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."
Further information
For further information please call us on 01932 355 222 or 07918 952 874.
