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Submission Accessibility Guidelines

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Creating accessible content ensures that all readers, including those with disabilities, can effectively access and engage with it. Use this guide to ensure your PDF files are accessible to all readers.

PDF accessibility guidelines

Tag all document content

When exporting from an authoring tool (e.g., InDesign, Microsoft Word), select "PDF (Interactive)" or an equivalent option to apply proper tagging.

To ensure accessibility for users of assistive technology, verify that the following are appropriately tagged:

  • Headings (H1–H6) are used appropriately to create a structured hierarchy.
  • Tables, lists, and forms are correctly tagged for navigation and comprehension.
  • Images include meaningful alternative text or are marked as decorative if they do not convey important information.
  • Links have descriptive text rather than displaying raw URLs.
  • Mathematical content is accessible using MathML or has appropriate descriptive text.

Document-level requirements

In addition to tagging and structure, there are several other important features that help make your PDF files more accessible:

  • Color contrast: Ensure that the color of text against its background meets WCAG contrast requirements (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text).
  • Bookmarks: Use bookmarks to enable document navigation, and ensure that they match the heading structure.
  • Metadata: Make sure the file properties include the document title, language, and author information.
  • Language settings: Define the primary language to support screen reader pronunciation.
  • Font availability: Embed all fonts where possible to maintain readability across different devices.

Common authoring tools

Testing and validation

After you export your PDF file, validate its accessibility using Adobe Acrobat’s built-in accessibility checker. This tool identifies:

  • Missing document titles
  • Alternative text for images
  • Primary language settings
  • Unmarked or improperly tagged content

Manual review steps

  • Reading & tag order: Confirm logical reading order via the Tags panel.
  • Color contrast validation: Use tools like the Color Contrast Analyzer to check contrast.
  • Screen reader testing: Test with NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver to ensure there are no inconsistencies and the content is fully accessible.

EPUB accessibility guidelines

EPUB files provide a flexible and scalable reading experience. This file format offers improved accessibility because they are built on structured XHTML, support reflowable text, and include built-in navigation, making them easier to use with screen readers and other assistive technologies.

If you’re unfamiliar with authoring tools that can create EPUB, please reach out to JSTOR Support for further guidance.

Creating accessible EPUBs

These key accessibility guidelines will help you create EPUB files that meet the needs of users with disabilities:

  • Use proper heading structure to organize content logically.
  • Ensure text reflows correctly across different screen sizes and devices.
  • Include a navigation document (Nav file) instead of relying on a table of contents.
  • Provide alternative text for images to describe visual content for screen readers.
  • Avoid fixed-layout EPUBs unless necessary, as they restrict reflowable text and reduce accessibility and flexibility across devices.
  • Ensure hyperlinks use meaningful text instead of generic phrases like “click here.”
  • Embed fonts where possible to ensure consistent text rendering.

All submitted EPUB files should include accessibility metadata using schema.org and ONIX standards:

  • accessMode: Specifies how the content can be accessed (e.g., text, auditory, visual).
  • accessModeSufficient: Indicates which modes are sufficient to fully engage with the content.
  • accessibilityFeature: Lists features such as alternative text, captions, and structural navigation.
  • accessibilityHazard: Identifies potential issues, like flashing content that could cause seizures.
  • accessibilitySummary: Provides a human-readable description of the publication’s accessibility.

Testing and validation

  • Use EPUBCheck or Ace by DAISY to verify technical validity.
  • Test reading order and screen reader compatibility using EPUB reading apps such as Apple Books or Thorium Reader.
  • Confirm metadata accuracy, including language settings and title information.

By following these guidelines, you can create ebooks that are accessible and provide a better reading experience for everyone.

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