OhioLINK ETD Submission Instructions

The Brother Edmund Drouin Library seeks to provide our patrons with digitally accessible resources. For this reason we require all documents submitted to the OhioLINK ETD to meet or exceed OhioLINK's recommended minimum accessibility requirements. 

The tips and best practices outlined in this guide will help ensure that the documents contributed to the OhioLINK ETD Center will be compatible with screen reading and other immersive tools. 

What are digital accessibility practices?

Digital accessibility practices are intentional efforts used to make digital content usable by a wide range of users. Digital accessibility aims to ensure that digital content is accessible by users with disabilities. Digital accessibility is easier to achieve when electronic content is designed from the beginning to be accessible by following some basic best practices. 

Best Practices for creating an accessible Word document

1. Use Microsoft Word's built-in gallery for Titles, Headings, and other Styles. Watch this video to learn how to apply styles. 
2. Include meaningful alternative text (alt text) for all images or graphics. Learn how to add alt text to your images. 
3. Avoid using low contrast colors. Using black or navy blue font color on a white background is an easy way to avoid low contrast colors. 
4. Use accessible fonts. Learn how to change the default font in Word.
5. Avoid using tables. Present your data in another way if possible. 
6. If a table is necessary, use a simple table and include table headers. Watch this video to learn how to create accessible tables. 
7. Do not use tables with split or merged cells or nested tables. 
8. Use accessible hyperlinks and screen tips.
9. Hyperlinks should clearly indicate accurate information as to the destination of the link. Avoid using "Click here", "See this page" or "Learn more" hyperlink texts. 
10. Avoid using the URL as the hyperlink anchor text (sometimes referred to as a naked URL). 
11. Use Word's built-in accessibility checker as your write your paper to detect and correct accessibility errors as you go. 
12. Save your Word document as an accessible PDF for upload into the OhioLINK ETD center.