From: How to Author and Test Microsoft Excel Worksheets for Accessibility
Flashing objects cannot be considered accessible because they can cause seizures and, therefore, should never be used. Warning: This video demonstrates a type of flashing object that should never be used.
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Voice Over (VO): Accessible Electronic Document Community of Practice, AED-COP.
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VO: You are watching how to make an accessible document in Microsoft Excel.
VO: This is Module 9, Excluding Flashing Objects. This video is one in a series showing how to make an Excel Worksheet Section 508 conformant.
VO: Flashing objects can cause seizures and should never be used. An Excel Worksheet that includes flashing objects cannot be considered accessible.
VO: Create your content without using flashing objects. Is the document free of all flashing objects?
VO: If not, the document fails this test. This example includes a flashing object.
VO: This is not accessible. This worksheet does not include flashing objects.
VO: This example is accessible. Thank you for watching Module 9.
VO: You are encouraged to watch the other modules in this video series and revisit modules to gain a mastery of the information provided.
VO: To learn more about Section 508, visit www.section508.gov. This video is a product of the Accessible Electronic Document Community of Practice, Chief Information Officers Council, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Related Spreadsheet Video Series Modules
- Module 0: Introduction & Background
- Module 1: Using Built-in Features to Organize Content and Ensure Logical Reading Order
- Module 2: Ensuring the Contrast Ratio Between Text and Background is Sufficient
- Module 3: Ensuring Color and Other Visual Characteristics are Also Described in Text
- Module 4: Making Vital Background Information Accessible
- Module 5: Using Built-In Features to Create Data Tables
- Module 6: Adding Alternative Text to Images and Other Objects
- Module 7: Creating Links with Unique and Descriptive Names
- Module 8: Ensuring Descriptions of Embedded Audio, Video and Multimedia Files are Accurate
- Module 9: Excluding Flashing Objects
- Module 10: Saving in the .xlsx Format with a Descriptive Filename
Reviewed/Updated: March 2026
