Link to plug-in is present |
Section 508 1194.22(m)
Issue Description The page contains a programmatic object such as a plug-in or an applet that may require a specific plug-in for the browser to interpret the page content. Check that the object is accessible or that the page contains a link to an equivalent object that is accessible. You should also check that the page contains a link to a resource where the plug-in can be downloaded.
How to check Make sure the object is accessible or that the page contains a link to an equivalent object that is accessible. Also make sure the page contains a link to a resource where the plug-in can be downloaded.
Issue Explanation Programmatic objects may change the presentation, content, or navigation options of a page. Programmatic objects include Java applets, Flash, ShockWave, RealAudio or RealVideo files. Each of these objects must be accessible. If this is not possible, then the page should contain links to other, accessible versions of the objects. When evaluating the accessibility of plug-ins, it may be useful to refer to the Access Board's section 508 rule as it applies to software, 36 C.F.R. 1194.21 (see http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm). In addition, if these objects require some specific plug-in for the browser, the page should provide the means for the user to get and install the plug-in.

In general, PDF documents can be created in several different ways and each method has separate implications for accessibility. Here are four methods:

1. Scanning a document into PDF creates a so-called "PDF Image Only" file that is essentially a graphic representation of the document and, like a photograph with no associated text, is generally unreadable by screen-reader technology.
2. Scanning a document into PDF and then running it through OCR ("optical character recognition") technology converts the text images into searchable text. Such documents must be checked carefully for accuracy.
3. Printing a file directly into PDF format converts the electronic information into a digital representation of the document that is somewhat readable by assistive technology
4. Writing a document inside Adobe Acrobat can also result in a document that is somewhat readable by assistive technology.

Web developers should try to use the last two methods of creating PDF files and should avoid the first method entirely. You should also test the accessibility of your PDF documents using screen readers before posting them to web sites. Adobe's accessibility site includes the latest recommendations for making PDF files accessible (see http://access.adobe.com/). Finally, you should be careful that non-text content be accompanied by text descriptions in the PDF files. Developers that choose to publish web-based documents in PDF should simultaneously publish the same documents in another, more accessible format, such as HTML.