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PODCAST

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast

Dax Castro & Chad Chelius

Join Chad Chelius and Dax Castro (CHAX) as they chat about important document accessibility topics, trends and maybe even complain a little now and again.

education non-profit

All Episodes

27:58

Tag, You're It: Google Docs Joins the Accessibility Game

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/10/28

Inspired by Michael Hans' recent blog post, 'Google Docs Adds PDF Accessibility Tagging', Chad and Dax are exploring recent updates to Google Docs' PDF export capabilities. They focus on the addition of accessibility tags and the implications for document structure and screen reader usability. Chad and Dax discuss their own testing results, highlight both improvements and ongoing challenges with nested lists and table headers, and emphasize the importance of proper content structure for users with

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51:54

Guest: Microsoft - Accessibility for Word and PPT

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/10/14

Chad Chelius and Dax Castro welcome Microsoft’s Shireen Salma and Ylva Kravis to unpack new accessibility features in Word and PowerPoint, including the cross‑platform Reading Order pane, smarter AI‑generated alt text with approval workflows, and improved handling of floating images via anchors in Word. The discussion dives into table accessibility (layout tables, header detection, scope, merged cells), export-to-PDF best practices, and practical tips like grouping behavior, setting slide titles,

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53:42

What makes a Table Accessible?

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/09/30

Ever wondered why making tables accessible is so tricky? Or why it matters at all? In this lively episode of Chax Chat, Chad Chelius and Dax Castro break down the nuts and bolts of accessible tables with practical tips that draw on their decades of hands-on experience. From the essential differences between visual and programmatic accessibility, to real-world table fails (and how to fix them!), they share their secrets to creating documents that truly work for everyone. You’ll learn why a table

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44:50

Why Your Document Passed the Checker… but Still Fails...

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/09/16

Ever wondered why your document gets a thumbs-up from automated checkers, but still trips up real users? Do you find yourself wishing that technical compliance could actually intersect with real-world user experience? Join Chad and Dax as they dive into relatable stories, offer hands-on tips for remediation, and reveal the hidden flaws that checkers just can’t spot. Whether it's tag structure confusion, alt text tricks, or time-saving strategies, this conversation will help anyone move from “pass

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37:22

The Most Misunderstood Accessibility Features in Acrobat

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/09/02

Think you know Adobe Acrobat? Think again! Chad and Dax pull back the curtain on the most misunderstood Acrobat features, busting myths about tag trees, reading order, and common mistakes that trip up even seasoned pros. Get practical, real-world advice on cleaning up your tags, using the right tools (and avoiding the wrong ones), and ensuring your PDFs are truly accessible. Whether you’re a document novice or a seasoned remediator, these rapid-fire tips will save you time, headaches, and

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35:15

The Pleading Problem: Line Numbers and Screen Readers

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/08/19

A listener recently asked: How do you make legal documents with line numbers accessible? And Dax and Chad have answers! They dive into this niche but critical topic, breaking down the challenges of line-numbered pleadings and outlining practical strategies for remediators and document creators. From table-based solutions and tag structure tips to NVDA shortcuts and source file considerations, this episode is packed with real-world guidance to help you build accessible legal documents from the start

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44:43

Step-By-Step Screen Reader Testing with NVDA and JAWS

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/08/05

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47:06

Born Accessible: Why Inclusive Design Starts Before...

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/07/21

Accessibility isn’t the cherry on top, it should be baked in to your designs from the start! In this episode, Dax and Chad break down common design pitfalls and explain how to avoid them! From poor color contrast and tiny fonts to confusing layouts and unlabeled charts, they dive into the most common mistakes. Using plenty of real-world stories, this episode shows the value of considering accessibility from the beginning. Interested in a resource mentioned in this episode? Send us an email at

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37:51

What Makes a Document Truly Accessible

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/07/08

Accessibility checkers are helpful, but they don’t tell the whole story. In this episode, Dax and Chad break down what really makes a document accessible, from heading structure and reading order to alt text, lists, and color contrast. With plenty of real-world examples (and a few accessibility wizard jokes), this episode is a practical guide to building better documents from the start! Interested in a resource mentioned in this episode? Send us an email at solutions@chaxtc.com and we’ll get it

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28:35

Special Considerations for Accessible Multi-language...

