Accessibility News: September 2021

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minnesota department of natural resources

Accessibility News

Electronic information accessibility tips, tricks and trainings. Sept. 2021, Issue XXXIII


Goldfish jumping from plain fishbowl to a bowl with a colorful coral reef

We're jumping to a new environment - O365!

Changes to accessibility in O365 Word

The process of making your Word document accessible in Microsoft Office changed slightly in O365. Read on for what you need to know.


Alt text

Adding alt text to images is now easier and more flexible.

Getting to your alt text

There are two paths you can take to add alt text to your images.

Option 1: Select the image. The Picture Format tab will appear across the top of your document. Select Alt Text. (Alt+J+T+A+P)

Screen shot of alt text button in picture format tools

Option 2: Right click the image and select Edit Alt Text.

Screen shot of edit alt text selection

Entering your alt text

There is now only one box to enter your alt text. No more wondering if it goes in the title or description box. Word also prompts you with tips on how to compose your alt text.

Screen shot of box to enter alt text with instructions above

Autogenerating alt text

While autogenerating alt text is now possible, we don't recommend it quite yet. It does a so-so job on some images and really struggles on others.

Example autogenerated alt text that reads "a picture containing tree, outdoor, sky, nature."

The alt text for this image of Jay Cooke State Park was autogenerated.

Note that if you do select the "generate a description for me" button, it will continue to autogenerate alt text unless you turn it off. To turn off the feature, go to File > Options > Ease of Access. In the Automatic Alt Text section, unselect the automatically generate alt text for me option, and then select OK.

Marking image as decorative

One of the coolest new features is the ability to mark an image as decorative. If an image is marked as decorative, it won't be read by a screen reader. Check the box next to mark as decorative if your image is not important to understanding the document. Appropriate examples include decorative borders and logos that appear multiple times in the document.

Screen shot of alt text box with mark as decorative option selected

Tables

Designating a header row

To mark the header row of your table, click anywhere in the table. Open the Table Design tab. In the Table Style Options group, select the Header Row check box. (Alt+J+T+A)

Screen shot of table style options group with header row box checked

Missing alt text error removed

Tables don't need alt text, so Microsoft removed the error from the accessibility checker.


Image that reads save the date

Mental wellness: A road to recovery!

Come to a DNR virtual lunch & learn on overcoming mental health barriers for a healthier, more productive workplace. Part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

When: October 21, 2021; Noon to 1 p.m.

Topics and speakers:

  • Mental health in the workplace with Sue Abderholden, Executive Director of National Alliance on Mental Illness
  • Mental health, anxiety and resilience management strategies in the workplace with Landyn Prescott-Miles, MMB Organizational Health Consultant /LPCC

More information coming soon. Contact Jill Westbury, ADA Title I Coordinator, with questions or accommodation requests.


Accessibility resources

Electronic Information Accessibility Intranet Page

Go-to location for resources, guidance and information.

Designees

Need assistance? Contact your division electronic information accessibility designee.

Division

Primary

Alternate

Ecological and Water Resources

Ruth MacDonald

Greg Husak

Enforcement

Lisa Dugan

Meliza Thurstin

Stacey Stich

Fish and Wildlife

David Schueller

 

Forestry

Kim Lanahan-Lahti

 

Lands and Mineral

Ben Lagerquist

Mollie Miller

Operations Services

Maggie Snyder

Lisa Sica

Tracy Waterman

Parks and Trails

Jennifer Larson

Megan Johnsen

MNIT at DNR

Jed Becher

John Lawton

 

 

Missed an issue of Accessibility News or want to revisit an article?

Past issues are available on the EIA intranet pages.

 

Have accessibility questions?

Contact DNR accessibility coordinator Rebecca Oestreich at 651-259-5383 or rebecca.oestreich@state.mn.us.