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How to Make PDFs Accessible

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The task of creating an accessible document goes farther than just correctly formatting the text in your original file. When importing documents, whatever the source application, some elements “get lost in translation” and additional remediation has to be done in Adobe Acrobat.

This workshop is Part 2 of our “Accessible Word” and “Accessible InDesign” training sessions and will teach you how to create an accessible PDF, including diverse content such as complicated tables, lists and acronyms. Questions it addresses include:

  • How do I make a PDF accessible when I don’t have the source document?
  • How can I figure out whether it is faster to remediate an old PDF or create a new, accessible source document?
  • How do I make tables with merged cells more accessible?
  • What do I do with complicated drawings and charts?
  • When should I use the auto tag feature in Acrobat?
  • How do I fix incorrect reading order?
  • We use a lot of abbreviations – how do I make them accessible?

Great training – lots of new information! Well structured session.

So much to learn and use immediately. The workshop exceeded my expectations!

Who should attend this workshop

  • Anyone who attended the “How to Make Accessible Word Documents” workshop or our “How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents” webinar/workshop provided by Accessibility Services Canada.
  • If you are currently creating accessible content and need a refresher or an upgrade, including Communication or Accessibility Coordinators, Website Content Managers, Marketing staff and Administrative Assistants.

What you will walk away with…

  1. How to format an inaccessible PDF.
  2. Where relevant tools and menu items are in Acrobat.
  3. How to identify several issues that should be addressed in source formats rather than by editing the PDF document directly.
  4. The correct structure for lists and tables.
  5. Knowledge about new accessibility features in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
  6. Understanding of some of the limitations of making accessible content.
  7. A better understanding of creating and mending accessible content using Acrobat Professional.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this workshop, participants will have and understanding of:

  • Working with accessible content tags
  • Manually tag or re-tagging content in a PDF
  • Modifying and edit tag properties
  • Removing tags from specified non-meaningful content
  • How to tag acronyms and bulleted lists
  • Tagging a table of contents
  • Creating tags for tables
  • How to deal with merged or split table cells.
  • Making scanned PDF content accessible.
  • Setting the document default page views
  • Setting reading order and reflow orfer
  • Adding bookmarks in a PDF document
  • Adding required document properties.
  • Using Accessibility Checkers and examining the results.

Take away

  • Participants will be given a handout with reference to the content covered including step-by-step procedures.
  • A full understanding of some of the limitations of making accessible content.
  • A better understanding of creating and mending accessible content using Acrobat Professional.

Detailed and great with examples and practices. (Reena)

Great examples and I appreciate the print out for future reference. (Deafblind Ontario Services)

Workshop Requirements

  • Laptop (Mac or PC) and Mouse
  • Acrobat Professional, version 11 or DC (Primary focus will be on using Acrobat Professional DC).

Technical Notes

  • Please ensure that your Acrobat Professional (not Reader) has been installed correctly.
  • We suggest you do any installations a day or two before the workshop to ensure your programs are working properly.
  • A USB key will be used to transfer class files to laptops – ensure this can be done on your laptop before class.
  • A computer mouse is recommended since it will assist in the use of keyboard shortcuts.

Good quality presentation. Presenter is excellent! Learn, knowledgeable and great at keeping us engaged. Learned more than I anticipated! (Ontario College of Teachers)

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size (maximum 10 participants)
  • A Step-by-Step Reference Guide
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Digital Certificate of Completion

Accommodations

Accommodations are available upon request.

Mental Health in the Workplace

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By age 40, about 50% of the population will have, or have had, a mental illness and the earlier a problem is detected and treated, the better the outcome. Everyone has a role to play in supporting workplace mental health and this webinar will help you to:

  • Reduce mental health stigma among co-workers
  • Better recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems
  • Increase your knowledge about appropriate treatments
  • Increase staff confidence in helping others 

Participants will receive practical and professionally recommended resources, as well as tips and best practices for supporting the well-being of co-workers. There will be time to ask the presenting Mental Health Expert questions about mental health issues affecting your organization.

Fantastic presentation!

