Breaking free from PDFs: Creating beautiful, accessible HTML alternatives

One of the biggest barriers to achieving true web accessibility—especially in higher education—is PDFs. Too often, critical content is buried in inaccessible PDFs, making it harder for users to engage with important information. Ideally, all content would be created as HTML, but in reality, complex documents like curriculum maps and reports often remain stuck in PDF format. At the University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, curriculum maps were a major accessibility challenge. Rather than settling for the status quo, we developed an innovative, user-friendly solution to transform these complex documents into accessible, engaging HTML experiences. Join us—along with the Associate Dean of Marketing and Communications from Crown Family School—as we walk through this real-world case study. You’ll learn actionable strategies to break free from PDFs, enhance accessibility, and create seamless digital experiences that meet both user needs and compliance standards. By the end, you’ll be ready to tackle your own PDF challenges and build a more inclusive web.

Presenters

• Syd Hunsinger — Sandstorm Design
• Dr. Tonishea M. Terry Jackson — University of Chicago