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PDF
Page 2 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

Files You Need for Module 8

Version Information

Module 8 uses Adobe Reader 6.01, Adobe Acrobat 6.0, and Internet Explorer 6.0.

Download Adobe Reader

1. Download Adobe Reader 6.01 from the Adobe website. If using a screenreader or text-browser, a text-only Adobe Reader download webpage is available.
2. Choose your language, platform, and connection speed to determine the software that you will download.
3. Make certain the option which includes "activating accessibility features" is checked. This option will double the size of the download, but is necessary to enable exposing elements of the PDF file to a screenreader (see Image 1).
   
   

   Image 1: Download Adobe Reader 6.01 with Accessibility
   
   

Windows Lab Files

The compressed file below contains all of the materials required for a Windows user to complete the interactive labs found within Module 8.

To Download the Windows files:

1. Save the Windows Lab Files for Module 8 (Zip, 856 KB).
2. When prompted, select "Save As" and save the zip file to your desktop.
3. Go to your desktop and open the zip file (mod8lab.exe).
4. All materials will be automatically extracted into a folder called "mod8lab" on your computer (C:).
   

Macintosh Lab Files

The compressed file below contains all of the materials required for a Macintosh user to complete the interactive labs found within Module 8.

To Download the Macintosh files

1. Save the Macintosh Lab Files for Module 8 (Stuffit, 755 KB).
2. The file will save to your desktop and automatically extract all materials into a folder called "mod8lab".

Lab Overview

There are four labs on how to make PDF files accessible. Each lab requires less than 30 minutes and represents common tasks in the process of creating accessible PDF files.

• Structure and Reading Order
  This first lab focuses on structuring PDF files to promote correct reading order by assistive technologies and enable the PDF file to be resized if the user changes viewing preferences (such as font or window size). The retrofitting of older PDF files created in Adobe Acrobat 5 or earlier versions that are generally unstructured and require conversion to be accessible is also addressed.
   
• Creating Alternative Text in Word and Acrobat
  This second lab deals with creating alternative text for visual components (such as images) in Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat. Alternative text is exposed by assistive technologies and conveys an equivalent meaning of the image to users who are unable to see images (whether due to blindness, low vision, use of text browser, or turning off images for faster download).
   
• Creating Accessible Forms in Acrobat
  This third lab explores using Adobe Acrobat to create accessible PDF forms that a user can fill out and submit electronically.
   
• Testing PDF Files for Accessibility
  This fourth lab addresses using the Accessibility Checker that comes with Adobe Acrobat to test PDF files for accessibility .

The next page will discuss Adobe PDF tools.

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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.
© Copyright 2003-2006 All Rights Reserved, Georgia Tech Research Corporation.