2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Extension publications have traditionally been formatted identically for both print and digital format for decades. However, ADA compliance laws that went into effect in 2011 require additional measures in formatting and publishing our extension information. The objective of this study was to explore usage of various computer programs to comply with ADA regulations for users that are hearing, speech and/or vision challenged in order to meet and surpass the standard compliance level. Our experiences and results indicated that there is a general hesitance to publish in an ADA format due to lack of easy to follow instructions and examples of compliant publications, along with the fact that there are various levels of compliance that technically satisfy compliance regulations. The use of internet tutorials and a myriad of meetings with ADA compliance officers at our institution was helpful, although proper formatting, evaluating, and publishing compliant documents techniques are not widely known among faculty members or advisers. A Lynda tutorial, by Chad Chelius, provided basic skills and a step-by-step "how to" on creating and remediating ADA compliant InDesign, Word, PowerPoint, and PDF formatted documents. Challenging aspects of formatting extension documents included tables, charts, graphs, graphic diagrams, alternative text, read order, tag order, metadata, color contrast, captions, index, and table of contents. Usage of Adobe Acrobat Pro was helpful in screening for compliance errors post PDF export. There are everchanging resources and compliance standards guidelines being developed and modified for a clearer understanding of the topic. The authors sole purpose transitioned into to an instructional presentation to elucidate horticulturists about creating source documents that are in the proper format for publishing ADA compliant documents. Before submitting publications to an extension publication department, horticulturists should be trained to comply with these regulations and do our best to create publications that are accessible and equal for all users.