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A document is handed from one person to another across a table.Accessible DocumentsLearn how to make digital documents accessible

Documents and Email

Mt. San Antonio College is committed to ensuring persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in and enjoy the benefits of services, programs and/or activities conducted by the state. Therefore, all electronic media should be scanned for accessibility compliance prior to sending.

Request Document Accessibility Assistance

    • 1Word Documents

      Microsoft has helpful guidance on how to make Word Documents accessible for people on many different devices. See their advice on the Microsoft Word Accessibility page. For additional programs in Microsoft 365, see this page on Microsoft 365 accessibility tools.

      When creating a Word or other document from scratch, keep the LIST acronym in mind: (Links, Images, Structure and Style, Tables) model to ensure your websites are accessible.

      • Links: Use descriptive names for Links that clearly explain where the link will go. Avoid "Click Here."
      • Images: Add alternative text to Images.
      • Structure & Style: Add structure to your page with headings that chunk up and organize text. Use the built-in styles to mark headings and other formatting where possible, which ensures they are tagged for screen readers.
      • Tables:  only use tables for data, not for formatting and design. Tables should have no empty or merged cells. Header rows and columns should be indicated and carry over if the table is on multiple pages.  

      Complete a one-hour self-paced workshop on Microsoft Word accessibility in Mt. SAC POD (Mt. SAC sign-in may be required).

    • 2PDF Documents

      PDF documents can be made accessible by following these PDF remediation procedures. PDFs offer "save as" options from Acrobat that can convert to other document types. Check out these additional  self-paced PDF resources.

      You can also get help with PDF accessibility by using the document service. This will take you to an accessibility request form where you provide your name and contact information, and attach your file for assistance.

      Professors: Canvas also contains several services related to documents. UDOIT (Accessibility Checker) can address several PDF remediation issues or convert the PDF to a Canvas page, plain text, or other alternative formats. Microsoft Immersive Reader and Readspeaker are both offered within Canvas to support document accessibility and alternative formats.

    • 3Email

       Mt. SAC email that contains pictures, graphics, videos or colored text must pass ADA accessibility standards. 

      • Do not scan a flyer and attach it to an email without adding alternate text to the graphic image and making sure all verbiage in the graphic is duplicated and available in text format within the body of the email.
      • Do not add a link to a video that is not able to display captions.
      • Do not attach or add a link to a PDF or other document that does not pass an accessibility scan.

      Follow these procedures to make your email accessible.

      Note: When creating a longer email, it is advisable to add structure and styling such as headings, bulleted lists, and bold or Italic formatting, the same as you would to make a Word document accessible.

      Tip: Write your email using Microsoft Word first, style it, and then cut and paste it into your email before sending.