Are Documents Signed With DocuSign Accessible? A comparison with Adobe Sign

Today’s post explores how well DocuSign maintains the accessibility of documents after signing, comparing it to Adobe Acrobat Sign. The process of signing a document with DocuSign is demonstrated, and its accessibility is evaluated post-signature.

Video Guide

Preparing an Accessible Document

Start by creating a form in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. Ensure the document is fully accessible, using correct tags such as figure tags, heading tags, and properly labeled form fields. This setup guarantees that the document meets accessibility standards before undergoing the signing process.

Why Document Accessibility Matters

Understanding the importance of document accessibility is key before diving into the signing process. Accessible documents are designed to be usable by everyone, including people with disabilities who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers. Proper tagging and structure allow these technologies to accurately interpret and convey the document’s content.

Sign the Document with DocuSign

With the accessible document ready, the next step is to test its accessibility after signing with DocuSign. Start by creating an account on DocuSign, uploading the document, and adding a signature field.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Uploading the Document: Upload the PDF into DocuSign and fill in the necessary details, such as the address.
2. Adding a Signature Field: Place the signature field in the required spot on the document.
3. Sending for Signature: After setting up the signature field, send the document for signing.
4. Signing the Document: Sign the document via the email link sent by DocuSign.

After completing the signing process, download the signed document and review its accessibility in Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Evaluating DocuSign Accessibility

Once the signed document is open in Adobe Acrobat Pro, examine the tags and structure to see how well DocuSign preserved the accessibility features of the original document.

Reviewing Tags and Properties

First, check the tags panel. Ensure that the document still contains the figure tags, heading tags, and form fields, all of which should be converted to read-only status. The signature should be identified as a graphic, indicating that DocuSign has maintained some critical accessibility features.

JAWS Screen Reader Test

To ensure full accessibility, run the JAWS screen reader. The screen reader should successfully read the form fields, confirming that the content remains accessible even after signing the document.

Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker

Use Adobe Acrobat’s built-in accessibility checker to scan the document. While most accessibility features should pass, the checker may flag issues with tagged annotations and alternate text. Note that this tool can sometimes produce errors when documents are processed through third-party software like DocuSign.

PAC 2024 Accessibility Checker

Finally, use the PAC 2024 checker to validate the document’s compliance with PDF/UA and WCAG standards. This tool may report errors related to the natural language setting and the alternate name of a form field, indicating that while DocuSign preserves much of the document’s accessibility, it doesn’t fully pass all accessibility checks.

Fixing Accessibility Issues

After identifying any accessibility issues, attempt to fix them within the signed document. Access editing options in the tags panel, but note that the options to correct these issues may be unavailable, limiting the ability to make adjustments after the document has been signed.

Final Assessment

In the final assessment, DocuSign maintains a higher level of accessibility than Adobe Acrobat Pro DC’s eSign tool. However, organizations requiring full compliance with accessibility standards may still encounter challenges, as not all accessibility checkers will give a fully clean report. While DocuSign proves to be a better option in terms of retaining accessibility, it is not without its flaws.

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!