How to make Word documents accessible
Make Word documents accessible so everyone, including people with disabilities, can find, understand and use council information.
Use this guidance if you create, edit or publish Word documents for council services.
Accessible Word documents:
- are easier to read and navigate
- work better across devices, including mobile
- convert more reliably to accessible PDFs
- are easier to reuse and update
- help you meet legal accessibility requirements
Using this guidance
Before creating or publishing a document, check if the content would be more accessible as a web page. Web pages are usually easier to read, navigate and update.
If you’re creating a new document, use Create an accessible Word document checklist for step by step guidance.
If you’re reviewing a document before publishing, use Check a document for accessibility problems to identify issues.
If you’re unsure, contact the Communications and Marketing team for advice.
Everyone who creates or manages content must make it accessible. Learn more about what accessible content is and why it matters.
Last reviewed: 19 May 2026
