PDF Document Accessibility and Remediation

Top 10 Tools to Help Remediate and Test Academic Materials for Accessibility

Continual Engine Team
September 25, 2025

If you’re working in higher education, you already know how important it is to make your digital content accessible. Even though 82% of higher education institutions have digital accessibility policies in place, a surprising 68% have still run into legal or regulatory issues around accessibility in recent years. That gap between intention and execution is where the real challenge lies. To help you close it, we’ve rounded up ten powerful tools that can help you check, fix, and improve the accessibility of your academic materials without making the process overwhelming. Let’s get started.

Top 10 Accessibility Tools for Academic Materials

Tool	Suitable Academic Feature	Best For	LMS Integration	Key Features	Compliance Standards
PREP	Bulk PDF/scanned doc auto-remediation, LMS integration	Campus-wide remediation	Yes	AI-powered auto-tagging, batch processing, collaboration, LMS integration	ADA, Section 508, WCAG 2.2 AA
Acrobat Pro	Manual fine-tuning, heading/structure fixes	Syllabi, research papers	No	Detailed manual tagging, structure editing, PDF auditing	ADA, Section 508, WCAG 2.1/2.2
Blackboard	Real-time alt formats, student-facing courseware	Assignments, notes	Yes	Auto-generation of alternative formats (audio, HTML, ePub)	WCAG 2.1 AA, Section 508
CommonLook	Batch validation, legal compliance	Policy docs, guides	No	Batch remediation, rigorous validation, reporting	ADA, Section 508, WCAG 2.1/2.2
Axe	Web portal QA, dev support	E-learning platforms	No	Browser extension, developer tools, automated web testing	WCAG 2.1, Section 508
Siteimprove	Campus-wide monitoring, dashboards	Univ. websites, libraries	No	Automated site scanning, dashboards, compliance tracking	WCAG 2.2, ADA
SensusAccess	Alt format conversion for readings	Course readings, articles	Yes	Format conversion (audio, Braille, DAISY), on-demand	WCAG 2.1, ADA
WAVE	Quick visual site/module checks	Library guides, portals	No	Visual error indicators, one-click checks	WCAG 2.1
Equidox	Batch PDF tagging/remediation	Course packs, textbooks	No	AI-assisted tagging, batch processing	Section 508, WCAG 2.1
Microsoft	Slide/handout auto-check, instant feedback	Everyday faculty docs	Yes	Integrated accessibility checker in Office apps	WCAG 2.1, ADA

1. PREP PDF Remediation Software

PREP is built for handling complex academic content like long course packs, research archives, and scanned PDFs. It uses AI to auto-tag elements such as headings, tables, and lists so your documents follow Section 508, ADA, and WCAG guidelines. You don’t have to tag everything manually.

It also supports bulk uploads and batch processing, which means you can fix hundreds of documents at once. PREP works inside platforms like Canvas and D2L, so you can manage everything from the same place where you teach or design courses. With up to 90% of the process automated and solid training support, it reduces the manual effort and speeds up your workflow.

Why it’s Great for Academics: It automates complex PDF remediation and integrates directly into your workflow, making it ideal for busy course designers and accessibility teams.

2. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC Accessibility Checker

If you prefer a hands-on approach, Acrobat Pro DC gives you full control over the structure and tagging of your PDF files. You can manually fix headings, lists, tables, and reading order to make sure everything is screen-reader friendly. It’s especially helpful for older or scanned documents like syllabi, dense research papers, or anything with complex formatting.

It doesn’t automate the process as much as other tools, but it gives you precision. Disability support teams and research faculty often rely on it when a document needs extra care or custom tweaks.

Why it’s Great for Academics: It lets you manually fix even the most complicated documents, which is useful for special cases or detailed academic content.

3. Blackboard Ally

Ally is perfect if you want accessibility support built right into your LMS. As soon as you upload a file, Ally scans it and automatically creates different accessible formats like audio, HTML, ePub, and even Braille. You don’t have to request anything separately or use multiple tools.

