Harvard Law School strives to present hls.harvard.edu websites in a format accessible for all users. The information on this webpage provides tutorials on creating accessible Microsoft Office files, resources on Adobe Acrobat accessibility features and information on closed captioning and audio description. The resources on this webpage are not exhaustive; please contact Accessibility Services for more information.
Creating Accessible Microsoft Files
Microsoft Office programs have many helpful accessibility features that both make it easier for people with disabilities to use these products, and, for all content creators to make more accessible documents, presentations, and other materials. Continue reading Microsoft’s website on accessibility.
- Creating Accessible Word Documents
- Creating Accessible PowerPoint Presentations
- Creating Accessible Excel Workbooks
- Creating Accessible Emails with Outlook 2010
- Microsoft Office Accessibility Checker
- Creating Accessible PDFs from Microsoft Office Files
Adobe Acrobat Accessibility
Adobe Acrobat DC and Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software continue the tradition of providing strong accessibility support for Adobe PDF documents and forms. Acrobat DC features a number of built-in accommodations for people with disabilities, as well as support for users of assistive technologies. In addition, Acrobat DC provides authors with a complete set of tools to create and optimize accessible PDF files from almost any source. Continue reading Adobe Acrobat’ website on accessibility.
- PDF Accessibility Overview
- Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Features
- Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Repair Workflow
- Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker
- Adobe Acrobat Accessible Forms
- Accessibility Training for Older Versions of Adobe Acrobat
Closed Captioning and Audio Description
What is Closed Captioning?
Closed captioning is the process of taking an audio track, transcribing it to text, and then synchronizing it with the media so that the text can be viewed at the same time that the words are being spoken. Closed captions are typically located underneath the video or overlaid on top of the video. Closed captions communicate all audio information, including sound effects and non-speech elements. 3Play Media Captioning 101 FAQs
What is Audio Description?
Descriptions make television programs, feature films, DVDs, museum exhibits, theme park attractions and other visual media accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired by providing descriptive narration of key visual elements. Key visual elements include actions, costumes, gestures and scene changes which, when described, engage a viewer who is blind or visually impaired with the story. Media Action Group at WGBH