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Re: converting a Word file into an accessible PDF?

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From: Moore, Michael
Date: Dec 22, 2006 7:30AM

Merry Christmas Jennison

We use Adobe 7 here at DARS. If the document is created using good
structure and is relatively simple, headings, text, lists, and images
with alt text. The adobe conversion will properly tag the document. It
is a good idea to check the reading order and the tag structure to make
sure that everything worked correctly. If the document author does not
use styles properly, the document will not be properly tagged.
Additionally, in my experience anyway, tables usually need some work to
get the reading order and tag structure correct.

If you have a high volume of PDF documents, you may want to consider the
Common Look plug-in for Adobe, it makes the assessment and remediation
process quite a bit more efficient.

Tagged pdfs work best with the latest releases of screen readers. If
you are publishing documents for use by the general public, I recommend
adding an accessible html version of the document to better accommodate
folks with older systems or software. The University of Illinois has a
really good tool to make this process much easier.
http://www.accessiblewizards.uiuc.edu/

Mike Moore
Accessibility Specialist
Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
(512) 424-4159