I liked that Tammy made it interactive with questions for the group. – City of Belleville

Audience: All Staff, including Management Team Staff, including Executive Directors/CEOs, Directors & Managers (HR, Communications, and Volunteer Coordinators), as well as staff that have contact with the public and volunteers.

The webinar was excellent and gave really good information at a level that most folks readily understood. I particularly liked that she stressed that we cannot diagnose – we are there to support. So important! -United Church of Canada

Benefits of a mentally healthy workplace:

  1. Operational Success: Mentally healthy workplaces demonstrate higher levels of employee and volunteer motivation, commitment and creativity, as well as better decision making.
  2. Productivity: Happy and psychologically healthy employees and volunteers work harder and more efficiently.
  3. Cost Savings: There is a strong link between mental health, physical well-being and injury prevention, disability and absenteeism.
  4. Improved Relations: Better mental health among employees and volunteers results in fewer conflicts and complaints.

We have been thoroughly enjoying the Mental Health webinar that you have been hosting and have come away with lots of great tidbits. – Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Optional Webinar Recordings: Participants have the option of purchasing access to the webinar recording for 7 days following the live event.

Webinar Feedback

  • 100% of past participants said they now have a better understanding of mental health in the workplace.
  • 100% of past participants said they got strategies to help their staff and colleagues.
  • 100% of past participants said they were better able to identify the signs and symptoms of mental health issues.
  • 100% of past participants said they came away with ideas on how to foster a healthy workplace.

“Great refresher and gap analysis of where I was at in understanding mental health issues.”

“Great suggestions on ways we can support co-workers!” – Ministry of the Attorney General

Webinar Outcomes:

  • Gain an understanding of various mental health issues
  • Increase mental health awareness to help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness
  • Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress
  • Learn strategies to help employees, colleagues and volunteers feel more comfortable having conversations related to mental health
  • Learn how to provide compassionate support and understanding
  • Get simple but effective tools and strategies to manage personal and co-worker stress 
  • Ask questions about your organization’s specific challenges
Liked that you gave suggestions and not just theory. Gave real life examples. – YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka
 
The interaction really helped to drive home important points. – Niagara College

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by an Mental Health Expert
  • Copies of the webinar slides (.pdf)
  • Access to the webinar recording (optional)
  • A chance to ask all your questions
  • Resources, best practices, tips and tools
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

“We all loved the music that was playing prior to the webinar starting.  Everyone who walked into the room immediately smiled or started dancing!  It was such a great way to ease any uncomfortable feelings.  Thank you!” – Canadian Opera Company

Webinar Outline:

Mental Health 101 (1:00-2:00pm)

Improve mental health awareness and psychological health and safety of your organization. Mental Health 101 provides employees with an understanding various mental health issues, builds mental health awareness and helps reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Participants will learn strategies for maintaining their mental wellness and for providing compassionate support and understanding to colleagues, friends and family.

Break (2:00-2:15pm)

Stress Essentials – (2:15-3:00pm)

Stress can have a detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of employees, as well as a negative impact on productivity. Learn to recognize signs and symptoms of stress as well as simple but effective tools and strategies to manage the stress of employees, colleagues, and yourself.

Break (3:00-3:15pm)

How to Help & Ask for Help: Resources & Strategies for Supporting Individuals In Need – (3:15-4:00pm)

Asking for help is the first step for many in improving their mental health. Learn strategies to help employees and colleagues feel more comfortable having conversations related to mental health; provide emotional support and practical help to co-workers or loved ones; and know where to find resources and programs in your area.

