Did you know that your thesis must be accessible? Instructions now available also for LaTex users
The accessibility of digital environments corresponds to physical accessibility. By taking accessibility into account from the beginning of each new document, you make it accessible to everyone. Accessible digital content can be used regardless of any functional limitations, be they permanent or temporary.
Theses are public documents whose accessibility must be ensured by the University of Helsinki and by you as the content provider. Producing accessible content is nowadays also an important worklife skill.
Master’s theses are in high demand at Helsinki University Library, and openly available thesis documents can be found easily through search engines. It's thus especially important that they are accessible for all interested readers.
Accessible Word template supports your thesis work
To help you create an accessible thesis document, the University offers a Word template. It contains the right styles and heading levels. When used, these must follow a logical order. The template also provides advice on adding, naming and formatting images, figures, tables and formulas; determining the language of the document; and using headings. These are all required to create an accessible PDF document.
The template does not contain academic writing instructions, nor does it provide advice on referencing techniques. For this information, please consult the detailed writing instructions of your degree programme or faculty.
You can ensure the accessibility of your thesis document by following the instructions given in the template. When a Word document is accessible, creating an accessible PDF document is easy.
Accessibility of LaTex thesis documents
At the moment, PDF files created using the LaTeX typesetting system are not accessible. If you are a LaTex user, you should submit the source code of your thesis as a ZIP file to E-thesis in addition to a PDF file. For a reader using a screen reader programme to support their browsing, the source code is more accessible than the PDF file.
Instructions and more information
Instructions for creating an accessible PDF file with Word yourself and taking accessibility into account with LaTex are available in the Instructions for Students on the page Digital accessibility - what all students should know. If you want to use the University Word template for an accessible thesis file, you can find it in the instructions related to Master's theses and maturity tests.
Further information on accessibility legislation (Act on the Provision of Digital Services, 306/2019) can be found at webaccessibility.fi.
Photo: Anniina Sjöblom (University of Helsinki)