Here at JN Software and CompuEase, we want to help you reach your entire audience. That is why we are pleased to announce that we have created a two-day class dedicated to creating accessible documentation. It will discuss printed and digital requirements for public documentation and review the methods and features within Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint to author these. This is in addition to our two one-day courses: Creating Accessible Documents Using Microsoft Word and Creating Accessible Visio Diagrams.
You never know who might eventually be reading or using your Microsoft Office documents, slides, spreadsheets, or diagrams. People with disabilities represent a significant portion of the population, and there are laws in place in Ontario to implement and enforce standards for accessibility related to goods and services, among other things. The target date for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to be fully implemented is Jan 1st, 2025.
Document accessibility is a big topic, and an important one. What is it, why is it so important, and what do you need to do to create content that is both clear and compliant with accessibility requirements?
What is document accessibility?
Many members of society and the workforce have disabilities that affect their vision, hearing, mobility, and cognitive differences such as dyslexia, seizures, and autism. It’s important to make sure that everybody can read and understand your documents.
The content you create with Microsoft Office may be accessed on a huge variety of devices, including desk-based monitors and mobile devices such as phones and iPads; however, the list doesn’t stop there. Many consumers use screen readers, talking book formats, and other devices due to various visual, audio, or cognitive disabilities.
When creating content with Microsoft Office, you can use various techniques, built-in tools, and extra add-ins to make it accessible to people with disabilities.
Why is accessibility important?
In addition to the care and consideration it shows toward all your potential clients and employees, it may also become a legal requirement to create content that will be accessible to all. Future-proof your created Office content to keep up with any legal changes. Also, maintain credibility by showing how much you care about reaching all those in your audience, not just some of them.
Why take accessibility training with us?
Microsoft Office has many built-in features that help people with different abilities to read and author documentation. One such feature is the Accessibility Checker, which detects elements that might cause problems for people with disabilities. But there are many other features, tools, and techniques you can use in addition to that. Just a couple of the important methods you need to know are using proper colour and contrast, and writing using the correct reading order.
Learn with us how to:
- Use Office best practices to make sure your content is clear and understandable to everyone
- Use the tools built into Office to make sure your content is fully inclusive
- Install and use free Office add-ins to create accessible content
Both JN Software and CompuEase offer an accessibility training course in Microsoft Office, which includes features related to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In addition, we also have a course focused especially on creating accessible documents using Word, and another course for creating accessible diagrams using Visio.
Make sure your Office content is created to be compliant with the applicable AODA regulations and understood by all your clients and employees.
What we offer
We offer private training and online public training classes throughout the country to suit your software training needs. We at JN Software and CompuEase have been offering virtual training for years now, and it’s proven to be hugely beneficial. Our public and private training are offered online at no additional cost so you can learn from the comfort of your home computer.
We want to make sure that your training is successful! To ensure that you are comfortable and ready to learn without any technical issues, we will conduct a test run with you of our virtual training software. This includes showing you how to use the chat window in our virtual training program.
Exclusively in the Ottawa area, we even offer public training in our bright, modern training centre at 130 Albert Street in the heart of downtown Ottawa, as well as any private training you might need.
One of our consultants would be very happy to help you set up the training you really need when you need it. Check out our Accessibility courses here:
- If you’re located in Ottawa or Quebec, click here for CompuEase.
- If you’re located anywhere else in Canada, click here for JN Software.
 | Take a look at the courses we offer, including our new Accessibility courses, and register for public classes on our website! Click here for Ottawa and Quebec, or here for the rest of Canada. |
 | Want to find out more about our new Accessibility training? Contact JN Software today at 416-264-6247 or email us. If you’re located in the Ottawa/Quebec area, contact CompuEase at 613-235-6161 or email us. |