[Accessibility_sig] WORD document to PDF - tagging

[Moore, Michael]

Keith,

Well structured word documents tend to make the conversion process
easier and more accurate.  Attached (assuming the list does not filter
attachments) is a very simple document with a couple of headings and a
short list.  The word document was created using headings and lists from
the default word styles.  The conversion to pdf was done from inside
word using Acrobat 7.  An inspection of the tag tree reveals that the
document was tagged properly and that the reading order is correct.  The
document could be read using JAWS 6.1 and Window Eyes 5.5.

These versions of the assistive technology do not take full advantage of
the document structure.  I could not navigate by headings or bring up a
headings list. Thus the experience of reading the document is much the
same in pdf as it would be in word.

For simple documents, created using good document structure in Word I
have found the straight conversion to work quite well.  However when the
documents become complex, when extensive editing and styling has been
done to the document after creation, and when the document has been
assembled from multiple sources.  Excel charts imported to the document,
etc then things become messier.

An additional source of problems is the fact that many users of MS
office do not use styles to create structure.  Headings frequently
created by simply changing the font and making it bold, lists may be
created by typing bullets etc.  The resulting pdf contains none of the
structure.

Keith, if the attachments do not come through contact me directly.


Mike Moore
Accessibility Specialist
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
(512) 424-4159

-----Original Message-----
From: accessibility_sig-bounces at knowbility.org
[mailto:accessibility_sig-bounces at knowbility.org] On Behalf Of Keith
Townsend
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 1:37 PM
To: accessibility_sig at knowbility.org
Subject: [Accessibility_sig] WORD document to PDF - tagging

All,
 
I am working with one of my agency's program areas evaluating
CommonLook. A question came from these folks that I could not answer, so
I thought I'd see if this group knew the answer.
 
The question:
Can you <tag> a WORD document and have Adobe apply those <tags> to a
PDF? 
 
Thanks,
KET
 
 
Keith E. Townsend, C.T.G. & C.D.E.P.
Distance Learning Specialist
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality IRD/SD&M/Distance Learning/Web
Support Team
Phone: (512) 239-0205  Fax: (512) 239-2222
MC-197
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