1. Accessible assessments PDF or…? @DigA11y

2. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Thank you http://diginclusion.com @DigA11y