{"id":1317,"date":"2026-09-22T14:08:06","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T18:08:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/?p=1317"},"modified":"2026-09-23T16:37:04","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T20:37:04","slug":"accessible-word-document-structure-and-headings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/2026\/09\/22\/accessible-word-document-structure-and-headings\/","title":{"rendered":"Accessible Word Document: Structure and Headings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Overview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Creating an accessible Word document ensures that your content is readable by everyone, including individuals using screen readers or other assistive technologies. By following a few structural rules, you can make your documents more inclusive and professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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\"Video<\/a>
Prefer to watch? Click the image above to open a new tab.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1. View your document\u2019s heading structure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Navigation Pane shows the headings and structures of the document. It is easy for you to find document sections if the headings are arranged logically. Here’s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Click on the View button on the menu bar <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Check the box to show the Navigation Pane <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Expand all the headings in the Navigation Pane to see the full document structure<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

2. Use Style Headings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do not simply bold or enlarge text to create a title. Screen readers rely on the Styles<\/strong> gallery to navigate a document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n