Menu

Tag: Assistive technology

How to Tag Bar Charts in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC Effectively

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC offers tools for making bar charts accessible. There are two main methods. One method tags the whole chart as a figure. The other tags are separate text elements. Both make your charts easier for Assistive Technology users.

Video Overview

Steps for Tagging Bar Charts in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Method 1: Individual Text Elements

Sometimes it simply makes more sense to tag all of the individual components as P tags.

  • Use the Reading Order Tool.
  • Select text, mark it as “Text Paragraph” (p tag).
  • For numbers, also mark as “Text Paragraph.”
  • For data labels, make them “Heading Level 2” or “3.”
  • Add ‘Actual Text’ for context in properties.
tagging labels and data as P tags

Example: For a bar showing 75% “Very Likely”, right-click p tag -> select properties -> add actual text “75% of respondents selected very likely.”

For a bar showing 75% "Very Likely", right-click p tag -> select properties -> add actual text "75% of respondents selected very likely."

Method 2: Tagging The Entire Chart as a Figure

In certain cases, you might find it easier to tag the entire chart as a single figure. Grab your Reading Order Tool and select the entire chart. Once selected, mark it as a “Figure” and provide alternate text that describes the data in detail. However, this method is less ideal for complex bar charts with multiple data points and categories. It’s more suited to simple, straightforward bar charts.

Additional Points to Consider:

  1. Color Contrast: If your bar chart uses colors, check that they have a sufficient contrast ratio to meet accessibility standards.
  2. Tag Order: Once you’ve tagged your elements, ensure they are in a logical reading order for Assistive Technology users.

With either method, the goal remains the same: making your bar chart accessible to as many people as possible, including those using Assistive Technology.

Get accessible Documents Now

Conclusion

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC offers the flexibility to make your bar charts accessible, whether they are simple or complex. By carefully tagging text elements or tagging the entire chart as a figure, you’re taking important steps toward making your content inclusive.

So, whether you have complex charts with numerous data points or simpler figures, you have the tools at your fingertips to make them accessible. Choose the method that works best for your specific needs and keep making strides in inclusivity.

Need more PDF help? Check out my other blog posts on PDF Accessibility.

How to Make Complex Tables Accessible in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

This post will go over how to tag complex tables in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. There is a dedicated section on this site on how to tag tables, but this is a bit of a deeper dive and provides some extra practice!

Would you like The Accessibility Guy to do the heavy lifting for you?

Get accessible Documents Now

Video Overview

Making Complex Tables Accessible: Setting the Base Structure

To begin, you must create a baseline structure. If the document doesn’t have tags, use the auto tagger. This feature helps identify parts of the table and labels them. In this video, we are using the new API Cloud-based tagging.

Tweaking Table Headers for Better Accessibility

A key challenge with complex tables is unclear headers. To fix this, you can use the edit PDF function to add hidden text as headers. Make the font white so it blends with the background. Then, you can tag this new text to act as the table header. Remember to change the tag from TD to TH to make it a proper header. This step is covered in the video above.

Techniques to Improve Table Structure

  1. Remove Unrelated Content: If the table has unrelated headers, move them out. Change their tags to act as higher-level headings.
  2. Adjust Scope: Set the scope for rows and columns. This helps assistive technologies understand the table.
  3. Use Table Editor: The table editor feature helps check and adjust header settings.
  4. Add Table Summary: Always include a table summary. It helps with understanding the table’s purpose.

Final Checks and Testing

After making changes, run the built-in accessibility checker in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. This checks for any missing features like table summaries. Tools like PAC 2021 checker can also be used to validate if the table is fully accessible.

Takeaways

Making tables in PDFs accessible may seem daunting. But with Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, it becomes manageable. Follow these best practices to ensure your content is accessible to everyone.

Get accessible Documents Now

Turn PDF Math into Accessible Word Docs with MathPix

This post will explore how to use MathPix snip to convert a PDF full of math Images into an accessible Word document with accessible math!

Video Overview

The Importance of Converting PDF Math to Accessible Formats

Math is a universal language. Yet, its accessibility is often restricted. The culprit? PDF files filled with math equations that aren’t screen-reader-friendly. This gap needs to be closed, and that’s where tools like MathPix come into play. Today we’ll go step-by-step through the process of using MathPix to convert these PDF math problems into accessible Word documents.

