Does Accessibility in Documents Matter?
Recently, a client requested that their documents be checked through the accessibility function in Adobe PDF. If you’ve never heard of this function, it makes the document more accessible for people with disabilities. In this instance, it was important that seeing-impaired customers received the information on the document. You can read more about this function here.
Why Use the Accessibility Function in Adobe PDF?
Using this function doesn’t mean that you know for sure you have a clientele with a seeing disability. It means that if ever you do, your intention is that they receive your message. Our client did it preemptively, and we, for one, were most certainly impressed.
Are There Other Accessibility Functions Out There?
Sure thing. In another occasion, we were watching a potential partner give a Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation. This person had the closed captioning on, and at the end of the presentation, we were left wondering how he did it.
Microsoft PowerPoint and Subtitles
Turns out, Microsoft PowerPoint comes equipped with the option to turn on subtitles when in presenter mode. A few steps to follow (according to your operating system) and you’ll be in the fantastic world of subtitles.
Once it’s set up, turn on your presentation. You’ll immediately see the “Listening” prompt. Once you start talking, the feature begins to track your voice and place your words on the screen. (We use Apple. This may differ for other systems.)
Adobe Captivate and Closed Captions
For eLearning, we at Miranda Park Learning like to use Adobe Captivate. This tool already comes with the ability to add closed captions to projects. Just ask us for this feature and we’ll be glad to add it to your modules. It only takes a few extra steps on our end.
Does Using Accessibility Functionalities Make a Difference?
Whether you do it for compliance or for sheer human solidarity, it’s important. Likely, systems you’re using right now have accessibility features. It’s a matter of being intentional and making full use of them.
Closed captions resonate personally for yours truly (the writer), since I sincerely appreciate it when they’re turned on. It’s a breath of fresh air when the option for closed captions is there.
Who Are We?
We are Miranda Park Learning, your instructional design experts. When you want your systems to include accessibility enabled documents, contact us at 720-722-9998 or here. We’ll help you determine if this is for your company now or in the future.
Main Picture: Photo and composition by Miranda Park Learning
Background in Main Picture: Photo by Ovan from Pexels
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