How to Use the Accessibility Checker in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

The Adobe Acrobat accessibility checker offers a straightforward way to evaluate the accessibility of PDF documents. While this tool identifies some issues, it has limitations and works best as part of a broader, more thorough accessibility evaluation process. This guide explains how to access, use, and understand the results of the accessibility checker, when to conduct manual checks, and how to use additional tools for compliance.

Video Guide

Accessing the Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker

Step 1: Launch the Accessibility Checker

To start the accessibility checker:

• Open your document in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
• Go to the “Prepare for Accessibility” section.
• Select the “Check for Accessibility” option.

These steps open the accessibility checker, allowing you to start evaluating your document for potential accessibility issues.

Step 2: Understand Your Options

The accessibility checker offers several options:

• Create an Accessibility Report: Generate an HTML report of the findings and save it to your desktop for future reference.
• Attach Report to Document: Attach the accessibility report directly to your PDF document for easy access.

These options help you track your findings and review the document’s accessibility status.

Running the Accessibility Check

Step 3: Select All Categories

Ensure that you enable all 32 categories for a comprehensive evaluation. This action guarantees a complete assessment of the document.

Step 4: Start the Check

Click “Start Checking” once all categories are selected. The checker will analyze your document and present a list of issues that need attention.

Key Areas Requiring Manual Check

Two categories will always display “Needs Manual Check”:

• Logical Reading Order: The checker cannot accurately assess the logical reading order, which is essential for screen reader users.
• Color Contrast: It cannot evaluate whether the color contrast meets accessibility standards, requiring a manual check.

These areas need manual verification to ensure that all users, including those with visual impairments, can effectively access the document.

Interpreting the Results

Step 5: Review and Fix Issues

The accessibility checker highlights areas needing improvement, such as missing summaries, alternative text issues, and reading order inconsistencies. Fix some issues directly in Acrobat Pro DC, while others may need adjustments in the original document or through additional tools.

For example, when the report shows a missing summary, add it to the document properties to resolve the issue.

Recognizing the Limitations of the Accessibility Checker

The Adobe Acrobat Pro DC accessibility checker has several limitations:

• Does Not Fully Adhere to Accessibility Standards: It doesn’t comply with Section 508, WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), or other accessibility regulations, so it cannot guarantee that your document meets all legal requirements.
• Inaccurate Alternate Text Checking: It doesn’t evaluate whether alternate text accurately describes images or visual elements, which is crucial for screen reader users.
• Overlooks Hyperlink Issues: It doesn’t detect problems with hyperlinks, such as using full URLs instead of descriptive text.
• Inconsistent Reading Order Evaluation: The tool might pass incorrect reading orders or tag usage, leading to accessibility barriers for screen reader users.

Because of these limitations, treat the accessibility checker as a spot-check tool instead of a complete solution.

When to Use the Checker

Use the Adobe Acrobat accessibility checker as a final step in your document review process. After implementing other accessibility tools and techniques, run this checker to catch any remaining issues.

Download the Free Section 508 Checklist for PDF Accessibility:

Best Practices for Accessible PDF Documents

• Always Conduct Manual Checks: Verify logical reading order, color contrast, and other elements that the checker cannot evaluate accurately.
• Use Comprehensive Tools: Use other accessibility evaluation tools that adhere to WCAG or Section 508 standards for a thorough assessment.
• Check Alternate Text and Hyperlinks: Ensure all images have accurate alternate text and that hyperlinks use descriptive language, enhancing accessibility for screen reader users.

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!