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\uD83D\uDCD8 Instructions

Section 2.1: Color Contrast

When typing in text you want to consider the color contrast between the text and the background. For small text (under size 18), a good contrast ratio to aim for is 4.5:1 or higher. For bigger text (over size 18) a good contrast ratio is 3:1 or higher. Black text on a white background or 21:1 is considered to be the most accessible contrast ratio.

A slide with a poor color contrast ratio.
Warning

This slide above has a contrast ratio of 1.13 : 1. This is very low and hardly visible to most readers.

Slide with a good color contrast ratio.
Tip

This slide above has a contrast ratio of 21 : 1.

If you create a bullet list, the points need to have a contrast ratio above 3:1.

A shopping list with light green bullet points.
Warning

The bullets in this list are light green and may have a low contrast ratio.

A shopping list with dark green bullet points.
Tip

The bullets in this list are dark green and have a higher contrast ratio.

Backgrounds with crazy features or patterns should be avoided at all costs. To check if your color contrast ratio is sufficient, you should use Adobe’s Color Contrast Analyzer tool.

A shopping list with a distracting background
Warning

This slide has a high contrast between the text and background, but the background pattern is very distracting.

A shopping list with an undistracting background
Tip

This slide has the text on a plane background. A fancy background is still visible, but since it does not interfere with the text, it is okay to use.

Section 2.2: Using Color to Convey Meaning

If you are going to use color to convey information, always include a text alternative. Color alone is not enough to show off information. For example, if color blind users look at a chart may not be able to read the data. They may also struggle to know which color belongs to which section.

A pie chart on the most popular sports in the USA without data labels.
Warning

This pie chart for the “Most Popular Sports in the USA” only uses color to represent the data. A person who is color-blind may not be able to tell the difference between the colors. Therefore they cannot read the data.

Pie Chart of the most popular sports in the USA with data labels
Tip

This pie chart for the most popular sports has data labels to represent the data in addition to the color. Now all users can read the data much easier.

After your pie chart is finished, you need to provide an alt text for the chart. To do this, right click on the chart and select Alt Text. The Alt Text panel will appear on the right side of the screen. Type in your alt text.

The Alt Text panel open with an Alt Text for our Most Popular Sports in the USA chart.Image RemovedThe Alt Text panel open with an Alt Text for our Most Popular Sports in the USA chart.Image Added
Tip

The chart has been provided an alt text.

Section 2.3: Transitions and Animations

As cool as transitions and animations can make your presentation, do not use them very often. Many of them are time consuming, distracting, and most importantly could overwhelm viewers.

For transitions, it is best to not use them at all. To make this setting,

  1. Go to the Transitions Tab

    Transitions Tab with an orange underline in PowerPoint.
  2. Click “None”.

    None Transitions Button in PowerPoint. Its a blue box with None underneath it.

For animations, the rules are a little more lenient. The best effect to use is the green “appear” effect. This effect will just make your words appear on the presentation. To use this animation,

  1. Highlight the text you want animated and go to the Animations Tab.

    Animations Tab in PowerPoint.
  2. Click the Appear Button.

    Appear animation in PowerPoint. Its a bright green star with lines going in every direction.

When using animations, be sure to have them appear in the right order from top to bottom. Do not use any of the yellow or red animations. They make text disappear or activate an effect at a time when it would not be appropriate for one.

Main slide with animation order numbers. Accessibility Practices in Microsoft PowerPoint is first. The content below is second.

Section 2.4: Can I use Flashing and Blinking Images or GIFs?

As a general rule, you should avoid any flashing or blinking images. Flashing, blinking, or flickering content can trigger epileptic seizures. If you do have flashing or blinking images, be sure they do not flash more than 3 times per second. For animations, do not use any flashing or flickering animations. Just use the simple “Appear” animation.

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