To ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for all attendees, we ask that all presenters follow the accessibility guidelines outlined below when preparing materials and delivering presentations.
Slide Design and Readability
- Use high-contrast color combinations (e.g. dark text on a light background)
- Avoid using intense colors, such as red, in text.
- Use simple, clean layouts with minimal clutter.
- Ensure text for presentation slides is large enough to read from a distance.
- Use sans-serif fonts, such as Arial, Calibri, or Verdana.
- Avoid decorative or script fonts.
- Use consistent formatting throughout.
Alternative Text
- Provide alt text descriptions for all images, graphs, and charts.
- Descriptions should clearly convey the meaning or purpose of the visual.
- For more details and examples, visit the Section 508 website.
Accessible Documents
- Submit presentation slides in accessible formats (PowerPoint preferred).
- Use a built-in accessibility checker prior to submission and ensure proper reading order, structured headings, and descriptive links.
Multimedia Accessibility
If your presentation includes audio or video:
- Provide accurate captions for all videos.
- Include transcripts for audio content when possible.
- Ensure videos do not contain flashing content that may trigger negative medical reactions.
During Your Presentation
- Introduce and identify yourself as the speaker.
- Describe verbally all visual content, such as charts, graphs, and images, and all visual demonstrations.
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
- Make use of audio projection.