PDF documents are widely used across industries, but many fail to meet accessibility standards, making it difficult for individuals with disabilities to access their content. A PDF accessibility checker is an essential tool for ensuring that digital documents comply with WCAG 2.2, ADA, Section 508, and EN 301 549. These checkers help identify accessibility barriers and guide businesses in making their PDFs fully inclusive.

What is a PDF Accessibility Checker?

A PDF accessibility checker is a software tool that scans PDFs for accessibility issues and provides recommendations for remediation. It ensures that documents are compatible with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies.

Key Features of a PDF Accessibility Checker

A robust PDF accessibility checker offers the following functionalities:

  • Scanning for Accessibility Issues – Identifies missing alt-text, improper reading order, and other compliance violations.
  • Tagging and Structural Analysis – Ensures proper document hierarchy, including headings, lists, and tables.
  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR) – Converts scanned PDFs into readable text for screen readers.
  • Alt-Text Verification – Confirms that images have meaningful alternative descriptions.
  • Keyboard Navigation Assessment – Ensures users can navigate PDFs without a mouse.
  • Contrast and Color Evaluation – Checks text-background contrast for readability.

Why Use a PDF Accessibility Checker?

Ensuring PDF accessibility is not just a best practice—it is a legal requirement. Organizations that fail to provide accessible digital content may face lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage. Government agencies, educational institutions, and businesses must comply with accessibility laws to ensure inclusivity.

Daniel from EqualWeb states, “Many businesses assume their PDFs are accessible until they run a compliance check. A PDF accessibility checker helps identify critical issues before they become legal liabilities.”

How to Use a PDF Accessibility Checker Effectively

  1. Run an Initial Scan – Use a PDF accessibility checker to detect common accessibility violations.
  2. Review the Report – Analyze the findings to prioritize remediation efforts.
  3. Fix Structural Issues – Ensure proper use of headings, lists, and tables.
  4. Add Alternative Text for Images – Provide meaningful descriptions for all visual elements.
  5. Ensure Text Recognition in Scanned PDFs – Use OCR to convert non-selectable text into readable content.
  6. Validate Keyboard Navigation – Test document navigation without using a mouse.
  7. Perform Manual Testing – Combine automated scanning with human review for full compliance.

The Legal and Business Risks of Non-Compliant PDFs

Organizations that distribute inaccessible PDFs risk legal action under ADA, Section 508, and WCAG 2.2 regulations. Recent lawsuits have reinforced the need for digital accessibility compliance. Beyond legal risks, inaccessible documents limit engagement and usability, reducing audience reach.

Conclusion

A PDF accessibility checker is an essential tool for businesses looking to ensure compliance, inclusivity, and improved user experience. While automated tools are a great first step, combining them with expert manual remediation provides the highest level of accessibility compliance. EqualWeb offers advanced PDF accessibility solutions, making it easy for organizations to create fully accessible digital documents.

FAQ

  1. What is a PDF accessibility checker?

A PDF accessibility checker is a tool that scans digital documents for accessibility compliance and provides recommendations for remediation.

  1. Why is PDF accessibility important?

PDF accessibility ensures that individuals with disabilities can read, navigate, and interact with documents effectively, improving inclusivity and legal compliance.

  1. How do I know if my PDFs are accessible?

You can use a PDF accessibility checker or conduct manual testing with screen readers and keyboard navigation.

  1. What happens if my PDFs are not accessible?

Non-compliant PDFs can result in lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage due to violations of accessibility laws.

  1. Can all PDFs be made accessible?

Yes, with proper remediation, including tagging, alt-text, OCR processing, and structural adjustments, most PDFs can be made fully accessible.

  1. Where can I find a reliable PDF accessibility checker?

Organizations like EqualWeb offer comprehensive PDF accessibility solutions, ensuring full compliance with accessibility standards.