Complete Guide to PDF/UA (PDF/Universal Accessibility)

PDF/UA (PDF/Universal Accessibility) is the international standard (ISO 14289) that defines how PDF documents should be created and structured to be accessible to people with diverse abilities. It ensures that PDFs are usable by individuals relying on assistive technologies such as screen reader accessibility tools like JAWS screen reader, Google Docs screen reader, and other PDF screen reader software.

PDF/UA compliance

What is PDF/UA?

PDF/UA establishes the technical requirements for universally accessible PDFs. Unlike regular PDFs, PDF tagged documents include semantic tagging, proper reading order, and embedded metadata, making the content understandable and navigable for users with disabilities. This standard aligns with broader digital accessibility laws and guidelines, including ADA compliance, Section 508 compliance, and WCAG guidelines.

Why PDF/UA Compliance Matters

Many organizations share critical information through PDFs, such as reports, statements, forms, and disclosures. Without proper tagging and structure, these files can be inaccessible to users who depend on assistive technologies. Achieving PDF/UA compliance: 

  • Enhances usability for people with visual, cognitive, or motor impairments. 
  • Improves mobile device compatibility and SEO. 
  • Ensures compliance with legal requirements such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508. 
  • Supports inclusive communication and equal access. 

Key Features of PDF/UA Documents

Tagged PDF content: All meaningful elements (headings, lists, tables, images) are tagged for logical reading order. 

Alternative text: Descriptions for images and graphics enable screen reader accessibility. 

Proper metadata: Embedding document structure and language information for assistive technology compatibility. 

Navigable structure: Bookmarks and headings allow users to navigate efficiently. 

Form accessibility: Interactive form fields are labeled and operable via keyboard. 

How to Achieve PDF/UA Compliance

  • Perform thorough PDF document remediation using specialized tools and expertise. 
  • Ensure all PDFs are properly tagged and tested for accessibility with tools and real users. 
  • Create ADA compliant PDFs from source files like InDesign, Word, or other authoring tools. 
  • Conduct regular accessibility checks to maintain compliance as content updates. 
  • Train content creators on accessibility design principles to produce accessible documents from the start. 

Our Expertise in PDF/UA Accessibility

Our team specializes in delivering expert accessibility remediation services to transform your PDFs into fully PDF/UA compliant documents. We help organizations across industries meet their legal obligations and provide inclusive digital experiences by: 

  • Creating accessible PDFs compatible with screen reader accessibility tools. 
  • Remediating existing PDFs to meet WCAG 2.1 AA, ADA, and Section 508 compliance standards. 
  • Providing ongoing support and testing to maintain accessibility. 

Accessibility Standards We Follow  

We adhere to leading global and regional accessibility standards to ensure your content is compliant and inclusive:   

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Why Partner With Us?

Empower your digital presence with accessibility remediation that delivers inclusive, compliant, and engaging experiences for all users — because accessibility is good business.

Ready to Make Your Digital Content Accessible? 

Take the first step toward inclusivity and compliance.

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