How to include accessibility features for graphs and diagrams in my word document.

Question

How to include accessibility features for graphs and diagrams in my word document.

V N Subramanian 5

I am trying to write a word document in my Mac, in which many diagrams, graphs, tables, and equations are included. I am using Office 365. I would like to learn how to integrate the alt texts so that the screen reader recognizes and reads them for the appropriate diagrams/graphs/tables.

The screen reader reads the equations and other math content well, but does not recognize "implies" symbols, and other symbols. How can I make it read "implies"....

Thanks

Lalitha Subramanian

V N Subramanian 5 Reputation points

2026-07-25T10:17:42.0433333+00:00

The symbol "implies" is from the word's built-in equation editor.

I have inserted alt-texts to my diagrams. But, the accessibility reader in my word document ignores diagrams and proceeds to the next text.. It does not read the alt-text.

2 answers

Your answer

V N Subramanian 5 Reputation points

2026-07-25T10:17:42.0433333+00:00

The symbol "implies" is from the word's built-in equation editor.

I have inserted alt-texts to my diagrams. But, the accessibility reader in my word document ignores diagrams and proceeds to the next text.. It does not read the alt-text.

Answer 1

Ana Le 2,345 Independent Advisor

Hi,

You can make Word documents much more accessible by adding Alt Text to non-text elements such as pictures, diagrams, charts, and SmartArt. Screen readers will announce this description when they encounter the object.

For Microsoft Word, you can:

Right-click the image, chart, diagram, or other object.
Select View Alt Text (or Edit Alt Text, depending on your version).
Enter a concise but meaningful description of the content and its purpose.

You can also run the Accessibility Checker to identify content that may not be accessible:

Review > Check Accessibility

Microsoft also provides detailed guidance here:

Accessibility Checker: Improve accessibility with the Accessibility Checker | Microsft Support
Add alternative text to shapes, pictures, charts, SmartArt graphics, or other objects: Add alternative text to a shape, picture, chart, SmartArt graphic, or other object | Microsoft Support

Regarding equations and symbols such as “implies” (⇒), Word itself does not control how every mathematical symbol is spoken. The spoken output depends on the screen reader and how the equation was created. If the equation was inserted using Word’s built-in Equation editor, it is generally more accessible than using manually inserted symbols.

Could you let me know:

Which screen reader are you using (for example, Narrator, VoiceOver, JAWS, or NVDA)?
Was the “implies” symbol entered using Insert > Equation, or was it inserted as a Unicode/special character?

That information will help determine whether the behavior is expected or whether there is a more accessible way to represent the symbol.

V N Subramanian 5 Reputation points

2026-07-25T10:12:37.2866667+00:00

The symbol "implies" is from the word's built-in equation editor.

I have inserted alt-texts to my diagrams. But, the accessibility reader in my word document ignores diagrams and proceeds to the next text.. It does not read the alt-text.
Ana Le 2,345 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-27T07:38:28.26+00:00

Hi,

Thank you for the additional details.

Since you're using Word for Mac and the diagrams already have Alt Text, I'd like to clarify which accessibility tool you're using.

If you're referring to "Word's Read Aloud" feature, this behavior is expected, as Read Aloud reads the document text but does not announce the Alt Text for images or diagrams.

If you're using VoiceOver or another screen reader, the Alt Text should typically be announced when the screen reader navigates to the object rather than reading the document continuously.

Could you let me know which accessibility reader you're using (for example, VoiceOver, Read Aloud, or another screen reader)?

Also, regarding the "implies" (⇒) symbol inserted using Word's built-in Equation editor, knowing which screen reader you're using will help determine whether this is a limitation of the screen reader's math support or something else.
Ana Le 2,345 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-29T12:51:55.8933333+00:00

Hi, may I know if you have any chance to check my answer? I am glad to help if you have any other questions.

Answer 2

V N Subramanian 5

I am using voice over in my Mac now.

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