Accessibility Smackdown: Answering Your Accessibility Questions | Episode 1

The first episode of the Accessibility Smackdown Series tackles questions on accessibility challenges, including managing tags in PDFs, understanding WCAG guidelines, and using tools like PAC 2024. This guide provides actionable steps to make digital content more inclusive and accessible.

Video Guide

Q1: How Do I Link Child Tags to Parent Figure Tags in PDFs

Linking child image tags to parent figure tags in PDFs can be achieved using two effective methods.

Method 1: Using the “Fix Reading Order” Tool

1. Open the “Prepare for Accessibility” menu.
2. Select the “Fix Reading Order” tool.
3. Highlight the image to tag and assign it the “Figure” tag.
4. Confirm that the image container is now placed within the figure tag.

If alt text is already present in the figure tag, drag and drop the image container to the correct location in the structure tree.

Method 2: Using the “Find” Method

1. Open the “Accessibility Tags” panel and access the three-dot menu.
2. Choose “Find” and select “Unmarked Content.”
3. Search for unmarked elements on the page, such as images.
4. Tag the located element using the “Tag Element” option.

These methods ensure that images are correctly nested within their parent figure tags.

Q2: Explain WCAG Color Contrast Guidelines

WCAG color contrast requirements depend on text size and type:

• Regular Text: Requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.
• Large/Bold Text: Text that is 18-point (or 24 pixels) and larger, or bold text that is 14-point (or 18 pixels) and larger, needs a ratio of 3:1.
• Graphics and UI Components: A minimum contrast ratio of 3:1 is required.

Exemptions

Some elements are exempt from contrast requirements, including:

• Incidental text in inactive UI components.
• Decorative elements.
• Logos and brand names.

Maintaining a 4.5:1 ratio for all content, including graphics, ensures universal readability and accessibility.

Tools for Testing Color Contrast

The TPGi Color Contrast Analyzer (CCA) simplifies testing and optimizing color contrast.

Key Features of CCA

• The eyedropper tool allows for color selection directly from the screen.
• The tool instantly evaluates contrast compliance with WCAG AA and AAA standards.
• It supports testing contrast in user interface components and graphics.

For example, testing a blue font on a white background reveals whether it meets the required contrast ratio. If it fails, adjustments can be made for compliance.

Q3: How to Download the PAC 2024 Tool for PDF Accessibility

The PAC 2024 tool simplifies PDF accessibility testing and helps ensure compliance.

Steps to Use PAC 2024

1. Download the Tool: Visit the official PAC PDF Accessibility website to download the latest version.
2. Extract Files:
   • Locate the downloaded file.
   • Right-click the folder and select “Extract All.”
   • Choose a location for extraction, such as your desktop or a dedicated drive.
3. Launch the Application:
   • Open the extracted folder and find the pack.exe file.
   • Launch the file or pin it to the taskbar/desktop for easy access.

The PAC 2024 tool identifies areas of non-compliance in PDFs, enabling efficient accessibility improvements.

Pro Tips for Organizing Accessibility Tools

To improve workflow:

• Pin essential tools like PAC 2024 to the taskbar.
• Save frequently used files and tools in easily accessible locations.
• Regularly update tools to benefit from the latest features and fixes.

Conclusion

The Accessibility Smackdown Series addresses complex accessibility challenges with practical solutions. This episode offers methods for linking child tags in PDFs, maintaining compliant contrast ratios, and using tools like CCA and PAC 2024 effectively. By following these steps, creators can enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of their digital content while meeting international standards.

Let me be your champion for inclusion. I offer tailored solutions (and self-paced courses!) to ensure your documents meet and exceed compliance expectations. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!