Often our first inclination is to post information to the website as a PDF because that's how we initially created the information.
The most accessible format for information is to post it as text directly on a webpage (just like what you're reading here!). If you are going to post a PDF or other downloadable document to the website, it needs to meet accessibility standards.
Answer the questions below to determine whether you should post a PDF or other downloadable document to the web.
Do people need to download and print this information in this format?
- Yes, this is a form that needs to be filled out.
- Could this form be turned into a fillable online form? Contact the Site Administrator Rachael Taft to see if this would meet your needs.
- If not, this may be need to be posted as a PDF.
- Yes, people may need to download this information in this format for reference.
- Post the PDF, but make sure it meets accessibility standards.
- If the document is fewer than 3-5 pages, it is preferable to also include this information on a webpage so it is accessible to those who can't view the PDF.
- No - Continue to the next question.
Is this a large document (more than 3-5 pages?)
- Yes - It may make the most sense to post this as a PDF, but you will have to make sure it meets accessibility standards. However, you may want to consider whether this information should be a section of pages on the website. Consult with you Department Content Manager or the Site Administrator if you aren't sure how to proceed.
- No - Continue to the next question.
Is it important for this information to appear in a certain format?
- Yes, this document contains a table of information.
- Consult with you Department Content Manager or the Site Administrator to determine whether this information can also be displayed on a webpage.
- Yes, this document has a special design or formatting.
- If the design or formatting is necessary to convey the information, we may be facing additional accessibility hurdles. Consult with you Department Content Manager or the Site Administrator to determine whether this information can also be displayed on a webpage or made accessible in its original format.
- Yes, this document is a map, site drawing, or other visual-based document.
- Post this as a PDF (or other required format). Best practice is to include a detailed description of the information that document is conveying alongside the link to this document on the website.
- No - See below.
If your answer is no to the above questions, you most likely do not need to post this information to the website as a PDF or other downloadable document. Contact your Department Content Manager, your division's designated Content Editor, or Kelly Foster, to get this information posted as a new page or an addition to an existing page on the website.