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Adobe Acrobat Pro: PDF Remediation

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Adobe Acrobat Pro: PDF Remediation

Overview

PDF Remediation is the process of making a PDF accessible for people with disabilities, including those who use screen readers. In Adobe Acrobat Pro, PDF remediation refers to checking and correcting a PDF to meet accessibility standards, such as those outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Adobe Acrobat Pro offers several tools for accessibility.

  • Prepare for Accessibility: This tool automates many tasks, checks accessibility, and provides instructions for manual fixes, helping you quickly identify and resolve issues.

  • Check for Accessibility: This feature verifies whether the document complies with accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.1 AA.

  • Open Accessibility Report: This report summarizes the results of the accessibility check and provides links to help you address any identified issues.

  • Reading Options: This feature includes settings for various reading preferences.

  • Fix Reading Order: The Reading Order tool checks the structure and reading order of the PDF content.

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  • Automatically tag PDF.

  • Automatically tag form fields.

  • Create PDF tags

  • Evaluate the PDF and repair tagging issues through the Tag Pane icon.

  • This tool is not used directly by students, but they benefit from the usability of the PDF documents that are remediated by Adobe Acrobat Pro.

  • The tool works well for simpler PDFs, primarily text-based documents.

  • It’s most effective for users familiar with PDF editing, enabling efficient navigation and issue resolution during the remediation process.

  • The tool isn't effective for complex PDF documents, particularly those with intricate elements like mathematical formulas, scientific charts, detailed graphs, and complex tables.

  • An internet connection is required.

  • The software can be purchased through Software Licensing.

  • Enable the “Prepare for Accessibility” tool to check for accessibility issues in your document.

  • Review the Tag pane to check the reading order and fix any tagging problems.

  • Ensures the document meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards

  • Includes a built-in checker to guide remediation steps

Not all students have access to Adobe Acrobat Pro; students in specific programs like the School of Architecture and Design, the School of Visual Arts, and the Department of Communication are required to purchase the software. Other undergraduates are billed for a software bundle that includes it. Additionally, there is no requirement for students to use the remediation functionality of Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Adobe Acrobat

Cost: Available for purchase from the Software Service Center.

Status: Available / Approved Software

How to Access

Instructor: 

  • Obtain a license for Adobe Acrobat Pro or Adobe Creative Cloud from the Software Service Center.

  • Log in to the university’s Network Software portal with your VT Username (PID) and password, select “Adobe Software” from the list, accept the license agreement, and then download the installer image.

  • For assistance with installing software, contact 4Help.vt.edu. For department-managed devices, you should contact your IT team for assistance.

Students:

  • Obtain a license for Adobe Creative Cloud from the Software Service Center.

  • Log in to the university’s Network Software portal with your VT Username (PID) and password, select “Adobe Software” from the list, accept the license agreement, and then download the installer image.

  • For assistance with installing software, contact 4Help.vt.edu. 

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