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Accessibility

WheelChair

Accessible Training and Documentation

The federal guidelines for accessibility, also known as “Section 508” requirements, help people with visual disabilities by requiring special behind-the-scenes tags used by text-to-audio tools such as a “screen reader.” A user with good eyesight can visually scan a table of contents or click through a PDF’s pages until the looked-for section shows up. For those who use a screen reader, hidden tags provide the equivalent option. Using those tags, a screen reader can quickly skip through content to find that same section. Such tags often have to be coded in by the developer because they are not automatically produced during the PDF-creation process.

Searchable terms can help users find information, but they may not be enough. Sometimes a term shows up too often in the document for search results to be quickly useful.

[Click here] to see how a “regular” PDF document compares with a PDF that meets accessibility guidelines.

Of course, visual impairment is not the only aspect you need to be aware of when providing user training and documentation. Limited motion may prevent a user from mouse or track-pad use. How easy is it to get through the training or find needed content in the documentation without using a mouse? Can your trainee clearly hear any audible information? Can your trainee manage the pace of training so that key information can be reviewed or repeated at any point in the lesson?

Make sure all of your users have the training and documentation they need, regardless of disability. Contact us for more information about accessible self-paced online training and User Guides.