Main Content
Creating ADA Compliant Documents
In creating accessible content there are a set of content items that should be followed that will help in making documents available to the widest groups of people based on their disability needs. The following items are the minimum requirements needed for Web, Microsoft and PDF content
- Use headings
- Use lists
- Add alternate text to images
- Identify document language
- Use tables wisely
- Understand how to export from one format to another
The following link will take you to UW Seattle's Accessible Technology content to learn step-by-step processes of several Microsoft and Adobe technologies to create accessible content.
- Creating accessible documents in Microsoft Word
- Creating accessible PDFs from Microsoft Word
- Creating accessible PDFs from Adobe InDesign
- Creating accessible PDF forms using Adobe Acrobat Pro
If you currently have PDF documents that may not be fully ADA compliant. The following link will give you steps you can take inside of Adobe Acrobat Pro application. (Note...These steps are specifically for Adobe Acrobat Pro X or Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.)
Video Training
This video talks about Policy #188 and how it is going to impact the campus community along with some training on steps to start compliant Word documents that will transfer more readily to compliant PDF files for public distribution.
Promoting Accessible Document Development from University Washington Tacoma on Vimeo.
This video talks about how to create Web based content that helps with those who have certain disabilities that may need special software or devices to give them access the Web.
Accessible Web Content Creation from University Washington Tacoma on Vimeo.
Additional Helpful Information and Guidlines
Below are some additional help to allow you to determine compliance and what steps you are required to take to comply with the new Washington State policy on content for people with disabilities:
Legal and Policy Requirements
The University of Washington (UW) strives to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the same services and content that are available to people without disabilities, including services and content made available through the use of information technology (IT). Below are links to content giving greater detail of the compliance process:
- UW Policy–IT Accessibility
- Washington State Policy #188
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The ATS staff on the Seattle campus along with the Information Technology Department at Tacoma are here to help with any questions or concern about getting content compliant.
Contact UW Tacoma IT to request assistance remediating your PDFs up to online, accessibility standards. Send an email to tachelp@uw.edu and you will receive further instructions.
