After spending so much time ensuring that the Word document is accessible, it is now time to export the Word document to PDF so that all the accessibility features are preserved. First we'll make sure that your fonts will be embedded in your document (especially important if you're using specialized or uncommon fonts). Then we'll save the file in the PDF/A format,
PDF/A is a variation of the PDF format that ensures a document can be reproduced exactly the same way, regardless of what software -- including screenreaders -- is used. Basically, all of the information necessary for displaying the document and its elements in the same manner is embedded in the file—leaving your documents safe, accessible, and secure for the long term.
1) Edit the Save settings for Microsoft Word:
2) Then, select the Save settings and make sure the two options to "Embed fonts in the file" and "Embed only the characters used..." are checked.
3) Click OK (Windows) or close the Save settings window (Mac)
For most things we do in Word, there's not much difference between Mac and Windows. Unfortunately, there are some differences when it comes to this particular process, and even some differences depending on your own computer setup.
With your file open, go to the File tab. If you see "Save as Adobe PDF" as an option, then:
If you do NOT see "Save as Adobe PDF" as an option in the File tab, then:
Word on a Mac won't give you an option to save as PDF/A directly, so we'll first have to create a PDF and then use Adobe Acrobat to convert that file to PDF/A. This adds a few steps over what Windows users have to do, unfortunately.
Once your PDF is finished exporting, open it in Adobe Acrobat (not Acrobat Reader)
If you don't already have Adobe Acrobat on your computer, U-M students can download it for free from here. When you launch Acrobat, be sure to log in with your umich credentials (more info available here).
When your dissertation file is complete, you will submit the final dissertation file to Rackham Graduate School (as described on Rackham’s Submitting the Dissertation page). Your dissertation will be preserved by the University of Michigan Library in our institutional repository, Deep Blue.
In addition to your final dissertation file, you may have additional, supplemental materials that the Library can preserve as part of your scholarship. This could include materials such as:
Depositing such materials will ultimately make your scholarship more accessible and complete for those who wish to access it in the future. To consult with a librarian about additional materials you may wish to include, please contact deepblue@umich.edu. You may contact us at any stage in your research or deposit process.