slides follow a logical flow, with titles, bullet points, and images presented in a way that makes sense when read aloud.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Add Alt Text to Images<\/strong>: All images should include alt text to ensure students who cannot see the images can still understand their significance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid Overlapping Elements<\/strong>: Overlapping text boxes or images can confuse the reading order, making it difficult for screen readers to convey the content correctly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Practice Activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Open one of your existing presentations in either PowerPoint or Google Slides. Use the accessibility checker to verify the reading order of elements on each slide. Adjust any issues and make sure alt text is added to all images.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-brand-maize-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--0)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-brand-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-9d1550b0784bf361006d12bc8e1358dc\">What Actions Can I Take Now? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b81d69a4e57146fd07bf8c5c5f61e5b3 wp-block-paragraph\">To create an accessible presentation, it\u2019s essential to focus on the flow of information as you design each slide. Start by ensuring that each element on your slide naturally follows the previous one. Pay particular attention to the reading order; titles, bullet points, and images should be structured logically so users who rely on screen readers can easily follow along. Always ensure that the most essential content, such as slide titles, is read first, followed by supporting elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5f9950886735f0227422cf453b95c05f wp-block-paragraph\">Ensure any images in your slides have appropriate alt text, and avoid overlapping text boxes or images that confuse the reading order. By taking these actions, you help prevent barriers for students using assistive technologies and contribute to a more effective and accessible learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cc71d51f446ae7e41fad767562acbd06 wp-block-paragraph\">After creating your slides, use the built-in accessibility checkers in PowerPoint or Google Slides to verify the structure. These tools can identify issues like incorrect reading order, missing alt text, and improper use of slide titles, allowing you to correct them promptly. Regularly reviewing your presentation with these tools will help you maintain an accessible and inclusive learning experience for everyone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why Accessible Presentations Matter Presentations are a key part of learning, but without careful design, they can present barriers for people who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies. Ensuring that presentations are accessible means that everyone can follow along and understand the content, regardless of their abilities. Providing Accessible Downloads in Canvas How [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"parent":23,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-261","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/261","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=261"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/261\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":936,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/261\/revisions\/936"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/accessibility\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=261"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}