If you’ve ever skimmed an article using bolded section titles, you’ve used headings. Screen readers do the same — but only if the headings are done right.
How to use headings the right way
- Use built-in styles: Always apply headings using the built-in styles. Don't just make text bold or bigger — screen readers can't tell it's a heading that way.
- In Google Docs: Format > Paragraph styles > Heading 1, 2, 3
- In Microsoft Word: Home > Styles
- Go 1, 2, 3: Use headings in order (i.e., Heading 1 > Heading 2 > Heading 3)
- Use only one H1: Only use one Heading 1 per page or document (usually the title)
Example structure
- Heading 1: Science Fair Project Guide
- Heading 2: Materials Needed
- Heading 2: Steps and Timeline
- Heading 3: Step 1 — Research
- Heading 3: Step 2 — Experiment Setup
- Heading 2: How Projects Will Be Judged
By using proper headings and empowering screen-reader users to skim through content like sighted users do, you help create Access for All. At Durango School District, it’s the way we do things!