PDF remediation and PDF/UA accessibility
A PDF is not accessible just because the text is visible.
DEMA remediates PDFs so assistive technologies can understand the document structure: headings, paragraphs, lists, tables, images, links, language, reading order and navigation. The service can be integrated with multilingual DTP so accessible output is considered during production rather than added as an afterthought.
Accessible PDF
The visual page and the semantic document must tell the same story.
A PDF can look correct and still be unusable to a screen reader if tags, reading order, headings, tables, alt text or language metadata are wrong.
Why remediation is technical
Accessibility exists underneath the visual layout.
A sighted reader can infer columns, headings and table relationships from position and design. Assistive technology needs that logic encoded explicitly. DEMA works with PDF/UA-oriented structure and accessibility checks so the semantic order matches the intended reading experience.
Structure & tags
Headings, paragraphs, lists, tables and other content need the correct semantic roles.
Reading order
The logical sequence must match the visual information flow, especially in multi-column or graphic-heavy documents.
Non-text content
Images, charts and diagrams need appropriate alternative descriptions or artifact handling.
Navigation & metadata
Language, links, bookmarks and metadata help assistive technology identify and navigate the document.
Remediation checklist
What is reviewed inside an accessible PDF.
Document structure
Build a coherent semantic hierarchy.
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Tagged headings and paragraphs
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Correct heading hierarchy
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Lists and nested lists
Tables & graphics
Make complex visual information interpretable.
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Header relationships
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Table summaries where useful
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Alt text for images and figures
Navigation
Help users move through the file.
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Meaningful links
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Bookmarks where appropriate
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Logical tab/reading order
Document settings
Support correct assistive-technology behaviour.
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Document language
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Metadata
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Security settings that do not block accessibility
Standards and EAA context
Accessibility requirements are now a live procurement and publication issue.
The European Accessibility Act has applied since 28 June 2025, so accessibility is now part of procurement and publication decisions. For PDF documents, the relevant technical framework is PDF/UA (ISO 14289) together with digital accessibility requirements such as WCAG 2.1 AA and EN 301 549, where applicable. WCAG 3.0 is still being developed and is not yet a binding requirement.
Important
DEMA can remediate and test documents against the agreed technical requirements. Whether a specific organisation or document is legally in scope depends on the applicable law, product or service and market; this information is not legal advice.
Accessibility
The four principles of accessibility.
Accessible documents rest on the same four principles as accessible websites: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust. PDF/UA and WCAG turn them into concrete technical checks for every file.
P
Perceivable
Text, images, charts and tables must be available to everyone, including people using screen readers. Alt text and correct tags make the content perceivable.
O
Operable
Readers must be able to move through the document with a keyboard or assistive technology. Bookmarks, links and a logical tab order keep navigation smooth.
U
Understandable
Content must be clear and predictable. A correct reading order, a defined document language and consistent headings help every reader follow the document.
R
Robust
The file must work reliably across PDF readers and assistive technologies. Standards-compliant tagging, as PDF/UA requires, keeps it interpretable now and in the future.
Remediation applies these principles inside the file, so the document works for every reader.
The remediation workflow
Accessibility can be integrated with localisation and DTP.
01
Audit the PDF
Identify structural, reading-order, contrast, table, image, link, form and metadata issues.
02
Repair the source or PDF structure
Where appropriate, rebuild or correct the source in Word/InDesign or remediate the PDF tags directly.
03
Add semantic information
Create headings, lists, table structures, alt text, artifacts, language settings and navigation.
04
Verify reading order and usability
Check the document with accessibility tools and review how the content is exposed to assistive technology.
05
Deliver and document
Provide the remediated file and agreed validation evidence; for multilingual projects, repeat the accessibility checks on the final target-language output.
Best fit with DTP
The cheapest place to solve accessibility is often before final export.
