Bill Curtis-Davidson, Senior Director of Strategic Consulting and Training Services, Level Access
Brenda Roukey, Account Manager, SSB BART Group
Disability Area: Topic Area:
Length of Session (in hours): 1-hr
Format: Lecture
Expertise Level: Beginner
Type of session: Not provided
Summary of Session
This session will guide content authors in creating accessible documents, spreadsheets and presentations using Microsoft Office 2013 Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Abstract
Microsoft Office programs have many helpful accessibility features that both make it easier for people with disabilities to use these products, and, for authors to create more accessible content. This talk will cover key topics related to accessible content creation including:
•Preparing the native document - When a document will be used in a different format, such as being converted to Adobe PDF, it is best to ensure that the native file is as accessible as possible before conversion.
•Creating templates - Master templates are used to define an accessible layout and content of a document/presentation and can be used by people who may not have accessibility training.
•Page Structure and Navigation - Navigating and locating content can be a major challenge for users who are blind, have low vision, or have cognitive disabilities.
•Visual Elements-Interpreting visual content meaning can present a challenge for users who are blind, have low vision or are those with color deficiencies.
Kepoints
The impact of creating accessible templates for use across multiple formats is significant
The importance of setting the proper reading order, as well as the proper use of headings and list items
The importance of textual alternatives for visual information
Speaker Bio(s)
Bill Curtis-Davidson
As Senior Director of Strategic Consulting and Training Services for Level Access, Bill Curtis-Davidson brings over 20 years of experience working in strategic user experience (UX) design and digital accessibility consulting. Bill joined Level Access after working for 15 years with IBM as a UX and Digital Accessibility Consultant, Business Development Executive and Executive Architect. Prior to that, he worked as a Digital Accessibility Researcher and adjunct faculty at Georgia Tech. Bill has helped dozens of companies plan, implement and manage their digital accessibility operations. He has been involved in advising numerous government advisory committees, standards development organizations, and industry associations.
Brenda Roukey
As an Account Manager with over 10 years of experience, Brenda has managed a vast array of clients ranging from software development companies to financial institutions. In her current Account Management role with SSB BART Group, Brenda manages the Education vertical by providing her vast array of accessibility expertise and consulting services. Brenda is dedicated to providing educational institutions relevant information with regard to the latest laws and standards that effect IT Accessibility. She also and brings with her an immense knowledge base in accessible eLearning technologies and processes. Brenda is committed to providing clients with consultative guidance in order to help make websites, including admissions and eLearning processes, and mobile and web applications accessible for persons with disabilities.
