PDFs at EPA

Portable Document Format (PDF) is a widely used format for presenting documents electronically that looks exactly like the printed originals. PDFs are not as easy to use as text formats (e.g.; HTML and plain text) when using accessibility tools. Making PDFs accessible is part of EPA's compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and it is required for all PDFs posted on EPA.gov.

PDFs have to be tagged so that screen readers will be able to recognize the content and read it aloud. Conversion of Word and other word processing documents to PDF goes more smoothly if the original document has been created to be more accessible from the beginning. See: How to Create a Web-Ready PDF and 508 Compliance Guide for Existing PDFs.

PDF Web Standards

Standard: PDF Accessibility Requirements
Content for the web should be created in the WebCMS. When developing content for the web, agencies should default to HTML. Do not force downloading of PDF files. PDFs should open in the browser. EPA, like all federal agencies, is required to meet Section 508 requirements. In order for PDFs to be 508 compliant and accessible, the following minimum requirements must be met:  the PDF text is machine readable, the PDF is tagged, and contains internal file metadata. If the minimum requirements cannot be met, the PDF should include contact information for users in need of accommodation.​​​​​​​

Standard: Linking Standards for PDF Files
A brief description of how to add links to PDF documents. Includes several examples such as poster PDFs and using an in-line About PDF link