The Alt Media Files | Accommodations for Students | Episode 1

Creating accommodations for students with disabilities is essential in fostering an inclusive education system. This article provides a comprehensive, actionable guide on processing, converting, and uploading accessible PDFs using Adobe Acrobat, Kurzweil 3000 Automator, and the Universal Library Uploader.

Video Guide

Cropping PDFs with Adobe Acrobat

Start by opening the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat. Use the “Edit PDF” feature and select “Crop Pages” to remove any extraneous content, such as crop marks or blank margins. Drag a box around the relevant text to define the crop area, ensuring you capture only the necessary content.

In the crop options menu, choose to apply the changes to all pages, including both odd and even ones. Leave other settings as default unless specific adjustments are required. Save the newly cropped PDF to prepare it for the next stage.

Reviewing and Organizing Content

Before moving to the conversion process, examine the document. Determine whether it consists of chapters or continuous content like a novel.

For chapter-based books, use Adobe Acrobat’s “Organize Pages” tool to create logical divisions, making the material easier to navigate. If the document is relatively short and manageable, such as 288 pages, skip splitting and proceed to conversion.

Converting PDFs with Kurzweil 3000 Automator

Ensure the Kurzweil Automator software is installed and configured properly. Before loading the new PDF, clear any old files from the “in” folder to avoid confusion.

Copy the cropped PDF into the folder and launch the Automator. The software will process the file, converting it into an accessible PDF. Once the process is complete, locate the converted file in the “out” folder for further steps.

Managing Files Effectively

Use clear and descriptive naming conventions to organize your files. For example, name the file with its title and format type, such as “Art Spirit – Kurzweil.” Place the file in a designated folder labeled by subject or title. Close the Automator after processing to prevent it from reprocessing files accidentally.

Uploading Files to Student Accounts

Launch the Universal Library Uploader software and log in. Locate the student’s private folder on the platform, ensuring the file is uploaded to the correct location. Browse for the converted file in its folder and select it for upload. Confirm the upload and verify that it has completed successfully.

Communicating with the Student

Once the file is uploaded, notify the student that their requested material is ready. Provide details about the file name and its location to facilitate easy access. Clear communication ensures students can begin using the material without delay.

Additional Tips for Accessible PDFs

Automate workflows where possible by setting up the Kurzweil Automator on a separate system for batch processing. Test the converted file to confirm that it meets accessibility standards. Maintain detailed records of uploaded files and student communications for accountability and reference.

Final Thoughts

The process of creating accommodations emphasizes the importance of thoughtful organization and the use of specialized tools. By following these steps, educators and accessibility professionals can create materials that empower all students, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed in their educational pursuits.

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!