If a multilingual document is already being rebuilt in FrameMaker, InDesign or another DTP environment, accessibility requirements can be considered at the same time. This avoids translating first, laying out second and remediating a structurally poor PDF third.
Manuals & guides
Technical documentation can combine translation, DTP and PDF remediation in one production chain.
Financial documents
Statements, product information and reports may need both multilingual accuracy and accessible final PDFs.
Marketing & public documents
Brochures, reports and public-facing content can preserve visual design while receiving semantic structure for assistive technology.
Impact
What remediated PDFs do for your organisation.
Accessible documents are not only a compliance task. They make your content easier to use, easier to find and available to a much wider audience.
Improved user experience
Remediated PDFs are easier to read and navigate for everyone, whatever assistive technology, device or reading preferences they use.
Inclusive audience reach
According to the World Health Organization, 16% of the world’s population experiences significant disability. Accessible documents make sure your content reaches these readers too.
Better SEO performance
Tagged, well-structured PDFs with clear titles, headings and text alternatives are easier for search engines to understand, so your documents are easier to find.
Lower compliance risk
Documents remediated and tested against PDF/UA and WCAG requirements help you meet accessibility expectations in public procurement and under the European Accessibility Act.
Client voices
Long-term partners, in their own words.
Manufacturers, agencies and specialist firms across Europe rely on us for documentation that has to be right in every market.
“
We have been working with DEMA for a few years now on the translation of manuals: they are a great partner – professional, fast, and efficient, with a team of helpful and kind people. Our native-speaking dealers have also praised the quality and accuracy of the translations.
Michela R.
FMB S.r.l. · Italy
“
The advertising agency that follows us called me to tell me that the layout of the brochures that DEMA SOLUTIONS translated was perfect, he added that the translations never come this way, neither from us nor from their other clients. They were very satisfied.
Fernanda B.
Bonino S.r.l. · Italy
“
DEMA Solutions is a dynamic service provider that responds to our needs and thus puts its customers first. The cooperation with the staff is a pleasure and leads to success.
Tomislav M.
Tanner AG · Germany
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Our collaboration with Dema has made it possible for us to look at the ‘translation issue’ as nothing more than a formality. Giardina Group is an engineering company that specializes in the design and production of innovative surface finishing and coating technologies. We export 90% of our production, and our ability to communicate with our customers in their own language – by providing clear, precise and professional documents – is a significant competitive advantage and an essential part of the high-quality service for which we are known. Our collaboration with Dema has proven to be of immense value: they are an attentive, reliable partner who responds quickly to our needs, even in ‘emergency’ situations.
Luca R.
Giardina Group · Italy
“
We have had a fruitful long-term cooperation with Link-Up. Over the years, we have put in a lot of hard work and have really made a name for ourselves as an international player in the clothing industry. It has been a non-stop journey, and the quality of multilingual communication in different contexts and for different services has been and continues to be a key strategic factor. Let’s keep up the good work together!
Matteo L.
Teddy Group · Italy
Link-Up is a DEMA Solutions company
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Translations of outstanding quality, always delivered on time, with professionalism and great availability. As a company operating in many countries worldwide, it is crucial for us to have a reliable and competent translation service provider we can depend on. The specific language requirements of the sector in which we operate are always met.
Elisa C.
TricoBiotos S.p.A. · Italy
“
Lilly and Claudio are first of all friends, but they are also highly professional partners in the field of translation services. Always available and punctual, they have been our go-to for over 25 years for our international customers, who always praise the quality of our work. Translation is about more than just switching from one language to another, it’s about capturing the essence of the product and tailoring it to the target audience. Thank you Link-Up!!
Vincenzo C.
Promos S.n.c. · Italy
Link-Up is a DEMA Solutions company
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For several years now, we have relied on LINK-UP for the translation of texts for the websites we create and for writing copy for advertising campaigns. The staff and owners of LINK-UP are always very kind and professional. A guarantee of quality.
Denis V.
