Starting with an accessible word document source and then exporting as an accessible PDF is the best way to make sure your documents are accessible. This way, the document can be edited with the accessibility features still intact. When you export the document as a PDF, the accessibility features will be transferred over to the PDF. However, accessibility features can also be added to a PDF using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. To check a PDF for accessibility, you will need Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
General Checkpoints:
- Does the document have accessible properties such as headings, accessible links, and selectable text?
- Is the document tagged correctly?
- Check errors using your program’s accessibility checker.
- Check errors manually.
Validate Using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Review Document Properties
- Ensure a descriptive title.
- Ensure there is correct document language.
- Ensure links and bookmarks are accessible.
- Ensure the text is selectable.
- Review Reading Order
- Ensure logical reading order. You can also use the reading order tool to add alternate text to images and correct any tagging problems.
- Review Tag Structure
- Ensure accurate tag structure for accurate headings, lists, links, tables, and table headers
- Review Alternative Text
- Ensure appropriate alternative text for images
- Check with the Acrobat Accessibility Checker
- It’s useful to also do a final manual check.