INTRODUCTION
Pearson is committed to accessibility and is taking all possible measures to make the online learning experience accessible for all learners. The PDF Accessibility Playbook was put together to provide content producers with the guidance required for creating accessible PDF documents and offer buyers courses that not only have web content that is accessible but also accessible PDF documents.
The playbook includes techniques for implementing accessibility across different PDF elements, such as headings, lists, images, tables, forms, etc. It identifies both techniques that must be adopted, and techniques that should be avoided, from an accessibility perspective. Along with the techniques, the playbook lists tips, and tricks for enhancing accessibility.
The playbook comprises of examples of different Pearson PDF documents and lists possible solutions to help the team implement accessibility. Not only will the playbook serve as a valuable reference, it can also equip the team to implement accessibility while designing and authoring all future Pearson PDF documents.
Intended Audience
The PDF Accessibility Playbook is intended for the entire technical team that works to author, as well as maintain, Pearson’s PDF documents. Team members include:
- UI designers
- UX professionals
- Content Digitizer
- Content writers
- Courseware Quality Assurance (QA) teams
INTRODUCTION TO ACCESSIBILITY
Accessibility refers to making a product or service usable for as many people as possible. In the digital space, accessibility ensures that websites, applications, documents, online learning solutions etc. are usable for all users including those with disabilities. Often accessibility is viewed at something that is meant for people with disabilities. However, accessibility benefits each one of us in different situations.
Today digital accessibility has been adopted in most countries across the globe. To make accessibility happen, there are standards, guidelines and specifications that outline ways to make it a reality. Technologies include support for developing accessible solutions and the demand for accessible products is increasing by the day.
In simple terms, accessibility is ensuring that everyone can use a product or service irrespective of their abilities or situation of use. In physical space, we may refer to accessibility as providing ramps to allow people on a wheelchair to come in easily similarly in the case of digital accessibility it refers to making the online solutions available for all users including those using assistive technologies.
What is PDF Accessibility?
PDF accessibility is a practice where documents and forms are designed, authored, and maintained in a manner that people with disabilities can use them with accessibility features turned on as well as with assistive technologies. PDF accessibility makes it possible for people with disabilities to access the content, interact with the functionality, understand the content, and use the content with their assistive technology. Accessible PDF documents ensure that learners with mobility disabilities can fill out PDF forms without having to go through the hassle of waiting in long queues for submitting their assignments. Accessible PDF documents makes it possible for learners with hearing disabilities to listen to recorded lectures by following synchronized captions. Similarly, learners with visual impairments can perceive complex images by reading the alternate descriptions with their assistive technologies and those with learning disabilities can access the content with assistive technologies such as Text to Speech reading tools.
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Learning Disabilities: