Hints and tips for inclusive learning and teaching

Presentations that work

Designing PowerPoint and Overhead Projector Presentations

Use a font size of 28+

Use an accessible font such Arial, Tahoma, Futura or another sans-serif font so that the text is easy to read.

For Overhead Projector (OHP) acetate sheets use large and clear handwriting, or alternatively, printed acetate sheets can be a more accessible option.

Use a font or pen colour that is highly visible and contrasts distinctively with the background (eg black or very dark blue against a white background).

Make sure that any diagrams, figures or charts are large, readable and clear. Be aware that some diagrams may give less information to red/green colour blind students.

Keep slides and OHP acetate sheets clear of unnecessary clutter, such as excessive text. Keeping the content of each slide restricted to three main bullet points or one diagram will make it easier for students to follow.

Consider engaging your audience by integrating accessible multimedia features into your PowerPoint presentations such as sound, video, (animated) diagrams or pictures, or by making them into screencasts. Learning and Teaching Services (LeTS) offer information, advice and a space for you to try these technologies: http://www.shef.ac.uk/lets/techno/media/diy-suite.html

For more information, have a look at Techdis’s excellent Accessibility Essentials guides covering Word, Powerpoint and more: www.techdis.ac.uk PowerPoint Print-outs and Publishing Online

Before printing out remove any slide background colours that make the text difficult to read. This is especially problematic if printing in black and white.

Ensure that slides are readable - do not print more than six slides per page.

The font size when printed out should be about size 12 for text. Publishing PowerPoint presentations online gives students flexible access to

learning content and allows students to use any accessible multimedia features that have been integrated into the presentation.

Publishing PowerPoint presentations online allows students to read the notes at the bottom of the page, where more detail can be added to the information on the slide.

For more information about accessible handouts (online and offline) see our ‘Help us to prepare’ hints and tips sheet.

For more information go to: www.shef.ac.uk/lets/inclusive