PDF Accessibility Remediation

On April 24, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) published a new rule on digital accessibility under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This rule requires the University’s web content, including academic course content, to be accessible and meet the mandated technical standards by April 24, 2026

This service is part of the ATI Remediation Framework. It uses AI to handle a significant amount of PDF accessibility work and can often produce a more usable document, although not fully compliant. Results vary based on the complexity of the file, and some documents will still need targeted adjustments. For additional guidance or manual remediation, users can contact their campus ATI lead.

Automated PDF Remediation: How It Works

Upload a Document: Once you are logged in, simply upload PDF files for remediation.
Remediation: The system utilizes AI to address numerous common accessibility issues, including missing tags, incorrect reading order, Alt Text, table structure, and other frequent barriers. The tool is designed to handle a large portion of the work but will not produce a fully accessible PDF. Many documents may still require refinement depending on layout and complexity.
Download Your Accessible PDF: You will receive your processed PDF along with accessibility reports that outline what was addressed and what may still need review.

*This pdf remediation solution does not fix fillable forms. In addition, you will need to conduct a manual check for color contrast and logical reading order.

Important Notes

Files must meet the upload requirements (file size, page limits) specified within the app.
The app is designed to supplement remediation. It improves accessibility but does not guarantee full remediation. Some complex issues still require manual review and all files should be verified for accessibility before use in instruction.

Best Practices Before Uploading

Start with the original source file (Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and apply accessibility best practices before converting to PDF.
Ensure headings, alt text, color contrast, and table structures are correctly applied prior to conversion.
Use the app after these initial steps to streamline your final remediation process.
For step-by-step instructions, visit the Using the PDF Remediation App Guide.

In addition to using the PDF Accessibility Remediation App, faculty and staff may also submit files for manual remediation through the Accessible Technology Services (ATS) request form. This option is ideal for complex or high-priority documents that require detailed review and formatting adjustments to meet accessibility standards.