Create an Accessible PDF

Objective

Accessible Text

What is it?

Accessible text is anything (PDF, document, or Canvas page) that is accessible for all individuals, especially those that use assistive technology. Accessible text includes the following:

  • Appropriate Headings
  • Alternative Text
  • Correct Reading Order
  • Tagged
  • High Color Contrast
  • Descriptive Links for URLs and documents
  • Ability to be copied and pasted/read by a screen reader 

Why do it?

When PDFs and other documents are not accessible especially scanned PDFs, it can lead to problems for students who use assistive technology. 

Users

  • Faculty
  • Staff

Before You Begin

Install Adobe Acrobat

Steps

Document and Website Resources

  • Utilize the accessibility checkers in Adobe Acrobat and Canvas. The links below will walk you through how to use them
  • Use Scan & OCR in Adobe Acrobate to make a scanned/image PDF accessible
  • Use the read aloud function to check reading order
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