Why PDFs Fall Short

PDFs have long been a preferred method for distributing academic materials, including math problems. However, they fall short when it comes to accessibility. Screen readers and other assistive technologies often struggle with PDF content, especially complex equations. This can be a significant hurdle for people with visual impairments or learning disabilities. Speaking of which, I can make your pdfs accessible for you:

Get accessible Documents Now

Streamlined Workflow: MathPix for PDFs

MathPix is not just a tool for capturing individual math problems. It’s a robust software capable of converting up to 100 pages of PDFs filled with math problems. The equations can be handwritten, typed out digitally, or in any other format. Here’s how you can make the conversion happen:

1. Have a PDF ready to rock:

The first step is simple. Ensure you have a PDF that contains the math problems you wish to convert into an accessible format.

2. Log In to MathPix:

Navigate to snip.mathpix.com and log into your account. If you don’t have an account, create one. It’s a straightforward process.

Logging in to math pix snip

3. Upload the PDF:

Once logged in, click on the PDF option located on the far left of your screen. You’ll see an upload button; click it and upload your PDF.

Uploading the PDF

4. Choose the Conversion Option:

After uploading, you’ll have a few options. You can either ‘Open the PDF,’ ‘Convert it to a Note,’ or ‘Export the File.’ If you’re planning to make changes to the equations, choose ‘Convert it to a Note.’

Conversion options

5. Visual Review:

A snapshot of what your math problems will look like will appear on the right-hand side of the screen. On the left, you’ll see your math equations formatted properly in either LaTex or Math ML.

Visual review

6. Export to Word:

Here’s the crucial step. Click the export button located at the top right corner of the screen. Do not export as PDF. Choose the Docx option.

Here’s the crucial step. Click the export button located at the top right corner of the screen. Do not export as PDF. Choose the Docx option.

Inspect in Word

Once exported, open the resulting Word document. You’ll find that the math problems are now within Microsoft Word’s default Equation Editor.

Opt for MathType:

If you have MathType installed, you’ll have an option to convert these equations into Math ML, making them even more accessible. Finalize Your Document: You now have an accessible Word document filled with your math problems. It’s ready for further editing if needed or distribution.

Additional Benefits and Takeaways

What makes this process so impactful is its scalability. If you have an extensive PDF, MathPix handles it with ease. The tool offers you the flexibility to deal with different types of math problems, from basic arithmetic to complex calculus equations.

Get accessible Documents Now

Unlock Accessibility: Use MathPix Snip for Accessible Math in MS Word

Making math accessible to everyone is crucial. Today, we explore how MathPix Snip can help. This tool captures math problems and turns them into accessible Math ML.

Video Overview

Why MathPix Snip is a Game Changer for Math Accessibility

Accessibility in math is often overlooked but highly essential. One key tool to bridge this gap is MathPix Snip. The tool captures math equations and converts them into accessible Math ML format. This means more people can interact with math content, especially those using assistive technologies like screen readers.

The Importance of Accessible Math

Inaccessible math content can create barriers. It excludes those who rely on assistive technology. Making math accessible opens doors for inclusive learning. That’s why tools like MathPix Snip are crucial. They make math available to a broader audience, promoting equal opportunities in education and the workplace.

Sample MathPix Snip image

Steps to Create Accessible Math using MathPix Snip

Here is how you can use MathPix Snip to make math problems accessible.

  1. Open MS Word: First, prepare a new Microsoft Word document where you will paste the equations.
  2. Launch MathPix Snip: Open the MathPix Snip tool and select the ‘New Snip’ option. This allows you to draw a box around the math content you want to capture.
  3. OCR Technology: MathPix Snip uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. It reads the math equation inside the box.
  4. Copy Math ML: Navigate to the Data tab within the tool. Here, you can copy the Math ML code with just a single click.
  5. Paste in MS Word: Go back to your Microsoft Word document and paste the copied Math ML code.
  6. MathType Option: If MathType is installed on your computer, it will prompt you. Choose to create a MathType equation.
  7. Accessible Math: The pasted equation is now in Math ML format. This format is readable by screen readers and other forms of assistive technology.
  8. Adding More Equations: You can add more equations to the document using the same process. You can either leave them in the Word document or use them in a web page.
  9. Accessibility First: The main goal is to ensure that the math content is accessible to everyone, including those who use assistive technologies.

