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How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents

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With the Information and Communications Standard of the AODA requiring new and refreshed website and content to be made accessible, it means that documentation available for download from a website – in particular any documents created from InDesign and compressed to a PDF – should be accessible to all users using screen reading technology. As well, the AODA requires you to provide alternative formats of your inaccessible documents, should a person with a disability request it.

Creative professionals have limited time and need the most up-to-date training. This webinar is an ideal way for busy leaders to engage in an interactive online experience from the convenience of their own desk. Learn how to create an accessible InDesign document and then how to convert it into an accessible PDF. Ask questions of our expert and be ready to start making accessible InDesign and PDF documents right away!

As a freelance designer I’m seeing a growing demand from clients for accessible documents. This course (and the materials) have been extremely helpful and well worth the investment. Thanks!

Understanding Accessible PDF documents

(10:00am – 11:00am)

In this first module you learn the basic knowledge required to understand the principles of PDF creation and InDesign formatting for accessible documents.

Completion of this module will provide the user with an understanding of Accessible PDF file creation with particular attention to:

  • A clear definition of what an “Accessible PDF” document is.
  • How PDF documents are constructed – behind the scene settings.
  • What formatting traps to avoid – when making an InDesign document.
  • Changes in your current workflow to make a document more accessible.

11:00 am-11:15 am:    Coffee Break

 

InDesign: Document integrity, formatting for accessibility

(11:15 am – 12:30 pm)

This is the second module of the series and provides the in-depth knowledge and framework for the creation of the source document. This module explores the enhanced features of Adobe InDesign.

The focus of this module is to prepare a document with reliable content formatting. The overall aim of the module is to equip document creators with knowledge of specific program features that will ensure accessible content in their document.

Completion of this module will provide the user with a foundational understanding of Accessible InDesign file creation with particular attention to:

  • Additional requirements in an everyday document
  • Advance features of InDesign to use for formatting content
  • Layout formatting tricks that can save time
  • Production workflow adjustments and enhancements

12:30-1:30 pm:    Lunch Break

 

InDesign: Document integrity, formatting for accessibility

(1:30 pm – 2:15 pm)

Module Two continued.

2:15-2:30 pm:  Coffee Break 

 

InDesign to Acrobat

(2:30 pm – 3:00 pm)

This is the third and final module in the mini-series in which we will explore the features in Adobe Acrobat and the workflow between the two programs.

Completion of this module will provide the user with an understanding of Accessible PDF file creation with particular attention to:

  • Using the Accessibility Checker
  • Overview of fixing elements using the Tags, Order and Content panels
  • Checking and tweaking content in the final PDF document
  • What other steps are required in Adobe Acrobat in order to make a fully accessible PDF

 

NOTE: It is recommended that the attendee has working knowledge and is comfortable using both InDesign versions CS6 or CC and Adobe Acrobat DC.

If using a previous version, there will be some slight differences, however attendees can still follow along.

The platform of MAC or PC does not make a difference – some items will be found in different locations within user interface.

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

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.

Excellent workshop! Handy checklist and helpful information to understand WCAG 2.0.

  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. 

How to Make InAccessible PDFs Accessible

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This hands-on workshop is a follow-up to our “How to Make Accessible Word Documents” workshop and has been designed with the approach of addressing more complicated content.

The task of creating an accessible document goes farther than just correctly formatting the text in your original file. With different content styles inside a document, such as complicated tables, lists and diagrams – it can leave you frustrated and unsure of what to do such as:

  • 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?

This is a hands-on, in-depth course that tackles the complexity of creating accessible PDFs from inaccessible documents within Acrobat Professional.

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. Available automated accessibility features.
  4. Understanding of some of the limitations of making accessible content.
  5. A better understanding of creating and mending accessible content using Acrobat Professional.

Sample of course contents

Diving into Acrobat Professional and working with a select group of panels and features to create accessible PDFs, this course covers the following topics:

  • Tables – understanding merged cells, split cells and multiple headers.
  • Working with the table editor and adding table summaries.
  • Lists – building proper list and sub-list categories with bullets.
  • Acronyms – properly tagging all of them.
  • Maps and diagram description tricks and work arounds.
  • Making a “Table of Contents” accessible.
  • Removing tags from specified non-meaningful content.
  • Adding bookmarks in a PDF document.
  • Adding and adjusting document properties.
  • Using the role map feature.
  • Working with floating text boxes in Microsoft Word PDFs.
  • Manually re-tagging content in a PDF.
  • Making scanned PDF content accessible.
  • Setting the document default page views.
  • Using Accessibility Checkers and examining the results.
  • Exploring different online resources for accessibility.
  • Using the “Make Accessible” Wizard

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 a Computer Mouse (required for short cuts). 
  • Basic Knowledge of Acrobat Professional version 11 or DC (Primary focus will be on using Acrobat Professional DC).

Technical Notes

  • Do all installations a day or two before attending the workshop.
  • Install any new updates.
  • Unlock any USB connectors so you can access class files via USB stick.
  • Please note that Acrobat Reader version is not used in this workshop, only Acrobat Professional.

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
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

Accommodations

Accommodations are available upon request.

