Ensure Accessibility Compliance

Test for Compliance

Was the spreadsheet checked using the built-in Microsoft accessibility checker?
Can you navigate the spreadsheet using only the keyboard?

How ?

Run the Accessibility Checker:

Select File > Info > Check for Issues > Check Accessibility.
Review list of errors and warnings.
Resolve all errors and try to improve all warned items.

Complete Keyboard Testing:
Navigate the spreadsheet using only the keyboard to ensure that all important content can be accessed. The Tab key can be used to navigate through links, Enter (and sometimes spacebar) selects an element, and the arrow keys are often used for other navigation. Additional information about standard keystrokes is available from WebAIM: Keyboard Testing

Why is this important?

Excel 2010 includes the accessibility checker that allows you to check for accessibility errors, warnings and provides tips for making repairs. The tool may not find all errors, but if you follow the checklist then your spreadsheet should be accessible. For example, the Microsoft Accessibility Checker does not check for color contrast or that color was not used to convey important information. Those will need to be checked with color contrast tools or manually.
Users with motor disabilities or who are blind may rely on a keyboard to navigate. The user must be able to navigate the information in a logical order.

Resources

Provide Accessible Alternative Versions

Has a separate accessible version of the spreadsheet been provided when there is no other way to make the content accessible? (Example: Organization Chart)

Provide a text version of the document using headings and lists as needed to ensure that all information is available.

Why is this important?

VDOE is committed to providing web content that is accessible to all. However, there may rare occasions when this is not feasible. Therefore, an alternative version with equivalent content must be provided.

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