PWS Ltd web editorial services

Creating accessible PDFs

One day training course

Course outline

The following is an outline of a typical PDF accessibility training day. However, please note that courses can be tailored to individual requirements.

Session 1 — structuring source documents correctly

This session covers techniques for structuring source documents correctly using Word/OpenOffice Writer or InDesign. It also highlights potential problems in document production processes and demonstrates how to avoid them. Topics include:

Headings and lists
Tables of contents
Images and alt text
Data tables
Links
Colour contrast, footnotes, text formatting
Reading order
Converting to a tagged PDF

Session 2 — working in Acrobat Professional

This session looks at the various accessibility tools available in Acrobat Professional and provides practical examples of common PDF accessibility problems and solutions. Topics include:

OCR: dealing with scanned documents
Accessibility reports
Read Out Loud and Reflow
The TouchUp Reading Order tool, order panel and tag tree
Reading order problems
Links, destinations, headings, alt text, footnotes and data tables
Introduction to JavaScript accessibility enhancements
Meta data, document language
Opening PDFs in Adobe Reader or Acrobat
File size optimisation

Session 3 (optional) — accessible PDF forms

This session covers the basic principles of creating accessible interactive forms using LiveCycle Designer or Acrobat.

Creating text fields, radio buttons, check boxes and dropdowns
Understanding screen reader "forms mode"
Forms mode workarounds
Tagging and tab order

Paul Bennun, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

"The accessible PDF course was a real eye-opener. The practical advice given will be a great help in keeping all our documentation accessible … An excellent course. Eloquently delivered by a presenter capable of catering for an audience of varying knowledge levels. A definite thumbs up."

Recent clients