AU2015249202A1 - Generating accessible electronic documents - Google Patents

Abstract

GENERATING ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS A toolbar, graphical user interface (GUI) and methods for an electronic document production package to assist in generating electronic documents that are accessible to users with an impairment are disclosed. The methods include determining, via a processor, a colour of a feature within an electronic document and a colour of a background within the electronic document which the feature overlays. The method includes calculating a visual contrast between the feature and the background based at least on the colour of the feature and the colour of the background, determining whether the visual contrast is at or above a contrast threshold and displaying an indicium signifying whether the visual contrast is at or above the contrast threshold. The toolbar comprises a set of buttons for assisting in generating an electronic document, which are configured to execute a tool that improves the accessibility of the electronic document. A tooltip for each of the set of buttons displays a description of the tool and how the tool improves accessibility of the electronic document. 2442402v1 -~ 0 cm o 0c 0 0 C - -CQ~cdzc c~ LL 0 -0 _ ci ci0 _ n00> 0 "' -I. o0 -0 z0 L 0D -1.- 0) -0 .z -U c wI- cz - 5o cz a .0 U) 0> c, 0 0) c0 E Z : J 0Q 000 Fz U) = =)0E c 0 Cd)~ Z5.- C:dw w~ 00 Cd En a) (z o C U C\J %+- UJL) c'~0 0'~ c'J C-

Description

1 2015249202 30 Oct 2015

GENERATING ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to computer implemented tools, methods and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to assist in generating accessible electronic documents. In particular, the present invention relates to computer implemented tools, methods and GUIs to assist in generating accessible electronic documents that are compliant with accessibility standards and/or accessibility tools, such as screen readers, for users with an impairment, such as a visual impairment, a mobility impairment and/or a cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] In many countries, governments and businesses are providing services and announcements digitally. In Australia, it is estimated that over 90% of content on government websites is locked in documents, and this will increase with the revision of the Freedom of Information Act which requires legacy documents be made available online.

[0003] The Australian 2009 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers reported that four million people in Australia have a disability that may prevent them from accessing information contained in online documents (nearly 20% of the Australian population). The disabilities may include, for example, a visual impairment such as blindness, low vision or colour blindness, a mobility impairment and/or a cognitive impairment such as dyslexia. Australia’s ageing population (in 2011 estimated at 18.9% by McCrindle Research in their Telstra report) further adds to this figure as growing numbers of older people rely on customisation of content or adaptive technologies to read online content.

[0004] Whilst there are global standards for accessibility of online content in Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML) and Portable Document Format (PDF), no such framework exists for documents produced in Microsoft Word and other electronic document production packages. There are a range of techniques that can be implemented to ensure a Microsoft Word document is 2442402v1 2 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 optimised for accessibility. However, many people who create documents in Microsoft Word do not have the knowledge, skills or time to implement these techniques.

[0005] Although Microsoft Word is not an accessibility-supported technology, anecdotal evidence suggests that the majority (75%) of documents published online are created using Microsoft Word before being converted to PDF. If the Microsoft Word documents are not optimised for accessibility prior to conversion to PDF, the published PDF files will also not be optimised for accessibility. Indeed, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) receives more complaints about the inaccessibility of PDF files than any other web-based issue.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is a preferred object of the invention to provide computer implemented tools, methods and/or graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to assist in generating accessible electronic documents that addresses or ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provides a useful commercial alternative.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to computer implemented tools, methods and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to assist in generating accessible electronic documents. In particular, the present invention relates to computer implemented tools, methods and GUIs to assist in generating accessible electronic documents that are compliant with accessibility standards and/or accessibility tools, such as screen readers, for users with an impairment, such as a visual impairment, a mobility impairment and/or a cognitive impairment.

[0008] In one form, although not necessarily the broadest form, the invention resides in a toolbar for an electronic document production package to assist in generating electronic documents that are accessible to users with an impairment, the toolbar comprising: 2442402v1 3 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 a set of buttons for assisting in generating an electronic document, each of the set of buttons configured to execute a tool that improves the accessibility of the electronic document; and a tooltip for each of the set of buttons, the tooltip displaying a description of the tool and how the tool improves accessibility of the electronic document.

[0009] Suitably, one or more of the tools executed by the set of buttons is a pre-existing function of the electronic document production package.

[0010] Suitably, the pre-existing function is a function for formatting the electronic document.

[0011] Suitably, the tool executed by one of the set of buttons is a tool for scanning the electronic document and identifying one or more issues with accessibility in the electronic document.

[0012] Suitably, the tool executed by one of the set of buttons is a tool for analysing and adjusting visual contrast within the electronic document.

[0013] Suitably, the tool executed by one of the set of buttons is a tool for converting the electronic document into another format, such as Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML) or Portable Document Format (PDF), while maintaining accessibility.

[0014] Suitably, the tool executed by one of the set of buttons is a tool for previewing what a user of the electronic document would experience when reading the electronic document via a screen reader.

[0015] Suitably, the tool executed by one of the set of buttons is a tool for editing alternative text for an image in the electronic document.

[0016] Suitably, the tool executed by one of the set of buttons is a tool for editing a header layout of a table in the electronic document.

[0017] In another form, although not necessarily the broadest form, the invention resides in a method to assist in generating electronic documents that are accessible to users with an impairment, the method comprising: modifying an electronic document production package to display an accessibility toolbar, the accessibility toolbar including a set of buttons for 2442402v1 4 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 assisting in generating an electronic document, each of the set of buttons configured to execute a tool that improves accessibility of the electronic document.

