The Accessibility Guy's Checklists for WCAG Compliance

Today’s post breaks down how to use my accessibility checklists to review Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe PDF documents for WCAG and Section 508 compliance. The process focuses on manually checking each document element to confirm whether it meets accessibility standards, complementing automated reports and checkers.

Video Guide

Get Started with the Checklist

Open the checklist that corresponds to the type of document you’re auditing. Each checklist includes space at the top to fill in:

File name
Reviewer name
Review date

This information helps create a clear record of when and by whom the file was assessed.

Go Through Each Accessibility Item

Review each checklist item one by one. If an element of your document meets the WCAG requirement, check the box next to it. However, if it doesn’t, leave the box blank.

For example:

If the document includes a set title and language, check that item
If any requirement isn’t addressed, skip it or return to it later

The checklist doesn’t grade your document automatically. Instead, it provides a structured path to manually confirm that each requirement is addressed.

Use the Checklists as a Guide

Accessibility checklists don’t replace automated tools they complement them. Use them alongside:

The built-in accessibility checkers in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint
The PAC 2024 Tool Adobe PDF files

These tools detect errors that are easy to overlook manually. Use the checklist to cover areas these tools can’t evaluate, such as context and clarity.

Apply Section 508 Items

Some checklist versions list additional requirements from Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. These requirements extend beyond WCAG and often apply to U.S. compliance. Find these items grouped at the bottom of the checklist. Check them off if met; skip them if they’re not.

Add Comments

Each checklist provides a space for comments. Use it to explain why you didn’t check an item, add notes for reviewers, or track pending issues. Comments clarify your decisions and help collaborators or future reviewers understand your audit process.

Learn as You Go

If you’re unsure how to meet a checklist item, refer to the linked YouTube playlists containing videos that explain how to fix specific accessibility issues.

Watch the videos while working through the checklist to stay on track.

The files are ready to use for your own audits or internal reviews.

Let me be your champion for inclusion. I offer tailored solutions (and self-paced courses!) to ensure your documents meet and exceed compliance expectations. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!