Your website is polished. But What About Your PDFs?
You’ve worked hard to make your website modern, mobile-friendly, and on-brand. But there’s a silent accessibility gap hiding in plain sight: your documents.
In 2025, the accessibility spotlight will shift beyond websites and into contracts, reports, brochures, HR policies, and application forms. And if your PDFs are still untagged, unreadable, or visually complex, you’re already behind.
Why Document Accessibility Matters Now
Most UK organizations treat document accessibility as an afterthought. But updated legislation and digital procurement practices are making inclusive documentation a compliance requirement, not just a “nice to have.”
Here’s what will be covered by accessibility laws and standards in 2025:
- Annual reports and newsletters
- Event flyers and marketing decks
- Internal HR policies and job postings
- Training manuals and forms
This isn’t just about being compliant — it’s about making sure every stakeholder, client, or employee can engage with your information equally.
What Makes a Document Inaccessible?
- Documents aren’t tagged for screen readers
- Images of text are used without descriptions (alt text)
- Tables are complex, unstructured, and unreadable
- Poor font contrast and inconsistent layouts
These mistakes don’t just affect people with disabilities—they also make your content less searchable, less usable, and ultimately less effective.
Your Step-by-Step Recipe for Accessible Documents
Step 1: Audit your most-used documents
Start with your reports, marketing PDFs, application forms, and anything shared externally.
Step 2: Tag content for screen readers
Ensure proper headings, alt text, reading order, and list structure are applied.
Step 3: Train your teams
Writers, designers, and admins need basic accessibility knowledge to build it into content creation workflows.
Step 4: Use accessible templates
Start with source files (Word, InDesign, PowerPoint) that follow accessibility best practices.
Step 5: Partner with accessibility-first specialists
At Design53, we create accessible document systems that align with your brand voice, visual identity, and compliance goals.
Quick Tip to Remember
If someone using a screen reader opened your document, would it make sense from start to finish? If not, it’s time to fix it.
Don’t Wait Until 2025
Regulations are coming. Audits are increasing. But more importantly, people need access now.