Creating Accessible PowerPoint Files for the Web
When Powerpoint files are placed on the web, they remain barriers for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These graphically rich files are "roadblocks" for screen reading assistive technology users. A few useful techniques and tools are worthy of considering when adding PowerPoint files to the web. Each of these tools or resources offer strategies and techniques for making sure each PowerPoint slide meets web accessibility guidelines. Some of these tools include:
Creating a multi-media PowerPoint with a product such as Camtasia http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp, offers the program in multiple formats. However, the video product needs to be captioned for users who are deaf or hard of hearing
Convert a PowerPoint outline into html, then add accessible tags and headers - this creates a completely accessible format
Consider using the Illinois Accessiblity Wizard http://www.accessiblewizards.uiuc.edu/ This program allows the user to create an XHMTL accesssible PowerPoint into multiple user formats such as text only, text with graphics. or the completely graphical version.
Consider using the product LecShare Pro http://www.lecshare.com/ which allows the user to create an XHTML accessible Powerpoint in several formats including a captioned Quicktime Movie, a narrated PowerPoint, or an accessible presentation
For more information, visit the website of Terry Thompson, IT Specialist with DOIT, University of Washington, http://staff.washington.edu/tft/