What is it?

Creating clear structure call for proper landmarking in our documents, such as using of proper headings in documents, adding captions and header rows to tables, and ensuring correct reading order on slides.

Impact

Clear structure ensures that course materials, assignments, and learning platforms are organized in a logical and consistent way, making them easier for all students to navigate and understand. By using proper headings, lists, landmarks, and consistent layouts, instructors create resources that are more accessible to screen reader users and reduce unnecessary cognitive load for learners with attention or processing differences. This structured approach also benefits students working on mobile devices or in bandwidth-limited environments by streamlining access to key information. Ultimately, clear structure enhances inclusivity, supports independent learning, and helps all students more efficiently locate, interpret, and engage with educational content.

Dos and Don'ts

• Do use the Styles tool to designate Headings for sections in documents.
• Don't simply increase font size and/or bold and/or italicize section headers.
• Do use Heading1 for document titles.
• Don't use Heading1 more than once per document.
• Don't structure your documents such that level 4 or deeper headings are needed.
• Do give each heading a brief, unique title.
• Do add captions to all tables.
• Do indicate header rows and columns in tables.
• Do fill empty cells: If a cell is meant to be empty, include a placeholder text like "N/A" to avoid confusion for screen reader users. 
• Do ensure logical reading order, meaning that you ensure that the table data can be read linearly and makes sense when navigated with a screen reader.  
• Do use appropriate font size and contrast.
• Don't repeat headers in captions.​
• Don't rely solely on color to convey important information in a table.​        
• Don't use screenshots of tables.
• Don’t merge cells.
• Do search for "Accessible templates" when stating a new PowerPoint.
• Do have a unique title for every slide.
• Do use a hidden title if you don't have room for a normal title.

How-To

• CAT Resource: Creating Clear Structures in Documents, Tables, and Presentations
• Video: Create accessible tables in Word
• Video: Create slides with accessible reading order.
• Accessibility in PowerPoint: A Key to Inclusive Communication

Need More Help?

You can always book a one-on-one consultation, visit one of our ed tech labs, or email cat@temple.edu for additional assistance!