 

The Facts: 

  • By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness
  • In a recent major Canadian study, 82% of responding organizations ranked mental health conditions in their top three causes of short term disability (72% for long-term)
  • 30% of all short and long term disability claims are due to mental health problems and illnesses
  • The cost of a disability leave for a mental illness is about double the cost of a leave due to a physical illness.
  • 64% of Ontario workers would be concerned about how work would be affected if a colleague had a mental illness
  • 39% of Ontario workers indicate that they would not tell their managers if they were experiencing a mental health problem
  • 40% of respondents to a 2016 survey agreed they have experienced feelings of anxiety or depression but never sought medical help for it
  • Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age
  • 42% of Canadians were unsure whether they would socialize with a friend who has a mental illness
  • Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem

 

Accessible Graphic Design

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Do you want to create posters, brochures and other materials that are accessible to as many people as possible? Get tips on the best and most accessible design choices- from choosing colours and fonts, to ensuring documents are accessible to assistive technology users. Participants will learn what is required to create accessible materials that work for a wider range of users.

Topics include:

  • Visual considerations: Font type, size, spacing, colour, contrast
  • Accessible document settings: Semantic meaning of content, document structure, language settings and more.
  • Workflow tips: How to effectively integrate accessibility into the document creation cycle.
  • Examples of accessible and inaccessible design choices. 

Optional Webinar Recordings: Participants have the option of purchasing access to the webinar recording for 7 days following the live event.

“I always learn so much from every training opportunity I take with you team! These skills are making my designs better, more accessible and beautiful, one project at a time.”  City of Peterborough

“Very interesting and new information I did not know about.”

“Great material. The presentation was clear, concise and easy to read.” Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

“Short, sweet and super helpful! Interactive portion was a really nice break and a good way to jump start the brain.”

“Fantastic webinar! Wish there had been more time.” Evergreen Canada

“Easy to follow the topics and great samples.”

“Great webinar!” Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR)

“Fantastically organized and presented in a very clear manner. Great that it was kept on time and not rushed or prolonged.”

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Digital Certificate of Completion for registered participants
  • Chance to ask your questions

“Accessibility test for character ambiguity is very useful, thanks!”

“Excellent examples.”

 “I liked that it was easy to understand and entry-level but we covered a lot of content.”

 “Very clear and concise information provided.”

 “Real life brochure example, pointing out what’s good/not good, was very useful.”

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

Accessible Video Captioning

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Did you know that accurate captioning is actually a basic WCAG 2.0 Level A requirement? This 90-minute webinar will give you the tips and best practices to ensure your YouTube and other web-based videos are captioned accessibly.  Participants will learn how to caption in a way that provides optimal comprehension while meeting legal compliance and get a step-by-step walk through of the YouTube captioning editor.

 Very clearly communicated. Liked the historical context.

 It was easy to follow, easily accessible and good information.

 Thanks, very useful – I feel I got enough info to try myself!

What You Will Walk Away With

At the end of this 90-minute webinar, participants will understand:

  • Captioning basics for web-based and YouTube.
  • Captioning process from upload to publishing.
  • YouTube captioning interface.
  • Captioning best practices, including caption line length, parsing caption lines, non-speech information, and more.

Thanks that was great! Very useful.

Who should attend this webinar

Anyone who is responsible for website and video design and development, content creation, and content posting. This includes all Executive Directors/CEOs, Communication Managers, Document Creators, Communication or Accessibility Coordinators, Website Content Managers, Website Developers, Marketing Managers, Administrative Assistants.

Optional Webinar Recordings: Participants have the option of purchasing access to the webinar recording for 7 days following the live event.

 

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by a Web Accessibility Specialist
  • Handout and Resource list
  • Digital Certificate of Completion for registered participants

The presenter was very knowledgeable, well-spoken and clear.

 Very informative and helpful!

 Learned some technical stuff I didn’t know sweeeet!

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

How to Make Accessible Word Documents

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This hands-on workshop is designed to clearly explain how to create an accessible document using Microsoft Word. It will demonstrate converting documents to PDF format and examine the required structure for assistive technologies.

This workshop is a comprehensive review of how layout and design principles and practices influence the outcome in the construction of a document intended for accessibility.

Through exercises and group discussions, participants will review the background and theory of accessibility and how it affects document creation; the necessary changes to their current workflow and processes; and how to layout content in documents for those with vision, motor and cognitive impairments.

Microsoft Word will be used to build an accessible document, followed by using Adobe Acrobat Professional DC to inspect any conversion issues or errors.

