Overview
Microsoft Copilot can help you create more accessible, user-friendly content—whether you're working in Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, or using Copilot Chat. This article provides sample prompts, responsible usage tips, and guidance for both the free and premium versions of Copilot available at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Sample Prompts to Improve Accessibility
You can copy and paste or adapt these based on your content to use directly in Copilot, helping you improve your accessibility in content.
General Clarity & Readability
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“Rewrite this paragraph to make it easier to understand.”
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“Summarize this content in plain language for a general audience.”
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“Identify any jargon and replace it with more accessible terms.”
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“Convert this into a bulleted list for easier scanning.”
Alt Text and Visual Descriptions
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“Suggest alt text for these images: [describe image or paste content].”
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“Write clear and concise alt text for this photo of a student studying in the library.”
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“Add image descriptions for accessibility in this presentation.”
Formatting & Structure
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“Check this content for accessibility formatting best practices.”
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“Convert this Word document into an accessible structure with headings, lists, and tables.”
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“Format this slide deck for accessibility.”
Emails and Announcements
Tips for Using Copilot Responsibly
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Always review Copilot’s output. You are still responsible for ensuring final accuracy and compliance with accessibility requirements.
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Avoid relying on AI for complex visuals or data descriptions. Use your judgment for nuanced content, such as graphs, charts, and diagrams.
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Use it as a guide—not a replacement. Copilot is a support tool to help you think critically and work faster, not a one-click fix.
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