How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents

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!

Maximizing the Value of the Series

Invite others to participate. Structure a group “lunch and learn” session and invite staff to attend.

Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and instructions for accessing each session will be sent the week prior to commencement.

NOTE: Registration entitles you to one Internet connection and an unlimited number of participants from your organization in one listening room. If you are interested in a site license for multiple viewing locations, please contact us at: [email protected]

Schedule:

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.