UKAccessible PDF output from OpenText Exstream (PDF/UA)
Statements, policies and letters that screen readers can use. We set up tagged, accessible PDF and HTML output in Exstream for the European Accessibility Act, FCA Consumer Duty and WCAG.
Who is asking for accessible documents
Regulation
- European Accessibility Act: in-scope services to EU consumers since 28 June 2025
- FCA Consumer Duty: customers using screen readers must get the same information
- Public sector accessibility duties in the UK
Customers
- Blind and partially sighted customers using screen readers
- People who enlarge text or use high contrast
- Anyone reading a statement on a phone
Six things we build into your templates
Tags
Headings, paragraphs, lists and tables marked up so assistive technology understands the structure.
Reading order
Content read in the order a person would, not the order it was placed on the page.
Tables
Header cells defined, so figures in statements are read with their column and row names.
Alternative text
Descriptions for logos, charts and images, and decorative items marked as such.
Language & metadata
Document language and title set correctly for each EU language.
Standards
Output aimed at PDF/UA (ISO 14289) and WCAG 2.1 AA, as referenced by EN 301 549.
From inaccessible to tested
Assess
Test a sample of your documents with PDF checkers and a screen reader.
Configure
Set up accessible PDF and HTML output for your Exstream release, upgrading where needed.
Fix templates
Add structure, reading order, table headers and alt text through shared components.
Test & evidence
Automated checks plus manual screen-reader testing, with a report you can keep.
Common questions
Does Exstream support PDF/UA?
Recent Exstream releases include accessibility options in their PDF output. What is available depends on your release, so we confirm it during the assessment and plan an upgrade if needed.
Is PDF/UA legally required?
The European Accessibility Act requires accessible services and refers to EN 301 549. PDF/UA is the recognised standard for accessible PDF and a practical way to support that requirement for documents. It does not on its own make a service compliant, so confirm what applies to you with your compliance team.
Can we fix documents without rebuilding everything?
Usually. Building accessibility into shared components and styles fixes many templates at once.
Find out how accessible your documents are
A Health Check tests a sample of your statements and letters and tells you what to fix first.
Start a conversation
Tell us your platform, version and what you need. A specialist will reply, not a sales team. The first 30-minute call is free and without obligation.
Send an enquiryor email enquiries@thebentech.co.uk
