Accessibility Checkers

What are accessibility checkers?

Accessibility checkers are automated tools that scan PDF documents to identify potential accessibility issues. These tools examine document structure, tags, alternative text, color contrast, and other accessibility features to help ensure compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1.

While accessibility checkers are valuable for identifying many issues, they cannot catch all accessibility problems. Manual testing and review by users with disabilities remain essential parts of the accessibility evaluation process.

Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker

Adobe Acrobat Pro includes a built-in Accessibility Checker that provides comprehensive analysis of PDF accessibility:

Running the Accessibility Checker

  1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro
  2. Go to Tools > Accessibility > Full Check
  3. Select checking options and click "Start Checking"
  4. Review the results in the Accessibility Checker panel

Types of checks performed

  • Document structure: Verifies logical reading order and tag structure
  • Page content: Checks for tagged content and proper nesting
  • Alternative text: Identifies images missing alt text
  • Tables: Verifies table headers and structure
  • Forms: Checks form field labels and descriptions
  • Color and contrast: Identifies potential contrast issues

Understanding results

  • Failed checks: Issues that must be addressed for accessibility
  • Warnings: Potential issues that need manual review
  • Passed checks: Requirements that have been met
  • Skipped checks: Tests not applicable to the document

Other accessibility tools

Several additional tools can help evaluate PDF accessibility:

Screen readers

  • NVDA: Free screen reader for testing document navigation
  • JAWS: Popular commercial screen reader
  • Read Out Loud: Built-in Adobe Acrobat feature for basic audio testing

PDF accessibility tools

  • PAC (PDF Accessibility Checker): Free tool for detailed accessibility analysis
  • CommonLook PDF: Professional remediation and checking software
  • Equidox: Cloud-based PDF accessibility platform

Color contrast analyzers

  • Colour Contrast Analyser: Free tool for checking color contrast ratios
  • WebAIM Contrast Checker: Online tool for contrast verification

Manual testing methods

Automated tools should be supplemented with manual testing:

Navigation testing

  • Test keyboard navigation through the document
  • Verify heading navigation works properly
  • Check that links and form fields are accessible

Content review

  • Verify alternative text accurately describes images
  • Check that reading order follows logical sequence
  • Ensure form labels are clear and descriptive

User testing

  • Have users with disabilities test the document
  • Observe how assistive technologies interact with content
  • Collect feedback on usability and accessibility

Best practice: Use a combination of automated tools and manual testing to ensure comprehensive accessibility evaluation.

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