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Create and verify PDF accessibility (Acrobat Pro)

Last modified: May 1, 2026
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All PDFs uploaded to UAMS websites must be fully accessible and conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA / PDF/UA standards by April 26, 2027 (U.S. Department of Justice Title II ADA final rule for public entities).

Prefer native UAMS CMS pages whenever possible. When a PDF is truly required (e.g., official fillable forms, complex layouts), follow this process.

Step-by-Step Workflow in Adobe Acrobat Pro (Recommended Tool)

  1. Open your PDF in Acrobat Pro → Tools → Accessibility** (or search “Accessibility” in the top search bar).
  2. Run “Make Accessible” Action Wizard
    • Choose Action Wizard → Make Accessible
    • Follow the guided steps: • Add Document Title & Language • Set Reading Order (use “Autodetect” or manual touch-up) • Add Tags to Document • Add Alternative Text to images/figures • Tag tables with headers and proper scope • Set Tab Order to “Use Document Structure”
  3. Run Full Accessibility Check
    • Tools → Accessibility → Full Check
    • Select WCAG 2.1 and PDF/UA as the standards
    • Review and fix all errors (red items) — warnings (yellow) should be addressed when possible
  4. Fix Common Issues Manually (if needed)
    • Tags panel: Ensure logical reading order, proper heading tags, and artifact decorative elements
    • Alt text: Right-click images → Edit Alternate Text
    • Reading Order Tool: Fix complex layouts
    • Color contrast: Verify text meets 4.5:1 ratio
  5. Save and Test
    • Save as a new versioned file (e.g., filename_accessible_2025.pdf)
    • Upload to your UAMS CMS page and immediately check Blackboard Ally for Websites — it will show a green check or list remaining issues

Quick Reference

Latest Adobe Guide (updated regularly): Create and verify PDF accessibility – Adobe Acrobat

Alternatives if You Don’t Have Acrobat Pro

  • Microsoft Word → File → Save As Adobe PDF → Options → check “Document structure tags for accessibility” (good for simple documents)
  • CommonLook PDF Validator (free online checker – limited)

Remember: Blackboard Ally for Websites will flag every inaccessible PDF on your site. Fix them proactively to stay compliant with the 2026 mandate.

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