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Introduction to Accessibility in Print Communications

Introduction to Accessibility in Print Communications

Intro to Accessibility – Episode Summary

In this essential episode of The Print University, Ryan McAbee and Pat McGrew—alongside guest expert David Herr from Allyant—introduce the foundational concepts of accessibility and its critical importance in print communications. Designed for printing industry training programs for new employees, printing technician certification online, or outsourced training for print production staff, this course emphasizes why creating accessible documents isn’t just good practice—it’s the law.

Accessibility ensures that all individuals, including those who are blind, visually impaired, colorblind, or cognitively challenged, can access vital information such as healthcare statements, financial documents, and educational materials. Pat and David discuss how this regulatory requirement applies globally, with standards like WCAG, PDF/UA, and Section 508 setting the framework for compliance.

The episode explains how PDF is the dominant format for accessible documents, and why simply using tools like Adobe Acrobat to auto-tag content is often insufficient. David breaks down how assistive technologies like screen readers rely on clean, structured tag trees to interpret documents correctly. The team also explores best practices for color contrast, reading order, large print, Braille, and the growing role of accessible marketing materials such as direct mail and mobile communication.

Most importantly, this episode equips printers, in-plants, and marketing service providers with knowledge and pathways to offer accessibility as a value-added service.

You Will Learn:

  • What accessibility means and why it’s legally required

  • How to create accessible PDFs that work with screen readers and assistive technologies

  • The difference between visual document design and accessible tag structure

  • Why accessible print and digital documents matter for financial, healthcare, and marketing communications

  • Tools and testing methods to ensure compliance (PAC, CommonLook Validator, manual audits)

Who This Course Is For:

Print professionals, prepress teams, data specialists, marketers, and service providers integrating printing technician certification online, prepress automation training, or offering accessibility as part of outsourced training for print production staff

Time to Watch:

Approx. 34 minutes