MathPix Snip should be part of your accessibility toolbox if you work regularly with math content. By using this tool, you are taking an essential step toward creating a more inclusive and accessible environment.

Get accessible Documents Now

Faculty Guide: Preparing for an Accessible Semester

Preparing for an Accessible Semester: Where to Start

Are you a faculty member wondering how to make your course accessible? Knowing where to start can be overwhelming. First, look at what’s in your course. Check course pages, documents, videos, and third-party links. Identify what needs to be accessible.

Video Overview

Steps to Follow for Preparing an Accessible Semester

After checking your course, follow these steps:

  1. Follow Rules: Use WCAG, Section 508, and PDF/UA guidelines. Make sure all content, not just course pages, is accessible.
  2. Learn Tools: Understand your tools like MS Word, PowerPoint, and PDF. They have different accessibility needs.
  3. Use Closed Captioning: Videos need captions. Otter AI can help generate SRT files for this.
  4. Test Content: Use screen readers like NVDA to test your content. Make sure it reads well.
  5. Get Feedback: Contact accessibility pros to check your work. Adjust your course based on their feedback.
  6. Keep Updating: Don’t stop after initial fixes. Keep your course updated to stay accessible.

Step 1: Understand the Rules

Familiarize yourself with important guidelines and standards. These include the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and PDF/UA standards. These rules apply to every part of your course, not just the web pages.

Step 2: Master Your Tools

Before diving into making changes, understand the specific accessibility features and requirements of the tools you’re using. Software like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe PDF have unique accessibility settings. Learning these will help you effectively use each tool to its full accessibility potential.

Step 3: Closed Captioning

All videos in your course should have closed captions. There are various tools that can help you create these captions. For instance, Otter AI can generate SRT files, which can be used for adding captions to your videos.

Step 4: Testing

Testing is crucial. Use assistive technologies like screen readers to test your content. NVDA is a free screen reader for Windows that can be used for this purpose. This will give you insights into how accessible your content is.

Step 5: Seek Expert Feedback

After you’ve made the necessary adjustments, consult with accessibility experts. This can help you validate the changes you’ve made and ensure you didn’t overlook anything.

Step 6: Continual Updates

Accessibility is not a one-time task. After your course is up and running, it requires ongoing checks and updates to ensure it remains accessible.

If you have a large number of videos, focus on captioning new ones first. Gradually work your way back to older content as time allows.

Bonus Tip: Monitor Your Progress

Keep an eye on the accessibility of your course. New tools and best practices emerge regularly. Staying updated will help you continue to provide an accessible learning environment.

Creating an accessible course is an ongoing responsibility. But the effort you put in ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has an equal opportunity to learn.

More videos on how to get accessible

More posts

How to Tag Bar Charts in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC Effectively

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC offers tools for making bar charts accessible. There are two main methods. One method tags the whole chart as a figure. The other tags are separate text elements. Both make your charts easier for Assistive Technology users. Video Overview Steps for Tagging Bar Charts in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC Method 1:…

by Shawn Jordison

Turn PDF Math into Accessible Word Docs with MathPix

This post will explore how to use MathPix snip to convert a PDF full of math Images into an accessible Word document with accessible math! Video Overview The Importance of Converting PDF Math to Accessible Formats Math is a universal language. Yet, its accessibility is often restricted. The culprit? PDF files filled with math equations…

by Shawn Jordison

Using Kurzweil 3000 Automator: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Are you looking to simplify the conversion of multiple PDF files at once? Today, I’m going to guide you through using the Kurzweil 3000 Automator, a vital tool for this process. Let’s explore how easy it can be.

Video Overview

Converting Multiple PDF Files Using Kurzweil 3000 Automator: Preparing Your Files

I’ve got 10 PDF files ready for conversion, placed in my starred folder, aptly named ‘in.’ The Kurzweil 3000 Automator (K 3000) is about to make this task seamless. First, move the files you want to convert into your chosen folder. After launching K 3000, select the start file you want to use. In my case, I have a folder on my desktop named ‘in,’ and my destination folder for the processed files is ‘out.’