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/06/23

Designing accessible multilingual documents goes way beyond translation. In this episode, Dax and Chad unpack the many layers, from alt text limitations and form field quirks to font encoding nightmares and cultural sensitivity in visuals. If you're designing multi-language documents or forms, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you build documents that are truly inclusive. Interested in a resource mentioned in this episode? Send us an email at solutions@chaxtc.com and we’ll

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44:24

PDF Forms: Designed to Be Filled and Accessible

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/06/10

Forms are one of the trickiest types of PDF’s to make accessible! In this episode, Chad and Dax break down why forms can be so frustrating, how tagging impacts screen reader navigation, and what tools and workflows can help you build forms that are both functional and accessible. They share tips that save time (and sanity), pitfalls to avoid, and, as always, they remind you why checking your work with a screen reader is essential. Interested in a resource mentioned in this episode? Send us an

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38:04

Challenges and Considerations for Excel and...

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/05/27

In this episode of Chax Chat, hosts Chad Chelius and Dax Castro tackle real-world challenges in document accessibility, focusing on tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat. They explore common issues with tables and cells, such as merged headers and layout complexities, and share practical tips for ensuring accessibility across different formats. The conversation includes strategies for managing accessibility in spreadsheets and PDFs, highlighting the nuances of remediation. Plus we are

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47:54

Tips for Exporting from PowerPoint to PDF

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/05/13

In this episode of ChaxChat, hosts Chad Chelius and Dax Castro delve into document accessibility with a focus on real-world challenges and professional development. This episode highlights tools and strategies that bridge the gap between aesthetics and functionality. Working in MS Word, Powerpoint and Adobe Acrobat. Using the Microsoft accessibility checker. Qualitative VS quantitative. And of course Koi Talk.

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41:35

From White Paper to Practice: Making Accessibility Real

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/05/01

What really drives accessibility—compliance, inclusion, or brand trust? Chad and Dax unpack an IAAP white paper on motivations, share how automation needs a human touch, and highlight why certifications like IAAP’s ADS matter. They also dive into creating truly accessible documents with a focus on meeting PDF/UA standards. Perfect for anyone ready to level up their accessibility game.

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42:41

Template Traps: When Accessibility Isn’t Built In

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/04/15

In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad Chelius and Dax Castro take a hard look at the hidden risks of relying on templates for accessible content. They unpack how even well-intentioned templates can bake in bad practices and create barriers at scale when not built with accessibility in mind. From heading structures to color contrast, the duo shares tips on what to look out for and how to fix it. They also touch on recent accessibility lawsuits that highlight the real-world consequences of getting it

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32:01

AI and Remediation: Help or Hype?

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/04/01

In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad Chelius and Dax Castro dive into the world of artificial intelligence and its role in accessibility. From AI-generated alt text to document remediation tools, they explore the balance between automation and accuracy. You’ll hear real-world examples, a few rants, and some solid advice for those navigating this evolving landscape. Whether you’re curious about what’s next or skeptical of the hype, this episode offers valuable insights and a few laughs along the way

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36:42

Mastering PDF Accessibility: Common Pitfalls and Pro...

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2025/02/06

In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad Chelius and Dax Castro tackle some of the most common challenges in document accessibility. From overlooked tagging issues to the hidden complexities of tables and lists, they break down key remediation strategies that can save you time and frustration. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help you create compliant, user-friendly PDFs. So sit back, grab your favorite mug of whatever, and let’s get

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36:38

What is the one accessibility tool you need?

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2024/07/17

This is really a trick question. In this episode we discuss how to answer the question "What is the one tool you use for accessibility?" Chad and Dax start out by discussing the merits of getting an accessibility certification and then move on to talk about a couple of new scripts that are currently on their website. Specifically one that helps hide and show items in the Adobe InDesign Articles panel. Chad drops a pro-tip on the ROI of purchasing the right tools to speed up your production time and

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29:47

What Matters Most: A Native AT User’s Perspective

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2024/05/25

They say the best way to learn a language is by working with a native speaker, and learning Assistive Technology is no different. We are thrilled to have Kristen Witucki from Tamman Inc join us today on Chax Chat to talk about her experience as a native assistive technology user. Kristen walks us through the way she uses NVDA and JAWS, her setting preferences, and how the use of this technology affects her day to day life. Kristen works with Tamman Inc both as an Assistive Technology Communications

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31:42

Understanding Alt Text, Actual Text, Extended...

Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast ·

2024/05/18

Effective use of alt text, actual text, extended descriptions, and captions are essential for helping the users of accessibility tools read the document the way you intended. Most documents contain more than words alone. Graphics, graphs, photos, and even stylized formats are used to enhance the reader experience. But oftentimes, these visual elements disrupt or even create a barrier for users of AT. In today’s episode of Chax Chat, Chad Chelius and Dax Castro discuss some of the pitfalls and

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129 results

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