Your PDF Passed the Accessibility Check and Still Fails Your Readers

Susan Finch was asked to quote a document accessibility project for a state agency. She went through every file, found more than the request covered, and sent back a list of questions. She admits she brought those questions too soon.

In this solo episode, Susan talks about where the real work hides in making a report accessible, why charts and tables matter so much, and why printed pieces need attention too. She also shares how the agency answered and what she would change about how she asked.

If you quote, buy, or publish reports, brochures, or PDFs, this episode will help you decide what to raise before you price a job, what to put in writing, and what can wait until you are hired.

The companion quoting checklist is on the blog here. 

Key points

1. The text is easy. The real hours in accessibility work go to charts, tables, and image descriptions.
2. Describe the finding. Alt text that repeats a chart title tells a screen reader user nothing about what the chart shows.
3. Never guess the numbers. When charts are flat pictures, ask for the source data instead of estimating values.
4. Print needs care too. Type size, paper finish, and color shifts decide whether a printed piece can be read.
5. Disclose without stalling. Put risks and costs in the quote as written assumptions instead of open questions.
6. Good questions build trust. A job that does not happen right now can still leave the door open.