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Re: Accessible Word Docs - Need Help

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From: Krack, Joseph
Date: Jun 9, 2016 12:35PM

Carolyn,

I would recommend making this an accessible PDF form. It is possible to make an accessible Word form, but the limit of 138 characters in the Help Text would really make this impossible.

Someone using a screen reader may hear something that is easier on the ear if you change the way you make the lines, but they still would be unable to fill it in. All forms can be printed and filled in by hand, and I would encourage that all forms be made to be accessible.

I am working on creating a new training for creating accessible forms, but when I was with the Department of Rehabilitation I put together a short booklet on creating accessible forms in Word and PDF that you can take a look. Please let me know if you find the booklet useful, or if you have any questions. (http://www.dor.ca.gov/DisabilityAccessInfo/How-do-I-Construct-Accessible-Documents.html)

I hope this helps.

Joe Krack
Manager, Accessibility and Policy Unit
ADA Coordinator, Department of Social Services
744 P Street, MS T8-4-70
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 651-5647 (direct)