PDFs Archives - Dennis Deacon

PDF Strategy in Improving Accessibility

June 21, 2025June 28, 2025

Portable Document Format, or PDF, is a popular file format that many people use to quickly and conveniently publish content online. While PDFs may offer convenience for some, they create significant barriers for others. In fact, in many cases, PDFs completely block access for people who rely on assistive technology like screen readers.

Applications that Create PDFs & Accessibility Output

June 21, 2025June 22, 2025

“It takes two to tango” when it comes to Portable Document Format (PDF) files. Some source applications do a better job at generating accessible PDF files than others. Following is a roundup of common applications that can generate PDFs, and the capability of creating accessible files.

Testing Methods: Content on Hover or FocusOctober 12, 2025
Testing methods for WCAG 1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus, which ensures that when content appears on hover or keyboard focus and then disappears, it is either dismissible, hoverable and persistent.
Testing Methods: Text SpacingOctober 7, 2025
WCAG 1.4.12 Text Spacing testing ensures content adapts to user-defined text settings for improved readability.
Digital Accessibility and MufflersOctober 4, 2025
A loud muffler and an inaccessible chatbot share one truth: you chose it, you own it. Accessibility is your responsibility, even with third-party tools.
Testing Methods: Non-text ContrastSeptember 30, 2025
Testing methods for WCAG 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast, which ensures that visual elements must have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 against adjacent colors in cases of UI components and informative graphics.
ARIA and Real World DangersSeptember 27, 2025
Learn ARIA deeply before deploying it broadly. HTML should always be the first tool of choice. Use ARIA only when necessary, and only with precision. Done right, ARIA enhances accessibility. Done wrong, it undermines it.