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PDF
Page 1 of 17

1. Introduction
2. Files You Need
3. Adobe PDF Tools
4. Improve PDF Access
5. Structure & Read Order
6. Alternative Text
7. Forms
8. Testing Accessibility
9. Publish to Blackboard
10. Publish to WebCT
11. Resources

Module8: Making PDF Documents Accessible

Estimated Time to Complete: 4 hours

Module 8 contains eleven topics. All topics are not required to be completed; you may start and stop at any point.

Objectives

Upon completion of Module 8, you will be able to:

• Describe accessibility issues related to PDF files.
• Create an accessible version of a PDF file.
• Identify resources available to facilitate the conversion of a PDF file.
• State cost-time estimates for making a PDF file accessible.

Overview

Portable Document Format (PDF) is a type of file developed by Adobe as a means of distributing documents over the Internet. The strength of PDF lies in its ability to convert any document and consistently maintain the formatting of that document on the screen and in print, regardless of what kind of computer or printer is used and regardless of what software package was originally used to create the document.

Overall, there are four types of products for PDF accessibility:

• Adobe Acrobat
  A software program that generates a PDF file by capturing the structure of the document being converted to PDF. A 30-day tryout is available from the Adobe website but the full version of Acrobat must be purchased.
   
• Adobe Reader
  A free download from the Adobe website that is needed to view and print a PDF file. Adobe Reader also has the ability to expose elements in the PDF file to a screenreader.
   
• Online Conversion Tools
  Free tools on the Adobe website for converting a PDF file that is online or locally stored (on your hard drive or a CD-ROM) into a webpage (HTML file) or text file by submitting an email or a web-based form.
   
• Plug-ins
  Other software programs are available to convert documents to PDF files; some are free, but others must be purchased.

Prerequisite Knowledge

To gain the most from Module 8, you should have familiarity with:

• Word processing programs such as Microsoft Office 2000 or XP.
   
  Note: Although PDF files can be created with other software programs, Adobe Acrobat integrates well with Microsoft Office applications. When installed, a PDF Maker icon is automatically placed on the toolbar of all Microsoft Office applications.

The next page presents information on the software and various files that are used in Module 8.

Previous Page Module 7, Page 13: Resources

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Georgia Tech Research on Accessible Distance Education (GRADE)
Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA)
Georgia Institute of Technology (GT) College of Architecture (COA)
Email: gradeproject@coa.gatech.edu Fax: 404-894-9320 Phone: 404-894-4960 (v/tty)

Accessibility User Agreement
Developed in collaboration with IDET Communication (IDET).
Funded by the Office of Post Secondary Education (OPE) under Grant #P333A020050.
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