PowerPoint has improved SmartArt accessibility by automatically updating dynamic descriptions for screen readers as visuals change.
Before this change, screen readers could list SmartArt items but could not explain the relationships between them.
Screen readers will now receive contextual information about SmartArt layouts, such as list, process, hierarchy, or cycle, rather than only reading the node text.
Microsoft says the new system updates the accessibility tree automatically when SmartArt content or structure changes, so authors no longer need to keep manual alt text in sync.
The feature is available to PowerPoint on Windows users on Version 2503, Build 19729. 20000 or later.
Read more about how PowerPoint has improved SmartArt accessibility on Neowin
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Mark SMiller is a digital accessibility consultant who helps organizations build accessible, inclusive digital experiences. He speaks regularly at industry conferences,, CSUN, CVENt and apperes on many webinars and podace. , He trains teams on practical, sustainable accessibility workflows.
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