Apply the "Four R's":

• Remove outdated, scanned or unnecessary PDFs.
• Replace with:
  • Permalinks to library or external content.
  • An accessible version directly from the publisher.
  • Share the original, editable file format (e.g., an Office document instead of a PDF).
  • Alternative formats, such as accessible Word or PowerPoint documents.
• Remediate only if you have to using Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Get it Right the first time! 

Remediation Workflow

The most efficient way to remediate a PDF is to correct accessibility issues in the original source file. This checklist shows how to fix your PDF starting from the original Word document or InDesign file. It also includes instructions to fix a PDF directly in Acrobat. 

In cases where you don't have the original source file, you can convert the PDF back into a Word document and edit your document in Word using the Accessibility Checker. Some documents will convert well and others will not. For example, a document that was originally created in Word without too many design elements would be likely to give good results. 

Remediation Steps

This section lists the steps to create an accessible PDF. Instructions and video tutorials will show you how to create accessible documents in Word, InDesign, and Adobe Acrobat.  

• Proper and Meaningful Title 
• Set Document Language 
• Add Tags to a PDF 
• Alternate Text for Images 
• Heading Structure 
• Bookmarks 
• Format Embedded Links 
• List Structure 
• Table Structure 
• Tab and Reading Order 
• Forms 
• Color Contrast 
• Use Simulators to Verify Your Document

Resources:

• Web Aim PDF Accessibility
• Digital Ally Resource Hub
• Digital Ally Toolkit