High Issue 1: The PDF is Scanned (No Selectable Text)

A "scanned" status means the file is essentially an image, and no text can be detected by screen readers. This typically occurs when a PDF is created from a physical paper copy using a scanner or copier.

Resolution Steps

1. Source a digital original: Attempt to locate a digital-first version of the document via the SIUE library databases or the original publisher source. This is always the cleanest solution.
2. Run Optical Character Recognition (OCR): If no native digital version exists, open the file in Adobe Acrobat and select the Scan & OCR tool to recognize the text.
3. Tag the document: Once the text is recognizable text, navigate to Tools > Accessibility > Autotag Document to build the background reading structure.

Medium Issue 2: Missing Core Document Metadata

The PDF Does Not Have a Language Set

Without an explicit language tag, screen readers do not know which accent or pronunciation dictionary to use.

1. Open the file in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2. Navigate to File > Properties.
3. Click the Advanced tab.
4. In the Reading Options section, locate the Language drop-down menu and set it to English.
5. Click OK and save your file.

The PDF Does Not Have a Title

Screen readers read the structural document title aloud to a user upon opening a file, rather than reading a messy, automated filename.

1. Open the file in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2. Navigate to File > Properties.
3. On the Description tab, enter a clear, human-readable title in the Title field.
4. Click OK and save your file.

Medium Issue 3: Missing or Broken Layout Structure

The PDF Does Not Have Headings (Is Untagged)

Tags create the hidden structural map that tells assistive software what order to read elements on a page.

1. Open the file in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2. Navigate to Tools > Accessibility.
3. Click Autotag Document.

Headings Do Not Begin at Level 1

Document layouts must follow a strict sequential order. Heading 1 (H1) must be reserved exclusively for the main document title, while Heading 2 (H2) and below represent sub-sections.

1. Open the file in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2. Navigate to Tools > Accessibility > Reading Order.
3. Use your cursor to draw a clear rectangle around the text block you wish to label.
4. Select the appropriate heading level (such as Heading 1 or Heading 2) from the Reading Order floating panel.
5. Save your file.

Medium Issue 4: Visual and Tabular Elements

Images Missing a Description (Alternative Text)

Alternative text (alt text) allows visually impaired students to understand the contextual meaning of an image, chart, or diagram.

1. Open the file in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2. Navigate to Tools > Accessibility > Reading Order.
3. Click the specific image, right-click it, and select Edit Alternative Text.
4. Type a concise, meaningful description of the image and click OK.
5. Repeat this process for any additional images, then close the window and save.

The PDF Contains a Table Missing Headers

Without designated header rows, a screen reader will simply read data cell by cell without telling the student which column or row the data belongs to.

1. Open the file in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2. Navigate to Tools > Accessibility > Reading Order.
3. Select the table structure and click the Table Editor button in the Reading Order panel.
4. Draw a rectangle highlighting your header row.
5. Right-click your selection and choose Table Cell Properties.
6. Check the Header Cell radio button, ensure the scope is correct (Row or Column), and click OK.
7. Save your file.

🛠️ Verifying Your Work

Beyond monitoring your Ally gauges inside Blackboard, you can verify your document's compliance manually before uploading it. Navigate to Tools > Accessibility > Accessibility Check within Adobe Acrobat Pro. This engine runs a comprehensive diagnostics check to flag any remaining inaccessible elements.