Questions
- How do I check a document for accessibility problems?
- Where is the Accessibility Checker in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, or Outlook?
- What do the Errors, Warnings, and Tips mean?
- How do I fix the issues the checker finds?
- How do I keep checking accessibility while I work?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students using Microsoft 365 apps that include the Accessibility Checker — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook — on Windows, macOS, and the web.
Resolution
Run the Accessibility Checker
- Open the Review tab.
- Select Check Accessibility. The Accessibility pane opens on the right.
- Review the results, grouped as Errors, Warnings, and Tips.
- Select any item to see the affected content and a Recommended Actions menu, then apply a fix.
Understand the results
- Errors — content that is very hard or impossible for people with disabilities to use (for example, an image with no alt text). Fix these first.
- Warnings — content that is difficult to use for many people (for example, low contrast or a non-descriptive link).
- Tips — content that could be better organized or presented (for example, slide reading order).
Keep checking as you work
Select Keep accessibility checker running while I work so a status indicator appears on the status bar and flags issues as you create content.
Note: The checker catches many issues automatically, but some things — such as whether your alt text is actually meaningful, or whether color alone conveys information — still need a human review.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources