Lesson 3.2: Creating Accessible Google Docs

Creating accessible Google Docs is similar to creating accessible Word documents, so we will follow the same principles as in Lesson 3.1. To create accessible Google Docs, we will do the following:

• Incorporate the “Simple Ways to Design Accessible Content” from Lesson 2
• Check documents for accessibility using automated tools
• Consider accessible formats for outputting the document

Simple Ways to Design Accessibly

Again, let’s review the simple ways to design accessibly. To design accessibly, we should incorporate:

• Clear font
• Appropriate use of color
• Built-in structure and headings
• Alternative text for images, graphs, and charts
• Clear table structure
• Descriptive hyperlinks

If we incorporate these six simple ways in our document design process, we are halfway to an accessible document. Next, we will learn about accessibility techniques specific to Google Docs.

Watch the following video to learn about creating accessible Google Docs.

Google Doc: Accessible Google Documents Video Transcript

Accessibility Checker for Google Docs

Google Docs does not have a built-in accessibility checker; however, you can use an add-on called Grackle Docs to scan your Google Docs for accessibility. To use Grackle Docs, follow the following steps:

• Install the Grackle Docs Add-on
• Select the Add-ons tab, hover over Grackle Talks, then select Launch
  • The accessibility checker will then automatically run

You can visit the How It Works page to answer any questions you have about using Grackle Docs. Under the Products tab, this website offers information about similar accessibility checkers for other types of Google Suite products, such as Google Sheets and Google Slides.

NOTE: Grackle Docs encourages you to use their PDF conversion tool, which is not free, but you can still use the Grackle Docs accessibility checker for free.

Watch the video below to learn how to use Grackle Docs.

Outputting Google Docs Accessibly

Downloading a Google Doc as a PDF does not currently create an accessible document. Instead, you should download Google Docs as .docx files.

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Additional Resources

• Video: Creating Accessible Microsoft Word 2010 Documents: Requirements to Make a Word Document Accessible (6:01) by Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities
• Website: Google: Make Your Document of Presentation Accessible by Google

To continue, select the Lesson 3.3 button below.