Below, you will find the types of features and formatting tools to use during your writing process to ensure a smooth transition to a digitally accessible ETD. These features will help make your document more readable for screen readers. It is important to incorporate them before converting your document to a PDF.

Please review our Accessibility Checklist below to ensure the elements of your document meet ADA standards. To learn more, visit the following comprehensive resources:

• Microsoft Support article for accessibility features in Microsoft Word
• Video tutorials for Microsoft Word by Section508.gov
• Google’s guide for creating accessible Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets
• NC State’s Digital Accessibility Resources and Training website provides a complete list of guides and tools for documents, PDFs, equations, and alternative text (“alt text”)
• Online workshop offered by NC State OIT: Creating Accessible Google and Office Files

Accessibility Checklist

Document structure (Headings)
Use the Styles feature in your word processor (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) rather than manually bolding text. This generates a “tag tree” that allows assistive technology to navigate the document.

Figures, tables, and other visual elements
Must have Alternative Text (“Alt Text”), a short description of that element

Requirement: Alt-text should be embedded in the source file before PDF export.

Formatting data tables & equations
Tables must be created using the “Insert Table” tool (not images or tabs). You will need to define the Header Row so that the relationship between data and labels is preserved for screen readers:

• Microsoft Word: Right-click on the header row and select “Table Properties.” In the Table Properties dialog box, click the Row tab and check the box that says, “Repeat as header row at the top of each page.”
• Google Docs: Select the header row, then pin it to the top. See support documentation on editing tables, scrolling down to “Pin header rows in Google.”

Insert real equations or formulas in Microsoft Word (rather than images of those equations or formulas).

The “No Print-to-PDF” rule
Using “Print to PDF” strips a document of its accessibility tags. You will need to use the “Save As” or “Export” function and ensure “Document structure tags for accessibility” is selected.

Once your document is converted to PDF, review the properties and check that:

• The accessibility permission flag is checked
• The text language of the PDF is specified
• The document has a title

About LaTeX

If you choose to use LaTeX to draft your thesis or dissertation:

• Use accessibility packages to create document structure, tags, and alt text
• Use Adobe Acrobat Pro for an accessibility check after exporting to PDF