How to Create an Accessible Website

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This workshop provides a technical explanation of how to create accessible web content. Web developers will come away with a deep understanding of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, the AODA requirements for website accessibility, and how to achieve WCAG 2.0 conformance.  Knowledge of HTML is required.

Note: This workshop is ideal for those who have already taken the Introduction to Website Accessibility workshop or webinar (next one is on Feb. 27th)  or those who already have some familiarity with digital accessibility concepts.  

Learning outcomes

By completing this workshop, participants will:

  • Gain an in depth understanding of WCAG 2.0 structure: Principles, Guidelines and Success Criteria
  • Become familiar with established techniques for meeting WCAG conformance
  • Get an introduction to WAI ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Application) markup
  • Learn about tools and resources for creating accessible content

Take Away:

Participants will be given a handout listing website accessibility testing 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-mystifying 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. If you are not familiar with HTML, we recommend taking the free interactive online course on HTML. Details will be sent to participants with your workshop registration confirmation.

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Web Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size
  • Resource list
  • 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. 

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.

Introduction to Website Accessibility

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Many people have difficulty understanding the website accessibility requirements under the AODA. This workshop will give you a understanding of how websites can be made accessible. Participants will learn about the background and theory of website accessibility, how accessibility effects visitors to your site, and what changes you can immediately make to increase the accessibility of your website.

1 in 7 people in Ontario currently have a disability and this is expected to rise to 1 in 5 by 2036 as the population ages. By having an accessible website, you are including people with disabilities – whether they be clients, employees, or the public. By understanding accessibility issues and the strategies to tackle them, your organization can communicate more effectively while complying with legal and moral responsibilities.

Who should attend this webinar

Anyone who is responsible for website 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.

What You Will Walk Away With:

At the end of this workshop, participants will have a understanding of:

  • Website accessibility and factors that create barriers
  • How to overcome digital accessibility barriers
  • How people will disabilities use assistive technologies to navigate the internet
  • How how web accessibility impacts organizations
  • WCAG 2.0’s principles and guidelines

This workshop complements, and is suggested prior to, the “How to Create an Accessible Website” workshop being the same day from 1-4pm.

The workshop covered a lot of information I was not aware of. Very informative!

Really helpful – videos and screen reader demo.

Great explanation of the experience of real users – what tools they use and expect.

 

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Web Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size 
  • Accessibility Resource List
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • Networking 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 Web Accessibility

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This workshop provides a technical explanation of how to create accessible web content. Web developers will come away with a deep understanding of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, the AODA requirements for website accessibility, and how to achieve WCAG 2.0 conformance. The session will also cover a list of practical tools for assessing and implementing web accessibility. Knowledge of HTML is required.

Note: This workshop is ideal for those who have already taken the Introduction to Web and Digital Accessibility workshop, or those who already have some familiarity with digital accessibility concepts.  

Topics covered include:

  • WCAG 2.0: In-depth overview of Guidelines and Techniques
  • WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria: how to achieve conformance
  • Overview of approaches to accessibility evaluation
  • Tool support for WCAG 2.0
  • Additional guidance and tips

Take Away:

Participants will be given a handout listing website accessibility testing 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.

I really liked the identification of tools and techniques for testing conformance.

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. If you are not familiar with HTML, we recommend taking the free interactive online course on HTML offered by CodeAcademy. Specifically, the HTML fundamentals and HTML content modules of the Learn HTML & CSS: Part 1 course. https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-html-css

 

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.

Introduction to Web Accessibility

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This webinar provides a non-technical introduction to digital accessibility as it relates to web content and documents. Participants will gain understanding of the way people with disabilities interact with digital content and receive a high-level overview of WCAG 2.0 guiding principles and guidelines.

Topics covered include:

  • What is accessibility?
  • How do people with disabilities use computers?
  • How accessibility benefits your organization
  • Overview of the WCAG 2.0’s principles and guidelines. 

How to Evaluate Web Content and Digital Document 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 cover an in-depth overview of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0), provide information on assessing each success-criterion, and include a hands-on exercise where participants will get a chance to review a website or document against WCAG 2.0 using a three-step approach along with simplified checklists. 

Topics covered include:

  • WCAG 2.0: Guidelines, Success Criteria and Techniques
  • A three step approach to accessibility evaluation
  • Tools and resources
  • Additional guidance and tips

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 offered by CodeAcademy. Specifically, the HTML fundamentals and HTML content modules of the Learn HTML & CSS: Part 1 course. https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-html-css

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.

Excellent workshop! Handy checklist and helpful information to understand WCAG 2.0.

Introduction to Web and Digital Document Accessibility

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This workshop provides a non-technical introduction to digital accessibility as it relates to web content and documents. Participants will gain an understanding of the way people with disabilities interact with digital content and receive a high-level overview of WCAG 2.0 guiding principles and guidelines.

Topics covered include:

  • What is accessibility?
  • How do people with disabilities use computers?
  • How accessibility benefits your organization
  • Overview of the WCAG 2.0’s principles and guidelines. 

This workshop complements, and is suggested prior to, the “How to Evaluate Web Content and Digital Document Accessibility” workshop being the same day from 1-4pm.

The workshop covered a lot of information I was not aware of. Very informative!

Really helpful – videos and screen reader demo.

Great explanation of the experience of real users – what tools they use and expect.