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Creating 508 Accessible Word and PDF Files

• Creating an Accessible MS Word File (HHS)

• Preparing Word files for PDF Conversion (HHS)

• PDF Batch Tools (UK Site)

Creating Accessible PDF Files

HHS and SAMHSA use the Adobe Acrobat Professional 8.0 Checker to test PDF files and they require zero errors for compliance. If the PDF file contains complex tables, HHS and SAMHSA supplement the Adobe Checker by testing with the Jaws screen reader. Files created with Adobe Acrobat Professional 7.0 Checker are considered minimally compliant and we will require an accessibility report along with the file. We strongly recommend upgrading to 8.0.

• Preparing a 508-Compliant PDF File to Post to the Web (HHS)

Adobe Acrobat Professional 8.0 is necessary to create properly tagged PDF files. Files created with 7.0 (no longer on the market) are minimally compliant and offices having 7.0 are strongly urged to upgrade to 8.0.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Acrobat 7.0 or lower versions do not properly test for 508 compliance.

• MS Office products can create PDF files if you have the Adobe installed on your machine. BUT this function does not create 508-compliant PDFs. You still have to open the PDF file in Acrobat and run the Accessibility feature to add tags.

Other Resources:

• If you need to create or convert PDF documents, Adobe® offers conversion tools at its Accessibly Resource Center

  • Creating Accessible PDF files using Adobe Acrobat 7 Professional