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Avoiding PDF Problems

PDFs and flyers may seem convenient, but they often create major accessibility barriers

Many PDFs are not readable by screen readers or mobile devices, and they don’t adapt well to different screen sizes. They also do not automatically translate to other languages. Even when they are technically “accessible,” PDFs can still be frustrating for users with disabilities—and time-consuming to create and maintain.

For that reason, our district is in the process of no longer sharing PDFs on public websites, in newsletters, or on social media. But don't worry, there are alternatives!

Why PDFs and flyers Are Problematic

  • Most PDFs are not accessible. Scanned images of flyers or documents with no selectable text are completely unreadable by screen readers.
  • PDFs don’t reflow well. They often require zooming or scrolling side-to-side on phones or tablets.
  • Creating an accessible PDF is time-consuming. You must tag headings, images, reading order, tables, and more.
  • Screen readers struggle with PDFs. Even “accessible” PDFs can behave inconsistently.
  • They are not easy to update. If the content changes, you have to recreate and re-upload the file.