#42905
Speaker(s)
- Christa Miller, Independent Consultant
Session Details
- Length of Session: 2-hr
- Format: Lab
- Expertise Level: Expert
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
The impossible is now possible. Previously, generating accessible output from a LaTeX document was arduous. It required technical expertise and often involved conversion to more accessible formats. For over a decade, experimental packages attempted to generate accessible PDF output. Today those experimental accessibility packages are no longer needed. Now, accessible PDF output from LaTeX is available direct through TeX Live. Join us for a deep dive on how to use tagpdf.
Abstract
Once upon a time, LaTeX struck fear into accessibility professionals everywhere. Its flexibility made it popular for typesetting technical documents. Journals, textbooks, and even conference presentations generated in LaTeX continue to proliferate. Like so many great inventions, its greatest strength became its greatest weakness. Flexibility bread an increasing gap of inaccessibility for the disability community.
Through the persistent efforts of TeX community contributors, a solution has emerged. Today, tagpdf is revolutionizing access to scientific publications on a global scale. In this lab sessions, participants will learn how to make accessible LaTeX documents.
The session will involve creating and updating files using the latest The LaTeX Tagged PDF Project guidance. The minimal working examples will include creating accessible: graphics, tables, lists, and math. Participants will analyze the resulting PDF accessibility tree and discuss remaining remediation tasks. The session will close with a discussion on assisting authors to adopt these new practices.
Keypoints
- Accessible PDF output from LaTeX is now available through TeX Live.
- Converting older files and templates to leverage the new functionality requires intentional change.
- Assisting authors to adopt the change is a hands-on process.
Disability Areas
Cognitive/Learning, Vision
Topic Areas
Accessible Course Design, Alternate Format
Speaker Bio(s)
Christa Miller
Christa is a longtime accessibility advocate. Since beginning her career in 2006, she has worked in multiple accessibility areas such as assistive technology, Braille, professional development, universal design for learning, disability accommodations, and web accessibility.