Accessibility in Presentations
- Mar 13
- 3 min read
Introduction: Designing for Everyone—Why Accessibility Matters
Presentations are more than just slides—they’re opportunities to include, empower, and connect with every audience member. In her impactful Present to Succeed session, Stephy Hogan, a passionate accessibility advocate and seasoned designer, challenges us to rethink how we approach presentation design. She reveals the barriers that often go unnoticed and shares practical strategies to ensure our messages reach everyone, regardless of ability.
Why Accessibility Isn’t Optional (and Why Empathy Wins)
Stephy’s journey—from tackling inaccessible corporate templates to championing inclusive design—shows that accessibility is not just a technical requirement, but a human one. For Stephy, accessible design is about empathy: understanding the diverse needs of your audience and removing obstacles before they appear. She reminds us that disabilities can be permanent, temporary, or situational—and that accessible presentations benefit everyone, not just a few.
The Three Pillars of Inclusive Presentations
Stephy’s session centers on three essential elements that make presentations accessible and impactful. Here’s how she breaks them down:
Start with Empathy—Know Your Audience
Every accessible presentation begins with empathy. Stephy insists: before you create a single slide, consider who might be excluded by your design choices. “Designing for accessibility is designing for your future self,” she says. Whether it’s color contrast, font size, or alternative text, Stephy demonstrates how small changes can make a big difference for people with a wide range of abilities and experiences.
Design with Intention—Structure for Inclusion
For Stephy, intentional design is the foundation of accessibility. She shares practical tools—like PowerPoint’s accessibility checker—and explains how to use color, contrast, and clear structure to make slides readable for all. Her advice: don’t rely on color alone to convey meaning, use descriptive links, and always provide alternative text for images and charts. Stephy’s frameworks help presenters avoid common pitfalls and create slides that are both beautiful and usable.
Advocate for Change—From Templates to Team Culture
Stephy’s philosophy extends beyond individual slides. She encourages presenters to advocate for accessibility within their organisations, even when it means challenging established templates or workflows. Her tips: start by educating your team, share what you learn, and push for accessible standards at every level. Stephy also addresses the realities of large organisations, offering strategies for grassroots advocacy and continuous improvement.
Applying the Pillars: From Overlooked Details to Lasting Impact
Stephy’s approach isn’t just for accessibility experts—it’s for anyone who wants their message to reach as many people as possible. Whether you’re designing a corporate deck, teaching a class, or leading a workshop, the same principles apply. Start with empathy, design with intention, and advocate for change. Even small steps—like checking color contrast or adding alt text—can have a profound impact on your audience’s experience.
Q&A: Real-World Challenges, Tools, and Continuous Learning
During the session’s engaging Q&A, Stephy tackles questions about online vs. in-person accessibility, working with inaccessible templates, and advocating for change in large organisations. Her advice: be patient, keep learning, and remember that accessibility is a journey, not a destination. Stephy encourages presenters to seek feedback, share resources, and celebrate progress—no matter how small.
Final Thoughts: Present with Empathy and Purpose
Stephy’s closing message is a call to action: presentations are for everyone. By leading with empathy, designing with intention, and advocating for accessibility, you can create presentations that not only inform, but include and inspire. If you want your talks to make a difference, start by asking who might be left out—and what you can do to bring them in.
Join the Conversation
What’s your biggest challenge when designing accessible presentations? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
Comments