Documents
Review PowerPoint Slide Reading Order
Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated
Purpose and preparation
Check the sequence in which slide objects are presented to a screen reader. Record the PowerPoint version and inspect each distinct slide layout, including slides that depart from the template. Reading order should follow the explanation rather than object creation order.
A practical example
A slide contains a title, a diagram and three callouts that were added after the footer.
How to check it
- Inspect the slide's reading order using the tools available in your PowerPoint version. Identify the intended title, explanation and supporting objects.
- Reorder meaningful objects and mark decoration appropriately. Check that grouped diagrams have a useful explanation without unnecessary repetition of individual decorative parts.
- Read the slide with a screen reader and inspect the visual layout after changes. Repeat for the distributed presentation or PDF because export can alter the result.
What can be missed
Fixing one slide master does not repair every custom slide. Objects copied from another deck can bring a different order or lose their intended relationship.
Record your test
Use this worksheet to record what you actually checked. Notes stay on this device when you choose Save; they are not sent to us. Avoid personal or confidential information on shared devices.
These are your observations, not automated results or a conformance certificate. A complete evaluation needs appropriate scope, supported technologies, all applicable criteria and relevant page states.
Primary sources and scope
This is independent implementation guidance with original examples. The linked standard contains the full definitions, exceptions and conformance requirements. A criterion or checklist alone does not establish legal applicability or whole-site conformance.