PDF files are often regarded as the most accessible file type due to their wide compatibility and accessible features. Inclusive and accessible online course design is essential to providing an equitable learning experience for all students. As instructional designers and instructors, it is our responsibility to ensure that all course materials, including PDF files, are accessible to students with disabilities. Improving the accessibility of PDF files will enable students who use assistive technologies to access course materials and participate fully in the course. This article will provide guidance on converting PDF files into an accessible format, checking for accessibility, tagging text and images, and using Ally to improve accessibility scores; as well as step-by-step instructions for improving the accessibility of PDF files in Adobe Acrobat.

After reading this article, you will be able to:

• Convert PDF files into an accessible format
• Check PDF files for accessibility
• Tag text and images in PDF files
• Use Ally to improve accessibility scores

Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments that are usable by people with disabilities. PDF files are a popular format for sharing documents in online courses. However, PDF files can be inaccessible to students with disabilities if they are not properly formatted. Research has shown that accessible course materials benefit all learners, not just those with disabilities.

1. Use Adobe Acrobat Pro to convert various kinds of files into an accessible PDF format
2. Check PDF files for accessibility using the Accessibility Check tool in Adobe Acrobat Pro
3. Tag text and images in PDF files to enable screen readers to read the document correctly
4. Use alternative text descriptions to describe images in PDF files
5. Use Ally to check accessibility scores and improve accessibility

Example 1: A course instructor has a Word document that needs to be converted into an accessible format. The instructor first saves the Word file as a PDF and then opens the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Pro and uses the Accessibility Check tool to identify and fix accessibility issues. The instructor tags text and images in the PDF file and add alternative text descriptions for images. The instructor uploads the file into the course files section and checks the accessibility score using Ally. The accessibility score is high, and the instructor can confidently share the PDF file with students.

Example 2: A course designer creates a PDF document with several images. The designer adds alternative text descriptions for each image and tags the text in the document using Adobe Acrobat Pro. The designer checks the accessibility score using Ally and makes changes to improve the score. The designer shares the document with the course instructor, who then uploads it into the course files section.

To practice improving the accessibility of PDF files, you can use the Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker to view accessibility issues in a PDF document, visit the How do I improve the accessibility of a PDF document guide.

Improving the accessibility of course materials is an important step in creating an inclusive learning experience for all students. By following the best practices outlined in this article, instructional designers and instructors can ensure that PDF files are accessible to all students.

• For more information on making PDF documents accessible, visit Adobe Acrobat’s support article.
• For more information on making PDF documents accessible, visit WebAIM’s support article.
• Read Adobe's blog article titled "The Complete Checklist to PDF Accessibility".