Website Accessibility

Ability Tools' Guidelines For Online Presenters

The following guidelines have been prepared to familiarize trainers and other presenters with the accommodations required for all CFILC/Ability Tools online trainings and events. Our goal is to ensure all participants have equal access to the information provided by presenters. By adhering to these guidelines, your presentation will be accessible to people with a variety of disabilities.

Because equal access for all participants is of utmost importance, in the event that you are unable to comply with the guidelines, your materials may not be used or the meeting may be postponed or cancelled.


  1. Powerpoint Presentations
    1. Use at least 24 pt. in a sans serif font (e.g. Arial). Headings should be at least a 36+ font. Please maintain an outline style on all overheads and PowerPoint materials. Avoid writing narratives on slides.
    2. When using color, choose high contrast combinations. For example, black and white or blue and yellow. Consult with your meeting coordinator if you have any questions about color choices.
    3. Electronic copies of the PowerPoint and a Text/Outline version (in Word, RTF, or Plain Text) must be available to distribute to participants 10 business days prior to the scheduled online presentation. CFILC will also convert materials to accessible formats. IMPORTANT: Failure to submit materials 10 days in advance does not give CFILC adequate time to convert documents to accessible format. As a result, all documents found to be inaccessible will not be allowed to be distributed to meeting participants.
  2. Audio Description and Pacing
    1. Read aloud all text and describe charts, tables and graphics for the benefit of those who cannot see. When explaining something on the screen, avoid using pronouns such as “this” (e.g. according to this screen). Be as specific as possible.
    2. Audio signals in the Blackboard Collaborate webinar platform alert a JAWS user that a new slide is being presented. This audio signal can be lost if the presenter is speaking at the time the slide is changed. The audio signal for slide transition is quite subtle. Therefore, it is important that the presenter remember that JAWS users are listening for that signal and if missed can cause them to become behind in the presentation. Presenters will need to announce a slide change, pause after they make the change, and then announce the new, current slide.
    3. Speak at a moderate pace. This will allow participants using screen readers to follow along. This will also allow the real-time captioner to capture your words and actions accurately.
  3. Webinar Setup
    1. The meeting coordinator is responsible for explaining the participant and moderator features in Elluminate before each online session begins. The meeting coordinator will send access information for the online sessions electronically to the presenter.
    2. The meeting coordinator can also give the presenter a demonstration and tutorial of the webinar platform 10-14 business days prior to the scheduled online presentation. This demonstration will allow the presenter to become familiar with the webinar platform and address any technical concerns.

If you have any questions regarding these guidelines or if you have additional needs, please consult with your meeting coordinator at least 10 business days before your meeting. This will allow him/her time to accommodate your requests.