CommonLook’s Free Software for Higher Education

Presented at 2:15pm in Plaza Court 1 on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

#33928

Speaker(s)

  • Paul Rayius, Vice President of Training, CommonLook

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 1-hr
  • Format: Lecture
  • Expertise Level: Beginner
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

CommonLook is providing free software licensing and training to higher education institutions in North America during 2021.

Abstract

This presentation will explain the program and benefits to higher education institutions to take advantage of the free use of CommonLook PDF and CommonLook Office tools. The tools are designed to ensure PDF files are fully accessible and standards compliant. The program includes access to the CommonLook training programs including our Introduction to CommonLook PDF webinar and the O103- CommonLook Office online training. Attendees will learn how to sign up and take advantage of the free program in this session.

Keypoints

  1. How to sign up for the free CommonLook tools and training program for higher education.
  2. What tools are included and what are the benefits.
  3. What training tools are included so users can quickly become productive with the free tools.

Disability Areas

Vision

Topic Areas

Assistive Technology, Other, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access

Speaker Bio(s)

Paul Rayius

Since 2013, Paul has helped a variety of organizations, including healthcare, government agencies (local, state and federal), financial institutions, and colleges and universities meet their PDF accessibility needs. In addition to his expertise with the CommonLook suite of tools for testing, creating and remediating PDFs, he is also well versed in accessibility standards including Section 508 (including the “refreshed” standard), Health and Human Services (HHS), WCAG 2.0, WCAG 2.1, and PDF/UA. Paul is a member of the IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals) and serves on various committees including helping to develop the Accessible Document Specialist certification. In addition, he is a member of the PDF Association and participates in writing the ISO 32000 (PDF) and ISO 14289 (PDF/UA) standards, as well as working with the PDF/UA Competence Center, the PDF/UA Technical Working Group, and serving as co-chair for the Accessibility Service Bureau Working Group. Paul also participates in, and moderates, several online accessibility groups and forums. Prior to joining the CommonLook team, Paul graduated with a BMe in Instrumental Music Education from Florida State University and taught middle school band for 11 years. In his spare time, he enjoys various outdoor activities and is an avid lacrosse player and geocacher.