Best training I have ever had in a session!    Ontario College of Teachers

I have taken a few training courses but this was by far the most in-depth and informative.   Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

Learning outcomes

By completing this workshop, participants will:

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of accessible word document creation
  • Learn how to prepare all text content for accessibility
  • Will prepare graphical content for accessibility
  • Understand why navigation is important in a document
  • Review who is using accessible documents and their needs
  • Become familiar with content design best practices – the do’s and don’ts
  • Understand the importance of using accessible fonts
  • Learn about how to modify and create custom text styles
  • Understanding color blindness and the impact on graphic communications
  • How to make graphic, WordArt and charts accessible
  • Add custom bookmarks for navigation in their documents
  • Review how to add descriptive file properties to a file
  • Review the built-in accessibility checkers in both Microsoft and Acrobat
  • And much more!

Great practical, hands-on exercises. (City of Pembroke)

Take Away 

Participants will be given a handout with reference to the content covered including step-by-step procedures.

Workshop Requirements

  • Laptop and a Computer Mouse
  • Microsoft Word 2016 or 2013
  • Acrobat Professional Version DC or 11

Technical Notes

  • Please ensure that your Acrobat Professional (not Reader) has been installed correctly within your Microsoft Word application.
  • We suggest you do any installations a day or two before the workshop to ensure it is working properly.
  • A USB key will be used to transfer class files to laptops – ensure this can be done on your laptop.
  • A computer mouse is recommended since it will assist in the use of keyboard shortcuts
  • MAC users are welcome but must have the newest version of Microsoft Office and Acrobat Professional DC

NOTE: Laptops are optional, however, they will be needed to participate in the hands-on exercises that complement the lecture.

Great tips and tools to aid in the process of making docs accessible. Looking forward to Part 2!  (Niagara Parks Commission)

Perfect! Met the level of accessibility training I need in my job and I learned a few new tricks.  (Ontario Government)

INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size (maximum 10 participants)
  • A Step-by-Step Reference Guide
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Digital Certificate of Completion

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

Creating Accessible Word Forms

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This hands-on workshop is designed to teach you how to create an accessible Word form and, through class exercises, how to make an accessible PDF version.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this hands-on workshop, participants will have a clear understanding of:

  • How to structure layout content for accessibility
  • Form design layout workaround tips and best practices
  • How to create PDFs form content
  • How to tag form elements within Acrobat
  • Proper tag structure in Acrobat
  • Built-in accessibility checkers in both Word and Acrobat
  • How to test the final PDF for accessibility
  • Evaluating and repairing accessibility errors

Prerequisites

Participants are encouraged to have first taken our “How to Create Accessible Word Documents” or “How to Create Accessible PDFs” workshop.

Workshop Requirements

  • Laptop with working USB drive port
  • Computer Mouse
  • Microsoft Word 2016 or 2013, or Mac with newest version of Microsoft Office
  • Acrobat Professional DC (not Adobe Reader)

INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Accessibility resources
  • An opportunity to ask questions
  • Small class size (maximum 10 participants)
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents

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In this hands-on workshop we cover in-depth how to make accessible content in InDesign and how to import those documents into Acrobat Professional to make an accessible PDF. We cover the core InDesign concepts of text formatting, graphics and working with navigational and digital device reflow features to include all users who require an accessible PDF.

This hands-on training course addresses the best practices for designing in an abstract format while at the same time creating linear accessible content.

“Accessibility Services Canada’s workshop “Accessible InDesign Workshop” was fantastic. The facilitator’s training style was very enjoyable, giving practical exercises and useful tricks that will help us achieve accessibility on a variety of documents. I will strongly recommend this workshop to graphic designers and other creative minds who are searching for better ways to make accessible documents and visual communications.”  

