Accessible assessments
PDF or…?
@DigA11y
Is PDF the ideal format?
• There is currently no single ideal format for accessible assessments
• HTML, PDF and apps all have their advantages and disadvantages
But
• PDF is a very good format for simple text + answer field papers e.g.
• History
• English
• Religious studies
For example…
http://diginclusion.com
@DigA11y
http://diginclusion.com
@DigA11y
Is PDF the ideal format?
• For this kind of paper, PDF good for a wide range of people because
1. Technically accessibility is fairly straightforward
2. Content accessibility problems are relatively easy to avoid,
e.g. the question number above (violates WCAG 2.0, SC 1.3.3)
But
• PDF comparative weakness: limited access to typographic style (line
height, line length, font size, font face)
http://diginclusion.com
@DigA11y
Is PDF the ideal format?
• PDF is perhaps least well-suited to advanced Chemistry papers
• This can be technically accessible, but usability can be effectively zero
• HTML + text-to-speech, or Braille likely to be better options
http://diginclusion.com
@DigA11y
Science/maths
• PDF generally works well for most GCSE-level science/maths papers
• Accessible mathematical expressions currently provided via
MathSpeak™
• (e.g. a² + b² = c²: “A, squared plus b squared equals c squared”)
• MathML coming to PDF soon. Comparative level of AT support?
• Reading graphs: PDF better than HTML/EPUB
• Drawing graphs: PDF comparative weakness…
http://diginclusion.com
@DigA11y
http://diginclusion.com
@DigA11y
Science/maths
If the question just requires the candidate to solve the equation and
calculate a set of co-ordinates:
• Not a problem for PDF - just provide a text box
But if a graph must be drawn:
• For some, an AT like Splash! may work
• For some, an iPad app may be a more likely solution
• by touch/screen reader, or
• by voice command
http://diginclusion.com
@DigA11y
The way forward
Now…
• Get training to cut costs substantially (50% or more)
• Testing and finishing require experience
On-going/longer term…
• Content accessibility: dialogue between examiners, accessibility
professionals and other interested parties
• Technical accessibility: better standards, XML-first workflows:
different formats for different users’ requirements, on demand
http://diginclusion.com
@DigA11y
Thank you
http://diginclusion.com
@DigA11y