Accessibility is one aspect an author has to remember while creating a PDF form because people with disabilities, like visually impaired or reduced mobility, may also use the form. Making the form accessible for everyone is not only to widen audiences, it is mandatory to comply with the accessibility standards in few countries. Adobe LiveCycle Designer ES 8.2 with built-in accessibility features enable PDF authors to create fillable PDF forms and XHTML files with good accessibility.
A form is accessible only if it is easy to use, hence PDF authors had to ensure that the form is simple, uncluttered, and provide necessary instructions for filling it up. A simple design with meaningful captions and tool tips and navigation features like the tab order and keyboard shortcuts in compliance with the logical order of objects are few ways to make the form accessible.
Another factor to be considered while creating a PDF form is it has to be perceived by assistive technology like screen reader, hence including accessibility information aid in identifying the underlying structure and content of the form. Likewise development objects other than objects from the tabs available in LiveCycle
Designer’s Object Library can go unidentified by the assistive technology. If the PDF author really wishes to add a customized object, the he/has needs to define the Accessibility properties for the created object, which requires additional effort.
Adding images in the PDF form really helps in better understanding for some users, but those who depend on assistive technology may find difficulties in accessibility without textual alternatives. So, all image and image field objects have to be provided with text descriptions, and Accessibility palette of LiveCycle Designer ES 8.2 has Tool Tip or Custom Screen Reader Text properties for the purpose.
Labeling of form controls lets users to identify what to be entered in a particular text field, but to support users accessing the form via screen reader PDF authors can add accessibility information via Accessibility palette or associate the label with the form control through programming. Moreover, the form controls enable users to fill in completely with the use of a keyboard or an equivalent input device. Also, using colors may enhance the appeal of the PDF form but people with disabilities may not find it user-friendly, so relying completely on colors to convey information needs to be avoided. If colors are used, ensure sufficient contrast is maintained between the background and foreground for an improved accessibility of a PDF form by all users.
After completing the form, the PDF author needs to ensure its accessibility by testing it with different assistive technologies, and it is also vital to see if the entire form can be filled using a keyboard. Only by testing each and every field and button, the author can find out if the form is perfect or any improvement is needed in a specific area of the form.
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