The Planning & Self-Study editor includes several built-in formatting tools designed to help you meet accessibility standards easily.
1. Structure with Proper Headings
Headings aren't just for visual styling; they provide context for screen reader users to navigate your narrative.
- Use the Heading dropdown in the rich text editor to distinguish between your main text ("Normal") and section titles ("Heading").
- Best Practice: Avoid simply bolding text to create a title. Using the official Heading format ensures that assistive technology recognizes the start of a new section.
2. Descriptive Alternative (Alt) Text
Images, charts, and process diagrams must be described in text so that users with visual impairments can understand the evidence you are presenting.
- When you insert or edit an image, use the Alternative Text field to provide a concise description.
- Best Practice: Focus on the "why." Instead of saying "Image 1," try "Process diagram of the annual assessment cycle."
3. Accessible Lists (Ordered & Unordered)
When listing items or steps, always use the built-in list tools rather than typing numbers or dashes manually.
- Ordered Lists: Use for sequential steps (1, 2, 3).
- Unordered Lists: Use for bulleted items where the order doesn't matter.
- Proper list formatting allows screen readers to announce the number of items in the list, helping users understand the scale of the information provided.
4. Formatting Tables with Headers
Tables should only be used to present data, not for page layout. To make data tables accessible, they must include a designated Header Row.
- When creating a table, use the Table Header toggle in the table properties menu.
- A defined header row allows screen readers to repeat the column title as a user moves through the data cells, providing essential context for each piece of information.