This gives students instant access to the format they need without putting extra work on your shoulders. It’s a simple way to make your classroom more inclusive without changing how you already teach.

Why it’s Great for Academics: It works automatically in the background and gives every student flexible access.

4. CommonLook PDF & Office

CommonLook is designed for full-scale compliance, especially when your institution is preparing for an audit or accreditation. It works with both PDFs and Office files and checks your documents against Section 508 and WCAG standards. You can generate detailed reports and fix problems in batches.

This is great if your team manages large amounts of content like policies, faculty guides, or school-wide communications. It fits into quality assurance workflows and makes sure your materials are fully compliant.

Why it’s Great for Academics: It’s built for large-scale remediation and compliance tracking, making it perfect for schools managing lots of files.

5. Axe by Deque Systems

Axe is different from the others. It’s built for developers and tech teams working behind the scenes on your website or e-learning systems. If your institution has its own portals, submission platforms, or custom tools, Axe can scan them and flag any accessibility issues before they go live.

It works directly inside browser developer tools and can be added to your software development pipeline. So while it’s not for casual users, it’s perfect for campus teams that build or manage digital platforms.

Why it’s Great for Academics: It lets your tech team build accessible platforms from the ground up, ensuring everything your students use is inclusive from the start.

6. Siteimprove Accessibility Checker

Siteimprove is a smart tool that helps universities keep their websites and digital spaces accessible. It works in the background, constantly scanning for issues across different departments, online libraries, and course platforms. The results show up in a dashboard where IT and accessibility teams can see what’s wrong, who should fix it, and how to get everything back on track.

It’s especially helpful for keeping your institution audit-ready and aligned with WCAG and Section 508 standards. Whether you’re preparing for a review or just want to stay ahead, Siteimprove makes it easy to track, assign, and manage accessibility fixes at scale.

Why it’s Great for Academics: It scans the entire campus website system and helps teams assign and manage accessibility tasks through one central dashboard.

7. SensusAccess

SensusAccess is a self-service tool that converts regular course files into accessible formats like audio, Braille, ePub, or DAISY. If a student needs material in a specific format, you don’t have to wait around. Faculty or the disability support team can upload the file and get the converted version in just a few steps.

It’s especially useful when students have sensory or print disabilities and need a quick solution. With SensusAccess, you can meet their needs fast and keep things moving smoothly during the semester.

Why it’s Great for Academics: It gives instant file conversions into accessible formats, helping faculty respond quickly to accommodation requests.

8. WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)

WAVE is a free tool that gives you a visual report of accessibility issues right on your webpage. When faculty or instructional designers use it, they can instantly spot problems in their course pages, resource guides, or library content. You don’t need to know how to code since WAVE points out what’s wrong and what to fix, using clear icons and colors. It’s a favorite in higher education because of how easy it makes accessibility checks for non-technical staff.

Why it’s Great for Academics: It shows accessibility issues right on the page so instructors and content creators can fix them on the spot.

9. Equidox

Equidox is a user-friendly PDF remediation tool built for teams that handle a lot of scanned or complex academic documents. It uses smart automation and AI to tag headings, lists, tables, and images without needing you to dig into complicated tag trees. You can fix reading order with a simple slider, reuse templates across similar documents, and even batch process large sets of files.

It’s great for converting course packs, research archives, and scanned readings into accessible formats quickly. Whether you’re new to accessibility or already deep into it, Equidox helps you get compliant without slowing you down.

Why it’s Great for Academics: It simplifies and speeds up PDF remediation, especially when you’re dealing with a high volume of academic documents.

10. Microsoft Accessibility Checker

If you already use Word, PowerPoint, or Excel to make teaching materials, you’ll find the Accessibility Checker built right in. It flags issues while you’re working, like missing alt text, poor reading order, or hard-to-read fonts. The tool then gives you tips on how to fix them.