Learning outcomes

By completing this workshop, participants will:

  • Learn why and how to break old print design behaviours
  • Understand the importance of document structure
  • Learn how to tag text for PDF export
  • Know how to set document language
  • Tag and review complicated graphics and diagrams
  • Anchoring content for proper export order
  • Learn how to prepare Master Page items
  • Understand how to create tables for screen readers
  • Recognize proper order and flow for assistive technology
  • Know how to create accessible bookmarks and a table of contents
  • Understand the different types of assistive technology and audiences
  • Understand different export options for accessible PDFs
  • How to hide content from screen reading technology
  • Applying a language setting within InDesign
  • Know how to add the required Metadata
  • How to test and tweak PDF files for accessibility

Take away

Participants will be given a handout with reference to the content covered including step-by-step procedures.

“This workshop made me realize how little I know about InDesign!”

Who should attend this workshop

Anyone who has intermediate to advanced experience creating and editing content in InDesign. Graphic Designers, Art Directors, Creative Studio Managers, Communication or Accessibility Coordinators, Website Content Managers and Administrative Staff using InDesign.

Prerequisite:

It is recommended to have some basic knowledge of using and creating documents with InDesign and is comfortable using Acrobat professional.

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by an InDesign Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size (maximum 10 participants)
  • A Step-by-Step Reference Guide
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Registered participants will receive a digital Certificate of Completion

Workshop Requirements

  • Laptop (Mac or PC) and a Computer Mouse
  • Adobe InDesign CS6 or CC
  • Acrobat Professional Version DC or 11

Technical Notes

  • We suggest you do any program installations a day or two before the workshop to ensure it is working properly.
  • A USB key will be used to transfer class files to laptops – ensure this can be done on your laptop.
  • A computer mouse is recommended since it will assist in the use of keyboard shortcuts

 

How to Evaluate Your Website’s Accessibility

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This hands-on workshop will give participants the knowledge and tools required to gauge the accessibility of web content. The session will take an applied look at Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) by explaining how to assess and implement each web accessibility success-criterion. The workshop includes a hands-on exercise where participants will get a chance to review a website or document against WCAG 2.0. 

Learning outcomes

By completing this workshop, participants will:

  • Gain an in depth understanding of WCAG 2.0 Principles, Guidelines and Success Criteria from a testing perspective
  • Be able to identify testable criteria for web accessibility
  • Use testing methods such as operating a site with a screen reader and testing for alternative control navigation
  • Become familiar with testing tools and resources

Excellent workshop! Handy checklist and helpful information to understand WCAG.

Target Audience:

This workshop is appropriate for Communication Specialists, IT Managers, Web Developers, and Marketing Managers.

Take Away:

Participants will be given a digital website accessibility audit checklist and list of testing tools.

Prerequisites:

Some basic knowledge of HTML is required for this course. If you are not familiar with HTML, we recommend taking the free interactive online course on HTML. Details on this course will be sent with the workshop registration confirmation.

Laptop computers and headphones are needed in order to participate in the hands-on exercise.

Programs will need to be loaded on to participants’ computers for the exercises.  Contact Accessibility Services Canada if you need your IT department to do this ahead of time.

 

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Web Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size 
  • Accessibility Compliance Evaluation Checklist
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

Strategies for Website Accessibility

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This workshop provides a technical explanation of how to create and maintain an accessible website. Web developers will come away with a deep understanding of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, the AODA requirements for website accessibility, and how to achieve WCAG 2.1 conformance.

Topics covered include:

  • WCAG 2.1: In-depth overview of Guidelines and Techniques
  • WCAG 2.1 Success Criteria: how to achieve conformance
  • Introduction to accessibility evaluation
  • Tool support for WCAG 2.1
  • Additional guidance and tips

Take Away:

Participants will be given a handout listing website accessibility tools and other key references.

Interactive discussions and examples. A great workshop!

Knowledgeable presenter who gave specific mark-up examples and was able to answer questions.

Great practical advice! Easy to understand concepts.

The de-mystifiying of WCAG was very helpful!

Just right for getting the basics. Perfect length and content.

 

Prerequisite: Some basic knowledge of HTML is required for this course.

I really liked the amount of content covered and the use of visual examples to see how the content relates to real, live websites.

The workshop opened my eyes to the importance of accessibility issues.

 

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Web Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size 
  • Accessibility Compliance Evaluation Checklist
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)