Using Copilot for Accessible Content: Tips and Prompt

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 content's accessibility. 

General Clarity & Readability

• “Rewrite this paragraph to make it easier to understand.”
• “Summarize this content in plain language for a general audience.”
• “Identify any jargon and replace it with more accessible terms.”
• “Convert this into a bulleted list for easier scanning.”

Alt Text and Visual Descriptions

Note: Effective alt text depends on context. Review AI-generated alt text to ensure it communicates the image's purpose within your document or course content.

• “Suggest alt text for these images: [describe image or paste content].”
• “Write clear and concise alt text for this photo of a student studying in the library.”
• “Add image descriptions for accessibility in this presentation."
• "Create a textual description of the image. Include word for word any words or sentences in the image."

Formatting & Structure

• “Check this content for accessibility formatting best practices.”
• "Give suggestions on how to improve this slide deck for accessibility.”

Emails and Announcements

• “Make this email more accessible by simplifying the language and checking for visual contrast.”
• “Revise this email to include best practices for screen readers.”

General Accessibility Prompt

Copy and paste this series, followed by your content. 

Review the following content for accessibility. Focus on:

• Plain language and readability
• Heading structure
• List formatting
• Link text
• Alt text recommendations
• Potential barriers for screen reader users
• Color contrast issues

Explain the issues you find and provide recommendations.

Check Accessibility

Use these prompt as indicators only; Copilot can not verify compliance.

• "Review this document and identify potential accessibility barriers."
• "Check this content against WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility principles and suggest improvements."
• "Identify headings, links, or tables that may not be accessible."

Tips for Using Copilot Responsibly

• Always review Copilot’s output. Copilot cannot reliably provide accurate results.
• 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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