Tip #9: The How – Headings

TLDR;
Headings provide structure that helps everyone navigate digital content more easily, especially people who use screen readers. Using built-in heading styles (instead of bold or larger text) is one of the simplest ways to improve digital accessibility. This week, try using proper headings in one document you work with regularly. Learn more from NCADEMI’s guidance on Headings.

Hello Team,

Welcome back to our Accessibility Tips & Tricks series!
This week, we’re continuing our hands-on work with the NCADEMI Accessibility Basics by focusing on Headings—one of the most effective and easiest ways to improve digital accessibility in everyday documents.

Why Headings Matter

Headings do more than make documents look organized. They create a clear structure that helps users understand how content is arranged and how ideas connect.

For people who use screen readers, headings act like a table of contents. Users can jump from heading to heading to quickly find the information they need instead of listening to an entire document read line by line.

Headings support users who:

• use screen readers

• have attention or processing challenges

• benefit from clear organization

• scan content quickly

• access documents on mobile devices

Learn more from NCADEMI’s guidance on Headings.

What Makes a Heading Accessible?

Accessible headings are created using built-in heading styles, not by manually formatting text.

That means:

• Use Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3, etc.

• Avoid using bold, larger font size, or color alone to indicate headings

• Follow a logical order (Heading 1 → Heading 2 → Heading 3)

• Don’t skip heading levels

Think structure, not style.

Common Heading Mistakes

Watch for these common issues:

• Bolded text used as section titles

• Multiple Heading 1s used incorrectly

• Skipping from Heading 1 directly to Heading 3

• Using headings just to make text look bigger

Using the correct heading levels ensures assistive technology can interpret your document accurately.

Where Do I Use Headings?

Headings work in many tools you already use:

• Google Docs: Styles menu → Headings

• Microsoft Word: Styles pane

• Google Slides / PowerPoint: Slide titles and layout placeholders

• Web pages: Proper HTML heading tags

Your task for this week

1. Open a document you use or share regularly.

2. Identify section titles or bolded headings.

3. Apply the correct built-in heading styles instead.

4. Check the heading order for logical flow.

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

Next week, we’ll explore Links and how descriptive link text improves clarity and digital accessibility for all users.

Thank you for continuing to strengthen digital accessibility through small, intentional changes that add up to big impact.
ESU 10 Accessibility Implementation and Planning Team