WordPress Accessibility Day 2026

The PDF Trap: When Accessible Websites Still Exclude Users

Beginner

October 8, 2026 at 04:00 UTC

PDFs are widely used to share reports, forms, policies, guides, and other important information, yet they are so often overlooked in accessibility efforts. While many organisations may invest significant time in making their websites accessible, inaccessible PDFs can still create barriers for people who rely on assistive technologies.

This session will explore the fundamentals of PDF accessibility, the common issues that prevent users from accessing content effectively, learn how people with disabilities interact with PDFs, and how to identify common barriers related to document structure, headings, reading order, images, tables, forms, and tags.

It will also cover practical PDF testing and remediation approaches, and determining when a PDF is the right format and when HTML may be a more accessible alternative. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how accessible PDFs contribute to an inclusive digital experience.

Speaker

Rinitta is a South Asian woman with shoulder-length dark hair and a gentle smile, wearing a sleeveless bright pink top. She is looking at the camera in a professional headshot with a softly blurred indoor background.
Accessibility Lead and SME, Ally Group