PDF files are typically created in Word, PowerPoint, or another program and converted to PDF, rather than being created with Acrobat. Therefore, the accessibility of the PDF will depend on the accessibility of the original document.

Before you save your file as a PDF, ensure that your original document is designed accessibly. You can access step-by-step instructions through WebAIM. 

• Create an accessible Word Document
• Create an accessible PowerPoint document

To be accessible, your document should include the following specific design features: 

• Appropriate Headings (H1, H2, H3, P, etc.) - Structure Guidelines
• Alt-tags on all images
  • Using Accessible Images
  • Using Alternative Text
  • Adding Alternate Text in Word
  • Adding Alternate Text in PowerPoint
  • Adding Alternate Text to Websites
• Tables that include a top row that is marked as the “header row”
• Labeled hyperlinks - Links and Hypertext
• Lists that are created using the bullet/number list options
• Tables created using the "column tool" - creating accessible tables

Converting Documents to PDF and Verifying Accessibility

There are several ways to convert a document into PDF. View the tutorial for converting documents to PDF.

Checking the accessibility of a PDF document requires Adobe Acrobat Professional.  Creating a fully accessible PDF requires several steps which are outlined in the WebAIM tutorial for Acrobat Accessibility. The WebAIM tutorial also includes information around the built-in Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker.

PDF Form Accessibility

Additional steps are required to create an accessible PDF form. Both WebAIM and Adobe provide step-by-step information for this process.

• WebAIM's tutorial for accessible forms
• Adobe Acrobat's tutorial for accessible forms (PDF)

Resources:

Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Guides

WebAIM - Full PDF Accessibility Tutorial