Presented at 9:15am in Independence on Friday, November 10, 2023.
#38000Speaker(s)
- Paul Rayius, VP of Training, Allyant
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Expert
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
This session examines why the PDF/UA Processor Requirements Liaison Working Group was created and its goals. After an overview, we take a closer look at our work thus far. Finally, we’ll discuss the direction of future efforts. The target audience for this session is developers of PDF processors that interface with end-users, including PDF viewers, web browsers, and assistive technology. A secondary target audience is those providing support for accessibility needs, including remediation.
Abstract
The PDF Association has started working on a new specification for Processor Requirements for PDF/UA compliant files. A PDF processor is any software, including assistive technology (AT), that allows someone to view and interact with PDFs (for example, reading, navigating, and/or filling out a form).
There is widespread confusion and inconsistency around how PDFs are processed. While commonly used web technologies often deliver consistent results, the same cannot be said for PDF processors. Results may vary when using different browsers, devices, or applications. Plus, many AT solutions handle PDFs differently.
The PDF/UA Processor Requirements group discusses challenges and solutions with processor and AT developers to provide better end-user experiences, all while remaining compliant with current and new PDF specifications.
This session will report on past work and share future plans. We also hope to engage - and even inspire - developers who work on PDF processors that interface with end-users (such as PDF viewers and web browsers), AT developers, AT experts, and those who provide support for accessibility needs; including PDF remediation.
Keypoints
- Learn why the PDF/UA Processor working group exists and what its goals are.
- Explore what work has been done to date.
- Discuss where the group is headed and possible “outcomes.”
Disability Areas
Vision
Topic Areas
Assistive Technology, Other, Research, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access
Speaker Bio(s)
Paul Rayius
Since 2013, Paul has helped organizations meet their PDF accessibility needs across various industries, including healthcare, government (local, state, and federal), finance, and education.
In addition to his expertise with Allyant’s CommonLook tools for testing, creating, and remediating PDFs, Paul is proficient in accessibility standards, including Section 508 (including the “refresh”), Health and Human Services (HHS), WCAG 2.0, WCAG 2.1, and PDF/UA (both versions 1 and 2).
Paul serves on numerous document accessibility committees, and he participates in and moderates online accessibility groups and forums. In addition, he has presented at a number of conferences over the years, including Accessing Higher Ground, CSUN, AHEAD, and Explor.
Through his affiliation with the IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals), he helped develop the Accessible Document Specialist certification. Paul participates in writing technical standards, including ISO 32000 (PDF), ISO 14289 (PDF/UA), and ISO TS 32005 with the PDF Association. Furthermore, he contributes in many PDF/UA working groups and chairs the PDF/UA Processor Requirements Liaison Working Group.
Before Allyant, 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, rugby fan, and geocacher.