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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
  • Registered participants will receive a digital Certificate of Completion

Accommodations

Accommodations are available upon request.

How to Make Accessible Word Documents

by

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
  • Registered participants will receive a 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)

Introduction to Document Accessibility

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Participants in this live webinar will learn about how accessibility effects document creation and what changes in your organization’s current workflow and processes are required.

Commonly asked questions we discuss in this webinar:

  • What is an accessible document?
  • What does an accessible format mean?
  • How do you make accessible documents?
  • Can all documents be made accessible?
  • How do I make a PDF accessible?
  • What if I don’t have the source document?
  • Can infographics be made accessible?
  • At what stage in the document creation process does accessibility come in?

Who should attend this webinar?

Anyone who is responsible for the management and coordination of print or digital documents.

This includes all Executive Directors/CEOs, Communication Managers, Document Creators, Production Coordinators, Communication Coordinators, Website Content Managers, Marketing Managers.

What You Will Walk Away With:

Participants will have a clear understanding of:

  1. What accessible documents are and how important they are reach all potential clients/customers.
  2. The process of how a document becomes more accessible.
  3. Suggestions for improvements in your document creation and production stages.
  4. How to save money by using a smart document creation process.
  5. How to improve employee efficiency.

During this live presentation participants can ask questions of our accessible document expert.

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Registered participants will receive a digital Certificate of Completion badge
  • Chance to ask your questions

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

How to Make Accessible PDFs

by

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
  • Registered participants will receive a digital Certificate of Completion

Accommodations

Accommodations are available upon request.

How to Make Accessible Word Documents

by

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
  • Registered participants will receive a digital Certificate of Completion

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents

by

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 webinar

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

 

Accessible InDesign Templates

by

We all know that having accessible documents is becoming imperative to meeting your organization’s legal obligations, not to mention meeting the needs of your customers, staff and volunteers. If you have already created some templates in InDesign that you are using, or you would like to begin creating templates for such things as meeting minutes, event posters, annual reports, application forms, etc. – this is the webinar for you!

In this one-hour webinar, participants will learn how to make well-designed and accessible templates, as well as how to maximize the built-in features of InDesign to do this in a quick and streamlined way.

Topics include

  • Proper font settings – when to use the advance typesetting features
  • Setting up accessible Paragraph styles
  • Utilizing Special Characters, White Space and Break settings
  • Tagging master page content for screen readers
  • Preparing the swatches panel wit corporate colours
  • Working with Master Page numbers
  • Setting up graphics with repetitive Alt text
  • Master page options

Who should Attend this webinar?

Anyone who has experience creating and editing content in InDesign.

Graphic Designers, Art Directors, Creative Studio Managers, Communications staff, Administrative Staff using InDesign.

Any who has take our “How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents”.

 

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Registered participants will receive a digital Certificate of Completion
  • Chance to ask your questions

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

Accessible Graphic Design

by

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. 

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

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

“Easy to follow the topics and great samples.”

“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
  • Registered participants will receive a digital Certificate of Completion
  • 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.