[bcab] Re: Accessible PDF's

Léonie



Thanks for that.  I'm not actually sure whether the original is in MSWord.  I 
suspect someone had to put it into MSWord to make it accessible for me.  My 
guess is that it is probably produced using Quark Xpress, but our graphic 
designers have already been sent some guidelines for using Adobe Distiller to 
produce accessible PDF's from that format.



I certainly think the course would be useful and I'll pass on the info.



Regards



Irene



Irene Cooper
System Project Officer

Tel: 01246 217101

mailto:Irene.Cooper@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx



________________________________

From: bcab-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:bcab-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of 
Léonie Watson
Sent: 25 January 2007 19:33
To: bcab@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [bcab] Re: Accessible PDF's



Irene,



    If the original source document is created in Word, it's doubtful that 
there is nothing more to be done. Suggest she try the following things...



1. Upgrade to Adobe Acrobat Pro.



    Although there are many PDF creation tools on the market, some even for 
free, Adobe Acrobat Pro is the only one that fully supports the creation of 
accessible PDF documents. If possible use Acrobat Pro v8.



2. Create good document structure in the Word document.



    Use the functionality within the Formats, Styles & Formats menu to create 
proper heading and list styles for the Word document. Adobe will pick up these 
default styles and translate them to the PDF document.





3. Use alt texts.



    Many people are not aware that you can include an alt text for an image in 
a Word document. Adobe should pick up such alt texts, but it's always wise to 
double check from within the resulting PDF anyway.



4. Use the right conversion process.



    Adobe will integrate a menu into the toolbar of Word. Use this to initiate 
the conversion process, rather than choosing the File menu and Save As. It 
picks up on the structure present in Word much more effectively.



5. Get some training.



    None of this is rocket science, but with some complex documents, such as 
those with multiple column layouts, can be difficult to produce in accessible 
format. There are training courses available which will educate people in the 
right techniques for creating accessible PDFs.



    Nomensa run a half day training course, more information here:

http://www.nomensa.com/training/creating-accessible-pdfs.html



    Ihope some of this helps.



Regards,

Léonie.

________________________________

From: bcab-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:bcab-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of 
Cooper, Irene
Sent: 24 January 2007 14:38
To: BCAB Mailing List
Subject: [bcab] Accessible PDF's

Hi all



At work, I receive lots of PDF files via e-mail.  I have only ever received one 
truly accessible PDF - i.e. where Jaws didn't say: "This document is untagged.  
It probably originated at another local authority but, even so, I wrote to the 
sender (who just happened to be the Head of Communications) to say thanks.  
Well, this has now caused me a problem because the Council's internal magazine 
that used to be sent to me in MSWord format is now coming as a PDF.  
Unfortunately though, it's not properly tagged which causes it to appear a bit 
muddled.  I've written to its designer explaining the situation but she says 
she has done everything in her power to create a tagged file and there's 
nothing more she can do.  Well, I could just ask for the magazine in MSWord 
format again but I'd rather like to sort this problem out for the future.



Is there anyone to whom I could send the document who could advise me on what 
more can be done to it?  Perhaps she really has done all she can!  I have 
already referred the designer to the Adobe website.



Thanks in advance for any advice.



Irene





Irene Cooper
System Project Officer
North East Derbyshire District Council

Tel: 01246 217101



Email: Irene.Cooper@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx





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 Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not 
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 It may contain confidential or privileged information.
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