Hierarchy of Tasks (Here There Be Monsters)

Back in history maps contained the phrase, “here there be monsters” to indicate areas that were unknown or fraught with danger.

Sometimes looking at PDF can feel the same as there are too many opportunities to fail.

PDF Accessibility Overview

The first thing authors need to understand is the hierarchy of tasks. You need to know what is contained in your document so you know how to convert it and in what order to proceed.

Step 1: Is the PDF created from a scanned image?

If yes, perform text recognition (OCR).
If no, continue to Step 2.

Step 2: Does the PDF document or form contain links?

If yes, create active links.
If no, continue to Step 3.

Step 3: Does the PDF have multimedia?

If yes, consider creating a Canvas Page (if appropriate) or providing the URL to the video if hosted on a website like YouTube or 3C Media Solutions.
If no, continue to Step 4.

Step 4: Is the PDF a form with fillable form fields?

If yes, see Adobe Acrobat Pro DC Accessible Forms & Interactive Documents Links to an external site. for additional guidance. Alternatively, accommodation for an alternate format may be required. Please work with your student and your local Disability Services Office.
If no, continue to Step 5.

Step 5: Does the PDF have tags?

If you have access to the source document or original Microsoft Word Doc:
1. Apply all accessibility principles in the source document.
2. Save as a PDF and export with accessibility tags.
If you don't have access to the source document, run Action Wizard. The Action Wizard's Make Accessible automatically guides you through the process:
1. Prepare: Set a title and ensure it displays in the window title bar
2. Set Language & Tags
3. Run Accessibility Check

Step 6: Run Accessibility Full Checker

Run the Accessibility Full Checker to assess the tagged document. Double check that all content objects are represented in the Tags Panel, and are in logical reading order.

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