Electronic Document Accessibility
Digital accessibility isn't just about web applications and websites. All electronic documents we share with the PSU community and with the public—as a part of our services, programs, and activities—must be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes accessibility via screen reading software.
Electronic documents created without accessibility in mind can pose significant usability barriers to the 19.4% of adults in the United States with cognition or vision disabilities.
What is an Electronic Document?
An “electronic document” refers to any web content that created, managed, or published in Portable Document Format (PDF), word processing file format, presentation file format, or spreadsheet file format. Examples include digital resources created in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite.
How do I Make an Electronic Document Accessible?
Design with accessibility in mind
Validate to ensure accessibility
There are several resources available for employees who are creating and managing electronic documents on behalf of PSU. OIT recommends starting with a printable, one-sheet digital accessibility checklist to guide your initial design process.
Key Areas of Focus
Color → Never use color alone to convey meaning and always ensure that there is appropriate color contrast between background and foreground text.
Headings → Use properly formatted, hierarchical heading structure, tagging and ordering them like an outline and ensuring that there is only one Heading 1.
Alt Text → Ensure that all contextually relevant images include alternative text (alt text) that presents the content and function rather than a description.
Is There any Guidance by Electronic Document Type?
There is! Please engage with the following resources to learn more about accessible digital design and validation in Google Workspace formats and Portable Document Format (PDF).
PSU departments may also purchase electronic document remediation services from industry-standard external vendors through OIT’s Digital Media Remediation service.
If you have any additional questions regarding digital accessibility for non-instructional digital resources at PSU, please submit a request for Digital Accessibility Support.
PSU Help Center (portal) link: https://portlandstate.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/1014/article/3123675145