Whether you create memos, reports, or templates, Accessible Word Document training gives State of Minnesota employees a strong foundation. Since the 2024 refresh, we’ve tightened guidance and made small but meaningful updates based on real user feedback. The training will help you create accessible Word documents with confidence. 

Background

Minnesota first launched its Accessible Word Document training in 2016. The state updated the training in fall 2024 to incorporate Microsoft Word changes and the state’s addition of WCAG 2.1 to the digital accessibility standard. A cross agency team of subject matter experts continues to collaborate on maintenance and incremental improvements. 

In addition to the public website, we offer this training to State of Minnesota agencies through their Learning Management (LM) system. State employees can find it by searching for course code: G46ACCWORD01.

What’s changed since the fall 2024 launch 

Based on user feedback, we updated both the public training modules and those available through the state’s Learning Management system. Here’s what changed:

1. Access & labeling refinements
   • Public site banner text revised to “Updated fall 2026” for clarity (replaced “newly updated”).
   • LM enrollment guidance standardized: search by program code to view the entire training package and avoid confusion from finding only some of the individual module listings. 
2. Content and slide updates (small but impactful)
   • Module 6 now covers the Accessibility Assistant instead of the Accessibility Checker, reflecting changes made by Microsoft.  
   • Captioning alert language (“This course has no captions because the slide text provides the full transcript.”) added to each module title slide. Many learners rely on captions and calling out that the slide text already provides the full transcript helps people understand why captions are not present while still supporting how different users learn — especially those who benefit from predictable structure, clear expectations, and knowing how information will be delivered. The wording will also be reused in PDF 101.
   • Editorial errors corrected.
3. Maintenance process improvements
   • Working group set an annual review cadence and defined a practical workflow for handling issues between reviews.
   • Internal agency production support without vendor dependencies.
4. Navigation & learner experience
   • Links to transcripts added to the Accessible Word training landing page with each listed module. They are still included within each module's Resources tab.
   • Links to summary guides will be added to the Accessible Word training landing page in late fall 2026. They are still included within each module's Resources tab.

Why it’s still important to take—and to revisit

• Foundational: This training establishes core accessibility concepts—semantics, headings, structure, color/contrast, and tables—that carry directly into PDF remediation. It’s important to take every module. And revisit any topic as many times as necessary.
• Prerequisite to PDF 101: Completing the Accessible Word Document training first ensures readiness for PDF semantics, reading order, and validation steps.
  • Note: PDF 101 training is being updated now to intentionally mirror the Word's training design for a seamless learner experience. We plan to launch the updated PDF 101 training in late fall 2026.

FAQ

Why is Digital Accessibility important? What exactly does it cover?

Accessibility matters. Digital accessibility helps ensure everyone, including people with disabilities, has equal access to information, resources and services. This encompasses all things digital, from electronic documents to websites to kiosks.

Do I need to retake Word if I completed it before the update?

You may want to revisit Module 6 as it now reflects Microsoft’s shift from the Accessibility Checker to the Accessibility Assistant. 

Will PDF 101 be available to everyone?

Yes, we recommend completing Word first to ensure readiness for PDF semantics and testing steps. We plan to launch the updated PDF 101 training in late fall 2026.

I’m a state employee and can’t find the training in LM?

Use code: G46ACCWORD01. If you can’t find it, contact your agency’s HR team.

Where do we report issues or suggest improvements?

MN.gov has a link in the footer, Report an accessibility issue. Use that link to report issues or offer suggestions.

Looking ahead: Our commitment to continuous improvement

As we look ahead, our cross agency workflow remains central to keeping the Accessible Word training reliable, practical, and aligned with Minnesota’s accessibility expectations. Subject matter experts use learner feedback and real-world needs to guide updates to the content, supporting materials and navigation. We refined the content and supporting materials and improved navigation to create a smoother learning experience. 

As we expand and update PDF 101, this steady, collaborative approach will keep both courses aligned and give learners the knowledge and confidence to create accessible digital documents.