Five Tips for Accessible Presentations

June 6, 2026

The following five tips apply across different presentation contexts, including teaching, conferences, meetings, webinars, and workshops, whether in person, online, or hybrid. Inclusive presentation practices involve thoughtful planning before, during, and after a session, from preparing materials to sharing follow-up resources. Small design and facilitation choices can meaningfully reduce barriers while supporting accessibility, usability, and participant engagement. These tips are intended as practical starting points, not a comprehensive checklist.

Five Tips

1. Design slides with clarity and focus
   • Use clear headings
   • Apply meaningful spacing
   • Include only text, images, or media that directly support your message
2. Use accessibility checkers and built-in accessibility tools
   • Run Microsoft PowerPoint’s Accessibility Checker
   • Use a tool such as Grackle Slides when working in Google Slides
   • Review for issues like missing alt text, low colour contrast, and reading order
3. Share presentation materials in advance
   • Share slides or an agenda 24–48 hours before the session
   • Highlight any sections participants may want to review in advance
4. Use signposting and strategic repetition during the presentation
   • Clearly signal transitions between sections
   • Restate key takeaways before moving on
   • Describe the purpose of visuals instead of relying on “as you can see”
5. Share accessible follow-up materials
   • Share accessible slides after the session
   • Include captions or transcripts for media
   • Share links to key resources after the presentation

How This Helps

• Reduces cognitive overload: Focused, well-structured slides and advance materials make information easier to process
• Improves navigation and understanding: Clear transitions and repetition help participants stay oriented and retain key messages
• Supports inclusive access: Accessibility tools and formats ensure materials can be used by people with diverse needs, including those using assistive technologies
• Enables flexible engagement: Pre- and post-session materials allow participants to prepare, review, and learn at their own pace

Learn More

• Making Events Accessible | World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Guidance on planning and delivering accessible presentations, meetings, and events.
• Tip Sheet for Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation | Government of Canada. Practical recommendations for creating accessible PowerPoint presentations.
• Templates and Guidelines | eCampusOntario. Step-by-step guides and templates for creating accessible documents, presentations, and other digital materials.

Consider selecting Review-Accessibility-Accessibility Checker in Microsoft PowerPoint or getting the Grackle for Google Slides add-on today. Using accessibility checkers is a great way to advance accessibility, access, and inclusion.