PDF Accessibility Fundamentals
Understand what is happening beneath the surface of a PDF. Learn why apparently simple documents fail, what PDF tags do, how assistive technologies use document structure, and how to judge whether a file can be repaired successfully.
Location: Online via Zoom
Duration: 60 min
Your Instructor
Shawn Jordison – ‘The Accessibility Guy’
Shawn Jordison, known as The Accessibility Guy, has more than 17 years of experience helping organizations create accessible documents, training, and content that meet Section 508, WCAG, and PDF/UA standards.
About the session
A PDF may look complete while containing little or none of the structure needed for reliable navigation and interpretation. Understanding what is inside the file is the first step toward evaluating it accurately.
This entry-level session introduces the requirements that apply to PDF documents, including Section 508, PDF/UA, and WCAG. Participants learn what PDF tags are, how they are created, and why assistive technologies rely on them to interpret document structure.
The course also explains why PDFs fail so frequently and introduces the PDF evaluation workflow presented in the course at a high level. Participants learn how to evaluate document type, risk, complexity, and remediation feasibility before repair work begins.
This is the starting point for the PDF training track. It is a conceptual course and does not include hands-on tagging.
What You’ll Learn
- How Section 508, PDF/UA, and WCAG apply to PDF documents
- Why visual appearance does not reveal whether a PDF is properly structured
- What PDF tags are and how they are created
- How assistive technologies rely on document structure
- Common reasons PDF documents fail to meet requirements
- How to evaluate PDF risk
- How document types affect the evaluation process
- How to assess remediation feasibility
- The Accessibility Guy PDF workflow at a high level
After This Session, You’ll Be Able To
- Explain what PDF tags are and why structure matters
- Describe how assistive technologies rely on a tagged document
- Recognize common reasons PDFs fail
- Evaluate a file’s document type, risk, and likely complexity
- Make a more informed initial assessment of remediation feasibility
- Identify when a PDF requires further evaluation before remediation begins
Who This Course Is For
This course is designed for:
- People who create, publish, review, or manage PDF documents
- Employees who have recently taken on PDF-compliance responsibilities
- Developing accessibility professionals entering PDF remediation work
- Anyone planning to take additional courses in the PDF training track
Logistics
Location: Online via Zoom
Duration: 60 min
Start Time: 12:00 PM PT
Certification: Certificate of Completion issued to attendees who complete the full session
FAQs
Is this a hands-on session?
No. This is a conceptual fundamentals session. It does not include hands-on tagging or remediation.
Do I need prior experience?
No. This is the entry point into the PDF course track.
Should I take this course before the other PDF sessions?
Yes. This course establishes the tag and workflow foundation used throughout the rest of the PDF track.
Will this course teach me how to repair a PDF?
It will teach you how PDFs are structured, why they fail, and how to evaluate remediation feasibility. Hands-on repair is covered in the PDF Accessibility Level 1 Applied workshop.
What materials are included?
Attendees receive a topic-specific PDF accessibility cheat sheet.
Is a recording included?
A recording is not included with registration but may be purchased separately for a fee.
What do I need to attend?
Join from any computer with a reliable internet connection. We use Zoom to provide an engaging, interactive learning experience. A microphone is recommended for participating in discussions, and a webcam is optional but encouraged.
How accessible is the training?
As accessibility specialists, we design our training to be inclusive from the start. Sessions include live captions, and if you have accessibility requirements, we’ll work with you before the course to help ensure a successful learning experience. If you need additional support, contact us.
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