The Conversion Process: Step by Step

Once the folders are set up, Kurzweil will begin to perform OCR on the files. You can watch the progress as the page count shifts through each one of the pages in the bottom right corner of the screen.

As each file completes, they’ll land inside the ‘out’ folder. Kurzweil then relaunches the program to continue converting the files. Just let it run, and soon, all your files will be ready in the output folder.

Handling Errors

Keep in mind, hundreds of files can be processed, but occasionally an error may occur. If an error stops the program, you’ll have to address it before proceeding. Typically this includes deleting the .dat file in the output folder.

Conclusion: More on Assistive Technology

For more tips on useful Assistive Technology like Kurzweil and others, feel free to explore other content. As always, I can be your personal accessibility expert. Thank you for joining me today.

Table Header Cell Has No Associated Sub Cells

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of a specific issue related to PDF/UA compliance testing, known as the ‘Table Header Cell Has No Associated Sub Cells’ error. This error often comes up when using the PAC 2021 checker, and today, we’re going to walk you through how to address it.

Video Overview

This video will provide an overview of this post but in video format.

Understanding the ‘Table Header Cell Has No Associated Sub Cells’ Error

When you test a sample file with the PAC 2021 tool, and delve into the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) under ‘Perceivable’ and ‘Adaptable’ and then into ‘Info and Relationships’, you may encounter an error called ‘Table Header Cell Assignments’. Essentially, this error occurs when your table header cells lack associated sub cells.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Resolving the Error

Resolving this issue is not as daunting as it may seem. By using Adobe Acrobat’s ‘Table Editor’, you can easily tackle this error. Here is a step-by-step guide:

  1. Open your sample file in Adobe Acrobat.
  2. Access the ‘Table Editor’ by selecting the ‘Accessibility’ button, then the ‘Reading Order’ button. This allows you to right-click inside your table and select ‘Table Editor’.
  3. Notice that a header row is applied to your table. Right-click on the table and select ‘Auto Generate Header Cell IDs’. This action will assign a unique name to each individual cell.
  4. To add more specificity, you can manually input names as the header cell ID such as ‘Course Name’, ‘Faculty’, ‘Summary’, and ‘Code’ by right-clicking and selecting ‘Table Cell Properties’.
  5. Now, assign the scope to all these headers by selecting them while holding the ‘Shift’ key. Open ‘Table Cell Properties’ again, change the scope from ‘None’ to ‘Column’, and select ‘OK’.
  6. Finally, you’ll need to assign individual cells to their respective header cells. This can be done by selecting the cells under each header name, right-clicking, and choosing ‘Table Cell Properties’. Under ‘Associated Header Cell IDs’, select the ‘+’ button, choose the appropriate header ID, and select ‘OK’.
  7. Once you’ve assigned all your cells, save your file.

Verifying the Solution

Test your newly saved file with the PAC 2021 tool one more time. You should now see a green checkmark next to ‘Table Header Cell Assignments’ under WCAG, indicating that the ‘Table Header Cell Has No Associated Sub Cells’ error is resolved.

The Importance of This Fix

While this specific error is not a required criterion for passing Adobe Acrobat or Section 508 checks, ensuring full compliance with PDF/UA and WCAG checks can greatly enhance user experience, especially for those using assistive technology. So, always put in the extra effort when possible, as it creates a more inclusive digital environment.

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to share it with others and stay tuned for more insights on creating accessible digital content.

Get accessible Documents Now

Going the Extra Mile for Accessibility

Remember that accessibility isn’t just about meeting the minimum requirements – it’s about striving for full inclusion. Providing tables with properly associated header cells and sub cells can make a significant difference for users who rely on assistive technology. Not only does it allow these users to better understand the structure and content of your tables, but it also provides a smoother, more intuitive experience when navigating your PDFs.

So, while the steps we’ve discussed are technically only necessary for full PDF/UA and WCAG compliance, they’re best practice for any PDF you’re creating. Let’s all make the extra effort to ensure our digital content is as accessible as possible.

Your Personal Accessibility Expert

Navigating the world of digital accessibility can be complex, but guides like this can help. Consider subscribing and checking out our other content for more insights into PDF/UA compliance, the PAC 2021 checker, and more.

