Name Excel files descriptively (e.g., 2025_Enrollment_Report.xlsx instead of Book1.xlsx). 

Use clear worksheet names, and delete unused (or blank) sheets. 

Put a title or summary in cell A1 so screen readers announce helpful context first. 

Organize logically: place summary sheets first; hide background data/sheets if needed (and note that for users, in a summary sheet). 

Convert ranges to Tables (Home → Format as Table) for built-in headers and navigation. 

Provide clear headers for each column and row; keep labels concise and consistent. 

Name cells and ranges so that screen reader users can quickly identify their purposes. 

Avoid merged or blank cells inside data. Use formatting for visual spacing and “N/A” for truly missing values. 

Keep layout predictable: top-to-bottom, left-to-right reading order; place totals in consistent locations. 

Freeze panes so headers stay visible while scrolling (View → Freeze Panes). 

Use readable sans-serif fonts at 11pt or larger (14pt+ preferred for body text). 

Avoid ALL CAPS and heavy italics or underlining for long passages. 

Write in plain language. 

Add alt text to images and charts; mark purely decorative visuals as decorative. 

Use descriptive titles, axis labels, and legends so series are identifiable. 

Prefer simple, high-contrast charts (bar, line, pie) over cluttered 3D or stacked visuals. 

Provide data or a text summary of key insights near the chart. 

Ensure text and background contrast of at least 4.5:1 for normal text. You can check for accessible color contrast using WebAim's Free Online Color Contrast Checker. 

Never use color (or style, such as Bold or Italics) alone to indicate meaning (such as using the color red for "bad" and green for "good"); pair with labels, or symbols, and a legend/key. 

Use descriptive hyperlinks, not a full URL (for example, “View Q1 Financial Report” instead of “Click here.”). 

Keep default underlining and link color so links are visually apparent (add the URL in parentheses for print, if needed). 

Do not rely on Insert → Equation (visual only, not read by screen readers). 

Use actual formulas in cells and add a nearby plain-text explanation for complex logic. 

For STEM-heavy content, provide an accessible companion file (for example, Word) with readable equations and narrative. 

Run Excel’s Accessibility Checker (Review  → Check Accessibility) and address flagged issues. 

Manually review with keyboard or a screen reader to confirm reading order, alt text, and clear input instructions.