Adobe Acrobat Reader Accessibility: Remediating PDF Workflow

Overview

The Adobe Acrobat Reader Accessibility trainings are split into two parts. The Basics Training focuses on visual remediation, while the Advanced Training focuses on the metadata of a document. In practice, remediating documents does not follow outline of the trainings exactly, instead it bounces between visual remediation, tagging, running the accessibility checker, and setting reading/tab order. 

Step One: Visual Remediation 

Ensure Proper Heading Structure 

1. Apply a clear, logical heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3). 
2. Use font sizing (at least a 12pt font for body of documents) that visually reflects the structure and improves readability. 

Verify Adequate Color Contrast 

1. Confirm all text and image elements meet WCAG contrast ratios. 
2. Avoid using color alone to convey meaning.  

Use Accessible, Legible Fonts 

1. Choose clean, sans-serif fonts that are easy to read on screens,  a list can be found here. 
2. Maintain consistent font styles to support visual clarity. 

Ensure Accessible Hyperlinks

1. The text associated with links should be descriptive and relate to the context of the link. 
2. Links should be visually distinct in both their color and should be underlined.

Step Three: Tag the PDF 

Automatically Tag the PDF

1. Using the Automatically tag PDF option in the Check for Accessibility Pane

Walk the Tags 

1. Ensure that the tags correctly correspond to the elements within the document. 
2. Changes type, locations, and nesting as needed.

Step Two: Run the Built-In Accessibility Checker 

Fix Accessibility Errors 

1. Use your Adobe’s accessibility checker to automatically identify issues. 
2. Review flagged items and manually correct them as needed. 

Step Four: Confirm Correct Reading Order 

Ensuring Reading Order 

1. Use the Reading Order tool in Acrobat to ensure content flows logically. 
2. Fix any mis-tagged or out-of-sequence elements. 

Step Five: Set Tab Order for Interactive Navigation

1. Configure tab order to follow the document’s natural reading layout. 
2. Test keyboard navigation to ensure smooth movement through content. 

Step Six: Saving 

1. Save as Adobe PDF 
2. Export using “Save as (Adobe PDF)” to preserve accessibility features and tagging.