Universal Approach

Overview of PDF/UA Standard

Introduction to PDF/UA

PDF/UA (Universal Accessibility) is the ISO standard for accessible PDF technology. It ensures that PDF documents and forms are accessible to users with disabilities, including those who use assistive technology.

Why PDF/UA is Important

Accessibility: Ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can access the content.

Legal Compliance: Helps organizations comply with accessibility laws and regulations, such as the ADA and Section 508.

Usability: Improves the overall usability of PDF documents, making them easier to navigate and understand.

Key Requirements of PDF/UA

  • Document Structure: Proper use of headings, lists, and tables.
  • Alternative Text: Descriptive text for images and other non-text content.
  • Forms: Accessible form fields with proper labels.
  • Tags: Correct use of tags to define the document structure.
  • Navigation: Logical reading order and navigable content.
  • Metadata: Properly defined document metadata, including language and title.

Creating PDF/UA-Compliant Documents

Start with an Accessible Source: Use accessible authoring tools like Microsoft Word or Adobe InDesign.

Use Styles: Apply heading styles, lists, and other structural elements.

Add Alt Text: Provide descriptive text for images and graphics.

Check Accessibility: Use built-in accessibility checkers to identify and fix issues.

Export Correctly: Ensure that you export the document to PDF/UA standards.

Tools for Checking PDF/UA Compliance

  • Adobe Acrobat Pro DC: Offers tools for creating and checking accessible PDFs.
  • PAC 3: A free PDF Accessibility Checker that verifies compliance with PDF/UA standards.
  • CommonLook PDF Validator: A tool for testing and remediating PDF documents.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your PDFs are accessible is not only a legal requirement but also an ethical one. By following the PDF/UA standards, you can make your documents usable for everyone, including people with disabilities.