Adriaweb Strategie Digitali · Italy
Link-Up is a DEMA Solutions company
“
When I first came into contact with REM Traduzioni more than 10 years ago, our roles were reversed. They were our client and commissioned us to develop their company website. We soon began to involve Elisabetta and Gloria in the projects we manage for our customers. Our collaboration has blossomed over time, thanks to their ability to deliver a consistently high-quality, professional service in every situation. REM Traduzioni has always been the partner of choice for us when it comes to multilingual communication.
Giacomo D.
Advertendo Srl · Italy
REM Traduzioni is a DEMA Solutions company
“
I got to know REM Traduzioni a few years ago when I joined the Ferretto Group. Elisabetta and Gloria were already trusted suppliers to the Ferretto Group and after the first few days I knew I would not be disappointed. The quality of the translations provided, the professionalism of the team, and their willingness to take on even the most urgent and complex projects make REM Traduzioni an invaluable partner on which we can rely to develop all our communication projects.
Annachiara B.
Ferretto Group SpA · Italy
REM Traduzioni is a DEMA Solutions company
“
I think I can say that REM Traduzioni has grown with us. We were one of their first customers over 30 years ago, and our ongoing relationship, built on complete trust and mutual respect, has evolved into a true partnership. Elisabetta and Gloria are our trusted translation service providers that we rely on for all of our translation needs and we consider them an integral part of our team.
Alessandro B.
Ufficio Veneto Brevetti · Italy
REM Traduzioni is a DEMA Solutions company
“
REM Traduzioni is our firm’s partner of choice in the field of language services. We rely on REM for some of our most sensitive and important projects and they always deliver on time and with professionalism.
Alessandro C.
Partner – BTLAWS · Italy
REM Traduzioni is a DEMA Solutions company
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We are happy with your service, which we consider professional and fast
Antonella T.
Rossi & Rivieri · Italy
Events and insights
Sharing our accessibility expertise with the industry.
Our team speaks at conferences, writes for industry media and runs workshops on plain language, accessibility and inclusion.
Article · MultiLingual magazine, April 2026Influencing the Industry
In the April 2026 issue, Milena Spelta Parenti is featured among language industry influencers, explaining why accessible and inclusive language is about removing barriers.
Read the article ↗
Workshop · Torino Film Festival 2025Lo spettacolo per tutti: inclusione e innovazione sul palco e sullo schermo
Milena Spelta Parenti took part in this workshop on making theatre and film accessible to every audience, with inclusive and innovative approaches on stage and on screen.
View the programme ↗
Conference talk · GALA 2024 ValenciaPlain and Easy Language: ensuring accessible communication for all
Milena Spelta Parenti and Jovana Maravic share how we simplify language for specific audiences, drawing on the plain and easy language projects of the Spanish company DEMA acquired in 2022.
Watch the talk ↗
Free report
PDF remediation: make your documents accessible to everyone.
Download our free report to learn how PDF remediation works and how it helps your organisation publish documents that everyone can use.
Questions
A remediation quote depends on structure, not just page count.
Can you remediate a PDF if we do not have the source file?
Yes, but the method and effort depend on how the PDF was produced. Some files are best repaired directly; others may need partial reconstruction.
Will remediation change the visual design?
Often the visual appearance can remain substantially the same, though contrast or structural problems may require small design adjustments.
Do translated PDFs need to be checked again?
Yes. Translation and DTP can change reading order, language settings, alt text and layout relationships, so accessibility should be verified on the final target-language file.
Can you combine PDF remediation with translation?
Yes. DEMA can connect translation, DTP and remediation so accessibility is part of the output specification rather than a separate project at the end.
Send the PDF, not only the page count.
We can review how the document was built, identify the main accessibility barriers and propose whether remediation should happen in the PDF itself or upstream in the source/DTP workflow.
Talk to DEMAHow can we help?
Tell us what you need and we’ll get back to you with the solutions.
Insights
Related reading.
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