How to make Word documents accessible

This guidance explains how to make Word documents, or PDFs created from Word, accessible. It helps everyone, including people with disabilities, access council information online.

Use this guidance if you create or publish documents for our websites. It will help you make sure your documents:

• meet accessibility requirements and work with assistive technologies such as screen readers and keyboard navigation
• adapt easily to different devices, like desktop and mobile
• meet minimum standards if the document will be converted into an accessible PDF

Getting started

To make sure you've covered everything, use our Word document checklist.

Need help?

For questions about this guide, contact the Communications and Marketing team. 

Everyone who creates or manages content must make it accessible.  Learn more about what accessible content is and why it matters.

Last reviewed: 07 January 2026

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