Tip #11: The How – Lists

TLDR;
Lists should be created using built-in list tools, not manual formatting like dashes or numbers typed by hand. Properly formatted lists improve digital accessibility by helping screen readers and users understand grouped information more clearly. This week, update one document to use true bulleted or numbered lists instead of manually typed ones. Learn more from NCADEMI’s guidance on Lists.

Hello Team,

Welcome back to our Accessibility Tips & Tricks series!
This week, we continue our hands-on work with the NCADEMI Accessibility Basics by focusing on Lists, another example of “low-hanging fruit” that many of us use daily and that can make a big difference for digital accessibility.

Why Lists Matter

Lists help organize information, show relationships, and make content easier to scan. When lists are created correctly, screen readers can announce how many items are in the list and read them in order, giving users important context right away.

Lists support users who:

• use screen readers

• benefit from clear organization

• scan content quickly

• process information in chunks

• access content on mobile devices

Learn more from NCADEMI’s guidance on Lists.

What Makes a List Accessible?

Accessible lists are created using built-in list tools, not by typing characters manually.

That means:

• Use the bulleted list or numbered list buttons

• Avoid typing dashes, asterisks, or numbers by hand

• Keep list items consistent and parallel in structure

• Use numbered lists when order matters

• Use bulleted lists when order does not matter

Think structure, not appearance.

Common List Mistakes

Watch for these common issues:

• Manually typed lists using hyphens or numbers

• Lists broken up by extra line breaks

• Mixing multiple ideas into one list item

• Using lists just for visual spacing

These may look fine visually, but assistive technology may not recognize them as lists at all.

Where Do Lists Appear?

Lists show up everywhere in our work:

• Google Docs and Microsoft Word

• Google Slides and PowerPoint

• Emails and newsletters

• Websites and learning platforms

Using built-in list tools in any of these spaces strengthens digital accessibility immediately.

Your task for this week

1. Open a document, slide deck, or email you use often.

2. Look for lists created by typing dashes or numbers manually.

3. Replace them with built-in bulleted or numbered lists.

4. Check that the list structure matches the meaning (ordered vs unordered).

5. Bring questions or examples to office hours if you’d like feedback.

Next week, we’ll explore Tables and how to use them intentionally so data remains clear and accessible to all users.

Thank you for continuing to build digital accessibility into your everyday work with one small, meaningful improvement at a time.

ESU 10 Accessibility Implementation and Planning Team