Do not use unfamiliar abbreviations, or special characters. (Underscores and hyphens are okay).
File Properties:
Set title, author, and language for the document.
Text:
Use 12-point font size or larger.
Avoid using script, handwriting and condensed fonts.
Use line-spacing greater than 1.0 (best practice).
Color:
Ensure that text to background contrast ratio is at least 4.5:1 for standard text, and 3:1 for large text.
Ensure that color is not the only means of conveying information.
Whitespace:
Ensure that the document is free of unnecessary blank lines.
Use page breaks rather than the enter key to start a new page.
Use columns to position text rather than empty spaces or tab.
Headings:
Create headings using styles rather than manually formatting text (e.g. bold).
Use concise, descriptive headings.
Use a logical, hierarchical heading structure.
Table of Contents ((TOC) recommended for larger documents):
Create a table of contents using the TOC tool.
Data Tables:
Add a caption to your table for reference (best practice).
Ensure the table header structure and designation is appropriate.
Set header row to repeat across pages.
Ensure that rows do not break across pages.
Do not merge or split cells whenever possible.
Some complex tables can be split up into multiple simple tables.
Maintain gridlines and sufficient text to background contrast.
Describe table organization in alt text.
Hyperlinks:
Use unique, concise, and descriptive display text for all hyperlinks which describe the purpose and or destination of the link.
Avoid using “Read More” or other ambiguous link text.
Use bookmarks or a TOC to facilitate navigation.
Add a meaningful Screen Tip to provide additional supportive instruction or detail.
Lists:
Create bulleted or numbered lists using built-in tools.
Images:
Add concise descriptive alternative text (“alt text”) to non-decorative images.
Present a text alternative to informational graphics in the body of the document when appropriate (avoid long alt text descriptions).
Designate decorative images using the tools provided.
Position images in-line with text.
Add a name to the image for reference using the Caption tool.
For images which also serve as links, a description of the link purpose or destination must be included in the “Alt Text,” in addition to any graphic based information.
Avoid placing text on images and graphics.
Avoid using watermarks.
Charts & Graphs:
Add alternative text for all charts and graphs as “Alt text” or in a nearby passage or insert a separate table to present the data.
Give the chart a name using the Caption tool.
Position the chart in-line with text.
Forms:
Use legacy form controls.
Add Help Text to legacy form elements.
Provide instructions in an unprotected section of the document.
Avoid using underscores in printable forms.
Check:
Use the Accessibility Checker to check your document.
Convert to PDF:
When converting your document to PDF, use a method that preserves accessibility.
Do not use Header/Footer sections for meaningful content. It will not be available to a Screen Reader when exported to PDF.
Check converted PDFs for accessibility in Adobe Acrobat Pro