Advanced Accessibility
for PDF Content

PDF files are capable of far more than simple Section 508 compliance. Almost any conceivable accessibility enhancement is possible. From advanced tagging to provide enhanced navigation to screen-readers to Reflow Optimization and support for embedded audio and multimedia files, PDF files are a more than capable platform for added-value accessibility.

Advanced Tagging Services

Section 508 simply ignores key document features which can severely restrict the actual usability of otherwise compliant content. Heading and List tags are two prime examples - neither are called-for under Section 508, but both are vital for effective navigation by screen-reader of complex or longer documents.

Section 508 is also silent on the question of footnotes and endnotes, which leads many to place them in the tags stream as they appear on the page - not inline with the text, as they (ideally) should be.

Document Solutions' Advanced Tagging Services go beyond the basic Section 508 specifications to deliver truly usable PDF files including fully optimized tags. We can embed and validate multimedia componants as well.

Reflow Optimization Services

Tags are not the only way to deliver the contents of a PDF to disabled users. Adobe Reader 6 and 7 include two powerful features that may be leveraged to deliver a radically improved reading experience for those with or without disabilities.

NOTE: The features discussed below exist ONLY in Adobe Reader versions 6.0 and higher. Version 7.05 is HIGHLY reccommended. If you don't have it, get the latest version of Adobe Reader now!

What is Reflow?

Toggle Reflow in Reader or Acrobat with a "Control+4" keystroke.

Reflow Mode allows users to control the size of the text displayed on the page. In Reflow mode, the flow of text adjusts to fit in the available window. Low-vision users can zoom in on text without losing the context of the page, and the PDF becomes usable with alternative reading devices that depend upon the "reading order" of the file for correct display of the contents.

Reflow Mode is used by Adobe Reader for PocketPC, PalmOS and SymbianOS to display PDFs on mobile devices.

Without careful validation, all but the simplest of PDF files will include significant reflow errors diminishing or destroying the end-user experience of this function. Test Reflow Mode for yourself using these pages from the Adobe Reader help file. (PDF, 93 kb)

What is Read Out Loud?

Tell Read Out Loud to READ the current page: "Shift-Control-B" Tell Read Out Loud to PAUSE reading the current page: "Shift-Control-C" Tell Read Out Loud to STOP reading the current page: "Shift-Control-E"

The Read Out Loud function in Acrobat and Reader allows users to hear the text of a PDF document "voiced" over speakers or headset. Users may listen to a document while doing something else at the same time. With PDF, it's easy to distribute a "talking book" - all users need is Reader and speakers.

There are many obvious applications for Read Out Loud in education, but there are other, less obvious benefits as well. Read Out Loud makes documents available to multitasking professionals in a whole to way.

Read Out Loud does NOT follow the tag stream, and thus must be assured using similar processes to Reflow Mode. Test Read Out Loud for yourself using this page from the Adobe Reader help file. (PDF, 87 kb)

Who needs support for Reflow and Read Out Loud?

• Government agencies and others seeking to maximise the accessibility and usability of content to all categories of disabled users.
• Companies wishing to publish PDF files for use on mobile devices
• Marketing managers looking for an alternative way to deliver content to busy prospects
• Textbook publishers
• Periodical and academic journal publishers
• elearning content providers

Contact us to learn more about our Advanced Accessibility Services for PDF content.