Whether you are a seasoned presenter or this is your first time, we want you to have a successful and engaging experience presenting at U of I Web Con. This year, we are requiring all speakers to create accessible presentations and materials. Our team has provided some detailed requirements, valuable resources, and helpful information to ensure your presentation is inclusive to all!

Web Con 2024 presentation materials will need to be submitted to our committee for review as early as possible and no later than March 21, 2024.
Presenters will be provided a secure Box folder to submit their materials closer to the conference.
All materials need to include the title of the presentation in the file name.
The Zoom Events platform is not compatible for presenting on Chromebooks, please plan accordingly.

~ Last-minute edits and day-of presentations ~
You will be able to present your own slides during the presentation from your device in whichever format works best for you. We ask you to submit your presentations via PowerPoint for accessibility purposes. If you edit your slides after you send us your presentation, please share an updated version with us as soon as possible.

Presentation Accessibility Requirements

Use PowerPoint

PowerPoint is the most accessible, widely available presentation software.
We cannot accept presentations created using Canva or any other inaccessible platforms.

Use PowerPoint Templates and Built-in Slides

These are built with accessibility in mind and are simple to edit and customize. They offer design options too.

Check Reading Order / Header Structure

Make sure your slide elements are in the order you want attendees to read them.

Use Lists

Bulleted and numbered lists make slide content much more accessible to consume and understand. Use bulleted lists if the order of your list items doesn’t matter. Use numbers if order is important.

Use Meaningful Links

Link text should be concise but descriptive enough to inform users the purpose and destination of the link.
Avoid using generic link text and phrases like “click here” or “learn more.”

Font

Use sans serif fonts. These fonts shouldn’t have small lines or strokes attached to the end of larger strokes. Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Calibri, and Antique Olive are good examples.
PowerPoints should use a 14-point or bigger font size. For text that need emphasis, use bold, underlines, and “quotation marks” instead of italics. Do not use italics or shadows on text.
Don’t overcrowd a slide with too much text.

Color

High contrast is required for font and background colors: light font on a dark background or dark font on a light background. Please do not use gray since it is the least accessible color for participants with visual impairments. Please use the tool called Color Contrast Checker on WebAim. It checks the color contrast ratio between foreground and background.

Audio/Images

All images related to presentations should have alt text provided. The alt text should briefly describe the image used as it relates to the context of the presentation.
All videos shared during the presentation must have closed captions.
Before their session, presenters should confirm they have a quality internet connection and clear, consistent audio and video.
If using loud music or flashing images or text, gifs, video, or lights, please announce this at the beginning of your presentation for participants with sensory issues.
Moving or blinking must be 5 seconds or less.
Flashes must be three times or less in one second. Avoid using the red flashing color. Other colors are acceptable.

Run the Accessibility Checker

PowerPoint has a built-in, easy-to-use accessibility checker! Run this as you work on your presentation, follow their suggestions, and you’ll be well on your way to creating an accessible experience for your attendees.

For more details and information on how to implement these accessibility requirements, please visit the U of I Accessible PowerPoints.

Additional Resources

For more guidance on accessibility, check out the following resource:

Microsoft on Creating Accessible PowerPoint Presentations

Thank you for helping us make Web Con 2024 our most inclusive and accessible conference yet!

If you need any help, please contact uofiwebcon@illinois.edu, and our accessibility committee will get back to you.

Best,
Web Con 2024 Planning Committee