Accessible PDF

An accessible PDF is a Portable Document Format file that has been structured with tags, reading order, alternative text for images, and other metadata so that it can be navigated and read by assistive technologies such as screen readers. The PDF/UA (Universal Accessibility) standard (ISO 14289) defines the technical requirements for accessible PDFs. Inaccessible PDFs remain one of the most persistent barriers in digital accessibility, particularly in higher education where course materials, academic papers, and institutional documents are frequently distributed as untagged, image-based, or poorly structured PDFs that are difficult or impossible for screen reader users to access.