The Conundrum of PDF Accessibility
By Cooke, Annemarie; Access World, Vol. 3, No. 5, pp. 4-10Publication Date: September 2002
Article discussing the accessibility of Adobe Acrobat, which allows the computer user to create and publish information in portable document format (PDF). Once they are published and made available on the Internet, PDF files can be read using the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Many government agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Education, use PDF files to publish literature and forms on their web sites. Section 508 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 maintains that all electronic information and technology products purchased or provided by a government agency must be accessible for people with disabilities. At the time the article was written, PDF files were not accessible for people who were blind or low vision. Future implications are discussed to make PDF files accessible for people who use JAWS for Windows and Window-Eyes screen readers.
Assistive Products Discussed: WINDOW-EYES PROFESSIONAL
JAWS FOR WINDOWS
Published by: AFB Press (Website:http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=46)
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) (Web Site: http://www.afb.org )
