Exploring the Accessibility of Complex Graphics in PDFs.

Scheduled at 1:45 pm in Penrose 2 on Wednesday, November 13.

Speaker(s)

• Elizabeth Franklin, Trainer, Allyant

Session Details

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

Summary

This session offers insights into best practices, strategies, and considerations for authors and document remediators, enabling you to navigate the intricacies of making complex graphics, such as maps, flow charts, graphs, and diagrams, accessible in PDFs.

Abstract

When tasked with creating or remediating accessible PDFs, a persistent question echoes through forums and discussions: “How do I make complex graphics accessible?" Complex graphics require more than simple alternative text to adequately convey their meaning and can be challenging to make accessible. Some examples of complex graphics include maps, diagrams, charts, graphs, and infographics.

Beyond complying with fundamental color, contrast, pattern, and text label guidelines. This presentation embarks on a comprehensive exploration of strategies and considerations to ensure the accessibility of complex graphics in PDFs from both the author's and the remediator's perspectives.

We will dissect real-world examples of maps, graphs, flow charts, and diagrams to engage in a dialogue on best practices and requirements related to these visual elements.

We will discuss innovative approaches like strategically hiding good text beneath images for easier tagging, breaking down complex graphics into smaller accessible segments, and using headings and list tags to make complex graphics digestible and navigable.

Join us in weighing the pros and cons of various accessibility tactics, ensuring a holistic understanding of making complex graphics inclusive for all users. Additionally, we will shed light on essential aspects such as determining when, what, and how much Alt text to provide.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of strategies to design and remediate Complex graphics in PDFs.

Keypoints

1. Requirements and best practices regarding the accessibility of images from the author’s perspective in PDFs.
2. Explore strategies that document remediators can emply to make complex graphics accessible.
3. Weigh the pros and cons of various approaches to the accessibility of big graphics in PDFs.

Disability Areas

Cognitive/Learning, Mobility, Vision

Topic Areas

Accessible Course Design, Alternate Format, Assistive Technology, Other, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Elizabeth Franklin

Elizabeth Franklin is an Accessible Document Specialist and Software Trainer at Allyant. She works with clients to ensure their documents not only meet accessibility standards, but also provide the best user experience for all audiences. Elizabeth has a Master’s in Education degree and over 20 years of teaching experience. Currently, she is a member of the PDF/UA Association Liaison Working Group and designs and develops accessible online training. She has presented at the 2024 CSUN Assistive Technology Conference.