Accessible documents

We have high standards when it comes to delivering accessible documents. We’re experts in providing accessible information through the publication of Microsoft Word documents and PDF files. We can also produce ePub formats and accessible HTML.

We follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA for the production of accessible documents. We also adhere to the publishing standards of individual organisations, and follow the advice of the Australian Government Digital Transformation Agency.

Importantly, we urge organisations not to rely on PDF alone. This is largely because:

• Not all versions of all screen readers read out PDFs consistently.
• PDF does not currently have accessibility support on mobile devices.

In 2016, the NSW Government Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) published the Digital Accessibility Standard – a concise, plain language guide to making digital products accessible. It explains everything from using PDFs to making sure that the needs of people with cognitive disability are included in the design process.

We worked with FACS to write the Standard. We began the project by reviewing best-practice accessibility standards around the world. We then adapted and consolidated those to suit the FACS environment and incorporated existing policies and organisational values into the mix. In doing so, we have created a best-practice standard that organisations everywhere can benefit from.

Importantly, this Standard goes beyond WCAG to consider the needs of diverse audiences, including people with cognitive disability, elderly people and people who speak English as an additional language. This project has strengthened our knowledge and use of accessibility standards and will allows us to provide current, best-practice advice to our clients.

You can read about more of our accessibility projects in our portfolio.

We also offer training workshops in the production of accessible documents. Visit our training workshops page to find out more.