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Accessible Documents

Harvard's Digital Accessibility Policy applies to documents posted on University Websites. Accessible documents are easier to understand and read for all of your users, not just users with disabilities. There are steps you can take, such as tagging your document with headings, being mindful of color, and using mindful formatting techniques that will make your document more accessible to more people.

Key concepts for accessible documents

  • Accessibility Check: Use available Accessibility Tools to run an accessibility check of the document as you work.
  • Document Metadata: Add metadata information, such as Title, Author, Language.
  • Alt Text: Ensure meaningful images have alternative text and decorative images are marked as “decorative,” if possible.
  • Headings: Use concise headings to delineate sections of your document. Tag and order them like an outline.
  • Color: Choose colors that provide adequate contrast and don’t rely on color alone to convey meaning.

Guidance By Document Type

Microsoft

Google

AbleDocs - Document Remediation Vendor

Need an accessible doc fast? Submit to Harvard's preferred remediation vendor, AbleDocs. Visit harvard.abledocs.com to submit a document today.

We encourage requesting a quote when you submit your document to ensure the price is within your expectations. If you have pricing questions, please reach out to us at digitalaccessibility@harvard.edu to discuss.

Note: The vendor will not make modifcations to the colors within the document. As such, we recommend verifying that the document has high color contrast and is not using color alone to convey meaning.

Pricing

  • Simple Documents - Starts at $4.85/page with $25 minimum charge per document
  • Complex Documents - Starts at $50/hour with $50 minimum charge per document