Criterion Description
Criterion Overview
Presentation slides should be designed to support both learning and accessibility. Whether created in Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva, Keynote, or another presentation platform, slides should use predefined layouts, descriptive slide titles, and simple transitions that are compatible with assistive technologies.
Predefined slide layouts help maintain a logical reading order that can be interpreted by screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver. When text boxes, images, or other objects are manually placed without using built-in layouts, assistive technologies may read slide content in an incorrect or confusing order.
Each slide should also include a unique title that clearly identifies its content. Unique slide titles help students navigate presentations, particularly those using screen readers or keyboard navigation. Simple manual transitions should be used instead of automatic slide advancement or distracting animations, allowing students to progress through content at their own pace.
Why It Matters
Accessible presentations benefit all learners by providing clear organization, predictable navigation, and consistent formatting. Students using screen readers rely on slide titles and reading order to understand presentation content, while students using keyboard navigation benefit from logical sequencing and manual control of slide advancement.
Limiting unnecessary animations and automatic transitions also reduces distractions and cognitive load, allowing students to focus on learning rather than presentation effects.
What This Looks Like
A well-designed presentation typically includes:
- Built-in slide layouts rather than manually arranged text boxes.
- A unique, descriptive title on every slide.
- Logical reading order that is compatible with screen readers.
- Simple manual transitions between slides.
- Limited animations that support learning rather than distract from it.
- Consistent formatting throughout the presentation.
Students can navigate the presentation easily using assistive technologies, keyboard controls, or standard presentation tools.
Design Tips
Ask yourself: Can students using a screen reader or keyboard navigation move through this presentation in the same logical order as sighted students?
✔ Use the built-in slide layouts provided by your presentation software.
✔ Give every slide a unique, descriptive title.
✔ Verify the reading order of slide content using the Selection Pane or Reading Order tools.
✔ Use simple manual transitions instead of automatic slide advancement.
✔ Limit animations to those that directly support instruction.
✔ Run the presentation's Accessibility Checker before sharing with students.
✔ Ensure images, charts, and diagrams include meaningful alternative text.
Criterion in Practice
Examples
Select each tab to view course enhancement examples.
Building
- Use a built-in slide layout for every slide.
- Add a unique title to each slide.
- Use simple manual transitions.
- Limit unnecessary animations and visual effects.
Strengthening
- Review the presentation using the Accessibility Checker available in your presentation software.
- Verify the reading order of slide elements before publishing.
- Use consistent fonts, layouts, and formatting throughout the presentation.
- Ensure diagrams, charts, and images include appropriate alternative text.
Transforming
- Design presentations that fully support keyboard navigation and screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver.
- Use presentation templates that incorporate accessibility best practices from the beginning.
- Regularly review presentations for accessibility when updating instructional materials.
- Model accessible presentation design for students creating presentation assignments.