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RE: Fillable forms using Acrobat 6

for

From: sean keegan
Date: Dec 3, 2003 12:37PM

Hi Kelly,

Yes, Adobe Acrobat 6 (Professional) can create accessible forms, however
the time for implementing all the appropriate features and tags in order
to make the PDF form accessible can take time (not to mention a bit of
skill).

To be perfectly honest, if the form is highly complex and contains a
large number of form fields, you may want to consider a HTML version of
the form instead.

If using a PDF is a requirement to deliver the form, there are other
tools besides Acrobat 6 Professional. The Forms Access Tool (part of
the Acrobat Capture Agent Pack for $99 US) allows designers to create
complex, tagged PDF forms a bit easier than developing a form in Acrobat
Professional.

Adobe does have a product called Adobe Form Designer 5, that is supposed
to develop HTML or PDF forms and include accessibility. I have not
tested this product as it is approximately $1700. May be something to
look into.

In any case, yes it can be done but it is not easy and takes time. I
developed a training manual around using Acrobat 6 Professional to
create accessible PDFs if you are interested.

Take care,
Sean

Sean Keegan
Web Accessibility Instructor
High Tech Center Training Unit for the
California Community Colleges
Cupertino, CA
408.996.6044

-----Original Message-----
From: Kelly Hokkanen [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ]
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2003 8:06 AM
To: WebAIM List
Subject: Fillable forms using Acrobat 6

Adobe claims that its new Acrobat 6 can create fully accessible fillable
PDF forms. Has anyone tested these? Would they be an acceptable solution
for posting fillable forms, or are there any potential barriers or
compliance issues?

Adobe's information is posted at
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/access_info.html.

Thanks!
Kelly
-----------------------------
Kelly Hokkanen
Director of Creative Services
InforME: Information Resource of Maine
(207)621-2600 x28
<EMAIL REMOVED>
www.maine.gov




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