(blue star) Instructions

Section 2.1: Line Spacing

A good rule is to always have line spacing set at 1.5 or 2 lines. This can make reading easier for those with dyslexia or readers who easily lose their place in a page.

  1. Highlight your text, in the Home Tab, go to the Paragraph Section and click the Paragraph Spacing Button

    An essay on why accessibility matters with one line spacing.

  2. Select 1.5 or 2.0 lines spacing. This will make your text expand down the page. As a result, readers will have an easier time focusing on the reading lines.

    Paragraph Spacing button in Microsoft Word.Essay on why accessibility matters with a 1.5 lines spacing

Section 2.2: Line Justification

You should always have your text aligned or justified to the left. A full justification line causes the spaces between words to be different sizes. Some will be wider and some more narrow. This will make reading the document very difficult for screen reader users or people with low vision. Always justify your lines to the left.

To justify your lines,

  1. Highlight your text and go to your Home tab

    Home Tab in Microsoft Word

  2. In the Paragraph section, click the Left Justification button.

    Left Justification button highlighted in the Paragraph Section
Why does Accessibility Matter essay with fully justified lines

This essay is fully justified. This is causing unneeded spaces between the words and making it harder to read.

Why does Accessibility Matter essay with the lines justified to the left

This essay is left justified. The essay is now much easier to read and every word is equally spaced apart.

Section 2.3: Borders

Borders can be an effective way to group info or visually show data. However, screen readers do not recognize borders. Instead of using borders, use semantic headings instead. This will allow them to have an easier time reading the pages and know the difference between sections.

A family vacation packing list without labels for the borders

This list only provides borders to indicate the required and optional items. Screen reader users may not know when the sections start and finish.

Family Vacation Packing List with the Required Items and Optional Items sections labeled

This list has semantic headings labeling required items and optional items into different sections. That way a screen reader will tell the reader when they are in the required section or the optional section.

Section 2.4: Can I use Flashing or Blinking Animations?

You should not use any flashing or blinking objects due to them causing seizures. Avoid using them at all costs.

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