Accessibility Tools for End-Users

Accessible electronic information in HTML, XML, MathML, Microsoft Word, tag Portable Document Format (PDF), Rich Text Format (RTF), and plain text can be accessed with a screen reader and braille display within standard applications. This page provides links to tools for accessing PDF files and webpages containing mathematical expressions. Additional assistive technology may be needed for accessing images and reading mathematical expressions in other types of documents. In addition, specialized access software may be needed for documents in disability-specific formats such as Digital Audio-based Information System (DAISY), digital braille (BRF), and National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS).

• Accessing PDF Files Width Assistive Technology: A Screen Reader User's Guide (PDF)
  Introduces the different types of PDF documents, provides instructions for performing common tasks in Adobe reader, and includes specific tips for users of the JAWS for Windows and Window-Eyes screen readers.
• Online Conversion Tools from Adobe
  Tools for converting PDF files to plain text or HTML format on-the-fly.
• Adobe Acrobat 9 Accessibility Overview
  Overview of accessibility features in Adobe Reader 9 and Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro that are geared towards both authors and readers of PDF documents.
• Using accessibility features within Adobe Acrobat 8
  Audiovisual tutorial introducing a host of features specially designed to make PDF files accessible.
• MathPlayer
  A Free Internet Explorer plug-in that makes mathematical equations on webpages accessible if they are written in MathML.

Last updated August 2, 2008 by Imke Durre