Word 2007 Section 508 Accessibility Checklist

Use meaningful plain language for links and/or user controls. The name must describe the destination, function, and/or purpose of the user interface. Links and controls that repeat the same name should provide a unique and specific description for each.

Do links have functional target-specific destinations?

To examine the functional target of links:

• Go through the links to verify that unique, plain-language target-specific descriptions are given for each link.

Form fields:
To check if the document is a form / contains form elements:

• Examine the document for form fields, e.g.:
  • Checkboxes
  • Radio Buttons
  • Combo boxes
  • Fillable text fields
  • Interactive elements

Note: Word is an inappropriate format for electronic forms. If found, the document needs to be in a different (accessible) format for reading.

To provide a functional target-specific destination for links:

• Select the text that is (or is to be) the link.

  
  

• Open the context menu (right click)

  
  

• Select Hyperlink

• The Insert Hyperlink dialog box appears

  
  

• In the Text to Display field, enter the functional, target specific destination in plain English.

  
  

Note: For documents that are also intended for printing, the link/URL can also be appended at the back of the plain English name.

Note: Links and controls that repeat the same name should provide a unique and specific description for each.

Form fields:

This requirement is not applicable, as Word is an inappropriate format for electronic forms.

Use programmatically discoverable headings to logically structure content.

Correct:

(Select the image to download example file in MS Word format)

Incorrect:

(Select the image to download example file in MS Word format)

Use meaningful plain language for links and/or user controls. The name must describe the destination, function, and/or purpose of the user interface. Links and controls that repeat the same name should provide a unique and specific description for each.

Users need to know the unique target or function of an interface. Sometimes the name or text of the link is sufficient and/or confusing. Users will need a unique name for links and/or user controls that repeat the same name but serve different purposes (i.e. when a link 'Here' appears multiple times give the link a unique description.)

Legal References

508 references:

1194.21(d); 1194.21(f); 1194.22(a); 1194.22(l); 1194.31(a); 1194.31(b); 1194.21(c).

WCAG references:

4.1.2; 1.3.2 ; 2.4.3.

All Microsoft Word Requirements