MS Word - Using the Accessibility Checker

Accessibility Checker (Final Review in Microsoft Word)

Target Audience: Chaffey College Faculty, Staff, and Students (Beginner Level)
Software: Microsoft Word 365 (Enterprise)
Goal: Run a final accessibility “spellcheck” before saving or sharing your document.

The Concept

Just as Word flags spelling mistakes with a red underline, the Accessibility Checker scans your document for issues that may make content difficult or impossible for disabled users to read. This tool should always be run last, after writing and formatting are complete.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Finish Your Document First

• Ensure all writing, formatting, images, and tables are finalized before running the Accessibility Checker.

2. Open the Review Tab

• Locate the row of tabs at the top of Word (File, Home, Insert, etc.).
• Select the Review tab.

3. Run the Accessibility Checker

• On the left side of the Review toolbar, select Check Accessibility.
• The button typically appears as a document icon with a magnifying glass or person symbol.

4. Review the Results Pane

• A new sidebar opens on the right side of the screen.
• If you see “No accessibility issues found”: Your document is ready to share.
• If you see “Inspection Results”: Errors and warnings (such as “Missing Alt Text”) are listed.

5. Fix Reported Errors

• Select a specific error in the sidebar (for example, “Picture 1”).
• Word automatically scrolls the document to the problem area.
• Many issues include a Recommended Action. Select the arrow to view and apply the suggested fix.