This is a great way for teachers and staff to make sure handouts, assignments, and lecture slides are accessible from the start. It’s simple, easy to use, and already part of the apps you use every day.

Why it’s Great for Academics: It checks accessibility as you create your materials, so you can fix things right away without extra steps.

How To Choose the Right Tool for Academic Accessibility?

Choosing the right accessibility tool for your academic needs can feel overwhelming, especially when there are so many features and terms to sort through. But if you know what to look for, the process becomes a lot more manageable. Here are some important things to consider when picking the right tool.

Compliance and Standards

Start by checking whether the tool meets major accessibility standards like WCAG, Section 508, or EN 301 549. These standards are there to make sure all learners, including those with disabilities, can access and use academic content. If a tool doesn’t follow these, it’s not worth your time.

Testing Type

Accessibility testing comes in two main types: automated and manual. Both have their place, and ideally, you want a tool that supports or integrates with both methods. If you’re unsure what the difference is, take a look at Automated vs Manual Testing to understand when and why each one matters.

Features and Functionality

Dig into what the tool actually offers. Can it scan full documents? Does it work with different formats like PDFs, Word files, or presentations? Look for features that match the types of content you usually work with. Tools that provide detailed reports, suggest fixes, or even automate basic corrections can save you a lot of time.

Integration and Workflow

Think about how well the tool fits into your existing routine. Can it connect with your Learning Management System (LMS)? Does it plug into Google Drive, Microsoft Office, or wherever you store your documents? The smoother the integration, the easier it is to make accessibility part of your everyday work.

Cost and Support

Budget matters, especially in educational settings. Look at both the upfront cost and the ongoing support. Some tools offer great features but come with hidden fees or poor customer service. It’s worth checking what kind of support is available if you run into trouble. Live chat, tutorials, training sessions, or a dedicated help team can make a big difference.

Scalability

Are you planning to use this tool across one classroom, a department, or an entire campus? The right tool should be able to grow with you. Make sure it can handle more users and larger document volumes without slowing down or becoming too expensive.

User Experience

Finally, don’t ignore how the tool feels to use. Is it clunky and confusing, or smooth and intuitive? If the interface is hard to understand, chances are it won’t get used much. A clean layout, simple navigation, and clear instructions can go a long way in making sure everyone sticks with it.

Closing Thoughts

Making academic materials accessible doesn’t have to be a complicated or time-consuming task. With the right tools, you can catch issues early, fix them smoothly, and create a better learning space for everyone. Whether you’re handling a few files or a full course library, there’s something in this list that can help. Start small if you need to. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do these tools handle complex STEM equations and scientific diagrams?

Some tools, like PREP, are built with AI that can understand mathematical content. They recognize equations and symbols more accurately than standard tools. If you’re working with a lot of equations or diagrams, check whether the tool supports MathML or has built-in features for recognizing STEM visuals. In some cases, you might still need to add alt-text manually for accuracy.

Which tools work best with LMS platforms like Canvas or Blackboard?

PREP is the best tool here, since it connects directly with Canvas and D2L, making it easy to manage accessibility within the LMS itself.

Which tools are the most cost-effective for smaller colleges compared to large universities?

Smaller institutions often benefit from tools that offer per-document pricing or pay-as-you-go models. Larger universities usually get better value with enterprise-level plans that include volume discounts and wider access.

How can faculty remediate entire course packs or textbook collections efficiently?

If you’re handling a large batch of documents, tools like PREP and Equidox are designed for bulk processing. They let you upload and fix multiple files at once.

What’s the typical time commitment to learn these tools?

It depends on how advanced the tool is. Most basic platforms can be learned in 2 to 4 hours. More advanced ones might take 8 to 16 hours. Look for tools that come with video tutorials, help centers, or dedicated training programs to make onboarding smoother.

How do these tools support multilingual academic content?

Yes, many tools are designed to work with different languages and writing systems. This includes support for commonly taught foreign languages and scripts used in international course materials. It helps ensure that students from different language backgrounds can access and understand the content clearly.