How to make Word documents accessible

Convert a Word document to an accessible PDF

You must convert your Word document to PDF correctly. This transfers the accessible formatting in your Word document to the PDF.

If you convert an accessible Word document to PDF incorrectly, the PDF will not be accessible.

Open the Word 'File' menu
Select 'Save a copy' or 'Save as'
Select 'Browse' to open File Explorer
Select 'PDF' from the 'Save as type' drop-down menu
Select 'Options'
Go to the 'Include non-printing information' section
Make sure the 'Document structure tags for accessibility' checkbox is ticked
If your document has bookmarks, make sure the 'Create bookmarks using:' checkbox is ticked and 'Word documents' is selected
Select 'Ok', then save your file in your desired location

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Use this example of an accessible Word document to help you create your own

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