Adobe Accessibility Features

Overview

Adobe Acrobat Pro allows users to make PDFs that meet various accessibility standards using multiple tools. These tools include: 

  • Automatically tag PDF: Adds accessibility tags to the document
  • Check for accessibility: Verifies the document meets accessibility standards
  • Reading options: Set the reading instructions for screen readers
  • Fix Reading Order: Examines the structure, reading order, and contents of the PDF
  • Save as accessible text: It allows the user to read the saved text file in a word-processing application. It also enables you to emulate the end-user experience of readers who use a Braille printer to read the document.

 

Automatically tag PDF

The feature provides information for screen readers, such as:

  • Identifying heading levels and tables
  • Detecting lists and nested lists
  • Establishing reading order for multicolumn layouts.
  1. Open the PDF, select All tools ->View more -> Prepare for accessibility.
  2. Select Automatically tag PDF

 

Check for Accessibility

This tool allows users to address accessibility issues, such as a missing document description or title. It looks for common elements that need further action, such as scanned text, form fields, tables, and images.

  1. Open the PDF, select All tools ->View more -> Prepare for accessibility.
  2. Select Check for accessibility
  3. Select the options as required and then select Start Checking.
  4. Once the check is complete, it will display a panel on the right that lists the accessibility issues. Select each issue type drop-down to view the details and make fixes, as suggested.
    • Passed: The item is accessible.
    • Skipped By User: Rule was not checked because it wasn't selected in the Accessibility Checker Options dialog box.
    • Needs Manual Check: The Full Check/Accessibility Check feature couldn't check the item automatically.
    • Failed: The item did not pass the accessibility check.