Why it matters

Accessible PDFs are a legal requirement. In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 requires digital content to be accessible, with additional regulations for public sector organisations. Similar laws apply across Europe and internationally, including the European Accessibility Act and WCAG standards.

If a PDF is not accessible, it can exclude people from essential information and services, and expose organisations to legal and reputational risk. Accessible documents are also clearer, easier to navigate and more effective for all users.

What I offer

I design accessible PDFs as part of a wider editorial and information design process, ensuring both the visual design and underlying structure meet accessibility standards. This includes building accessibility into documents from the outset, as well as advising on content, structure and layout to support clarity, usability and compliance.

How it works

Accessible PDFs require additional work at the final stage of a project. While many elements are built during the design process in InDesign, final accessibility settings and checks are completed in the PDF itself.

For this reason, content must be fully signed off before this stage begins. Changes made afterwards may require accessibility settings to be reworked, which can affect timelines and cost. I guide clients through this process from the start, helping ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently.

Who is responsible

Accessibility is a shared responsibility. I manage the technical setup, structure and compliance, while content decisions such as wording, hierarchy and image descriptions are guided by those who know the material best. This ensures the final document is both accurate and fully accessible.

Talks and training

I deliver talks and practical training on accessible document design, helping teams understand WCAG requirements and how accessibility fits into their workflow. Sessions are tailored for design and communications teams, with a focus on practical application to real projects. If you’re interested in booking a talk or training session, get in touch to discuss your requirements.