Because the client, the National Park Service, provided the original source Word file and not just their PDF, we were able to go back to the source Word file, correct it for accessibility, and export a new accessible PDF in a shorter amount of time. And, of course, this was at less cost than if we had remediated their original PDF.
Sample Files
This sample is the final accessible PDF made from the Word file.
Accessible PDF from the Word file
Going Back to the Source
There's a lot of buzz about waving magic wands over inaccessible PDF files and coming up with a remediated, accessible PDF.
Bull hockey!
Although we do have some magic wand software in our toolbox to use when its needed, it's always best to go back to the source file, that is the original MS Word or PowerPoint file, and correct its accessibility shortcomings.
Several benefits:
- It's often cheaper and faster.
- Does a better job; some problems in PDF can't be fully corrected in the PDF.
- Doesn't require those very expensive magic wands! <grin>
- And clients receive the remediated Word file to reuse in the future.