Encountering other problems when working with your PDFs? Be sure to drop a comment or get in touch – we’re here to help you resolve any issues and improve your knowledge of accessibility. Check out our channel to find out how we can support you in different ways.

We appreciate you joining us in this journey towards a more accessible digital world. Thank you for being part of the solution, and we look forward to seeing you in our next guide.

Get accessible Documents Now

More PDF UA Posts

Path Object not tagged | PDF / UA

Welcome to the world of document accessibility! Today, we’ll demystify a common issue that plagues many users – the ‘Path Object Not Tagged’ error – especially when working with Adobe Acrobat and files…

by Shawn Jordison

How to Auto Tag PDFs for Accessibility

Welcome to the Accessibility Guy channel, where I strive to make the digital world more accessible to everyone. In today’s video, we will be discussing how to use the Auto Tag feature in Adobe Acrobat Pro to add tags to a PDF document quickly.

Video Overview | View on YouTube

Auto tagging is a feature within Adobe Acrobat Pro that applies a tag structure to your document, making it easier to navigate for users with disabilities. This feature is especially useful when working with documents that do not have any tags and require a structure that can be manipulated using the reading order tool or other accessibility features.

To use the Auto Tag feature, open your PDF document in Adobe Acrobat Pro and navigate to the Accessibility button from the tools menu on the right-hand side. At the very top of the menu, you will see the Auto Tag Document feature. Simply click on this button, and Adobe Acrobat will apply a tag structure to the rest of the file.

To view the tags that have been added, select the Tags panel from the left-hand menu, and expand the tags button. You can then expand some of the part tags to see the structure that has been added.

It is important to note that after using the Auto Tag feature or any other automated tagging features, it is essential to apply the rest of the accessibility features to the file. For more information on how to do this, check out some of my other videos, which I will link below.

My goal is to be your personal accessibility expert, and I am dedicated to making the digital world more accessible. So, hit that like and subscribe button for more accessibility best practices and tips.

In conclusion, the Auto Tag feature in Adobe Acrobat Pro is a quick and easy way to add tags to a PDF document, making it more accessible to users with disabilities. I hope you found this video helpful and informative. Thank you for watching, and I’ll see you in my next video.

Dont want to do the work?

Order 508 documents

Enhance Your Reading Experience with Microsoft Immersive Reader in Canvas

Microsoft Immersive Reader is a powerful tool that can help students engage with written text. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to use the Immersive Reader within Canvas to read Canvas pages, and how to customize the reader’s features to enhance your reading experience.

Video Overview | View on YouTube

Step 1:

Access the Immersive Reader within Canvas To access the Immersive Reader, you need to have a Canvas page open. Once you have the page open, select the “Immersive Reader” button located in the top right corner of the page. This will launch the Immersive Reader interface, which reformats the page for easy reading and highlights individual words as it goes.

Step 2:

Customize Your Reading Experience Once you’ve accessed the Immersive Reader, you can customize your reading experience to suit your needs. You can change the voice settings to determine how fast you want the reader to read, and choose a male or female voice. You can also change the text size, font style, and color contrast themes to make the text more readable. Additionally, you can choose to highlight different components of nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs within the text itself. This is particularly helpful for ESL learners and those studying complex subjects. Furthermore, you can use the align focus feature to have the reader read one sentence at a time, which is beneficial for people with cognitive disabilities.

Step 3:

Utilize Additional Features In addition to customizing the reading experience, there are other features available in the Immersive Reader that can be useful. You can select a different language to translate the content into, and there’s a built-in picture dictionary that can play words out loud or provide images of what a word means. This is helpful for people with cognitive disabilities or those who are ESL.

However, it’s important to note that the Immersive Reader has some limitations. It only works on Canvas pages and not within assignments or quizzes, and it doesn’t engage with videos, links, or third-party content. Additionally, you have to exit the reader to change pages within Canvas.

In conclusion, the Microsoft Immersive Reader within Canvas is a valuable tool that can help students engage with written text and improve their reading skills. By customizing the reading experience and utilizing additional features, students can make the most of the tool and enhance their learning.

Canvas LMS
How do I make my Canvas page accessible?