[0018] Suitably, the method further comprises modifying the electronic document package to display a tooltip for each of the set of buttons, the tooltip displaying a description of the tool and how the tool improves accessibility of the electronic document.

[0019] In a further form, although not necessarily the broadest form, the invention resides in a computer implemented method to assist in generating electronic documents that are accessible to users with an impairment, the method comprising: determining, via a processor, a colour of a feature within an electronic document; calculating, via the processor, a visual contrast between the feature and a background which the feature overlays based at least on the colour of the feature and the colour of the background; identifying, via the processor, that the visual contrast is below a contrast threshold; and automatically changing, via the processor, the colour of the feature and/or the colour of the background such that the visual contrast between the colour of the feature and the colour of the background is at or above the contrast threshold.

[0020] Suitably, the method is performed for each feature in the electronic document.

[0021] In yet another form, although not necessarily the broadest form, the invention resides in a graphical user interface (GUI) to assist in generating documents that are accessible to users with an impairment, the GUI comprising: one or more controls to adjust a colour of a feature within an electronic document and/or a colour of a background within the electronic document which the feature overlays; and 2442402v1 5 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 one or more indicia signifying whether a visual contrast between the colour of the feature and the colour of the background is at or above a contrast threshold; wherein the one or more indicia are automatically updated when the colour of the feature and/or the colour of the background are adjusted.

[0022] Suitably, the one or more controls comprise one or more sliders, each slider controlling a quantity relating to the colour of the feature or the background.

[0023] Suitably, the quantity is a hue of the colour, a saturation of the colour or a lightness of the colour.

[0024] Suitably, the one or more sliders each overlay a plot of the colours which the respective slider selects.

[0025] Suitably, an axis of each plot that is perpendicular to the respective slider represents the visual contrast between the colour of the feature and the colour of the background.

[0026] Suitably, the plot of each slider is automatically updated when one of the sliders is changed.

[0027] In yet another form, although not necessarily the broadest form, the invention resides in a computer implemented method to assist in generating documents that are accessible to users with an impairment, the method comprising: determining, via a processor, a colour of a feature within an electronic document; determining, via the processor, a colour of a background within the electronic document which the feature overlays; calculating, via the processor, a visual contrast between the feature and the background based at least on the colour of the feature and the colour of the background; determining, via the processor, whether the visual contrast is at or above a contrast threshold; and displaying, via a display, an indicium signifying whether the visual contrast is at or above the contrast threshold. 2442402v1 6 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 [0028] Suitably, the calculation of the visual contrast is based on a size of the feature.

[0029] Suitably, the calculation of the visual contrast is based on a transparency of the feature.

[0030] Suitably, the feature comprises one or more characters, symbols or graphemes.

[0031] Suitably, the method further comprises: detecting, via the processor, a change in the colour of the feature and/or the colour of the background; calculating, via the processor, a new visual contrast between the feature and the background based at least on the colour of the feature and the colour of the background after the change; determining, via the processor, whether the new visual contrast is at or above the contrast threshold; and displaying, via the display, an indicium signifying whether the new contrast is at or above the contrast threshold.

[0032] Suitably, the method further comprises displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising one or more controls and/or text areas to adjust the colour of the feature and/or the colour of the background.

[0033] Suitably, each of the one or more controls indicates a relationship between the colour adjusted by the respective control and the visual contrast between the colour of the feature and the colour of the background.

[0034] Suitably, each of the one or more controls indicates the colours selectable by the respective control at which the visual contrast will be at or above the contrast threshold.

[0035] Suitably, the one or more controls are sliders.

[0036] Suitably, the one or more controls adjust a hue of the colour, a saturation of the colour or a lightness of the colour.

[0037] Suitably, the method comprises displaying a plot of colours selectable via the slider, wherein a first axis of the plot that is parallel with the slider 2442402v1 7 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 represents a quantity adjusted by the slider and a second axis of the plot that is perpendicular to the slider represents the visual contrast.

[0038] Further forms and/or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein: [0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a toolbar according to some embodiments of the invention; [0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a Structure group of the toolbar of FIG. 1; [0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a Graphical User Interface (GUI) executed by a Document title button of the Structure group shown in FIG. 2; [0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a tooltip for a Title button of the Structure group shown in FIG. 2; [0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a tooltip for an hi header button of the Structure group shown in FIG. 2; [0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a tooltip for a Bullets button of the Structure group shown in FIG. 2; [0046] FIG. 7 illustrates a “Set Image” GUI executed by an Insert image button of the Structure group shown in FIG. 2; [0047] FIG. 8 illustrates another “Set Image” GUI executed by a Set image button of the Structure group shown in FIG. 2; [0048] FIG. 9 illustrates a tooltip for the Set image button of the Structure group shown in FIG. 2; [0049] FIG. 10 illustrates a Tables group of the toolbar of FIG. 1; 2442402v1 8 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 [0050] FIG. 11 illustrates an “Insert table” GUI executed by an Insert table button of the Tables group shown in FIG. 10; [0051] FIG. 12 illustrates an example “Set table” GUI executed when a table is inserted via the “Insert table” GUI shown in FIG. 11; [0052] FIG. 13 illustrates another example “Set table” GUI executed by an Set table button of the Tables group shown in FIG. 10; [0053] FIG. 14 illustrates a Navigation group of the toolbar of FIG. 1; [0054] FIG. 15 illustrates a References group of the toolbar of FIG. 1; [0055] FIG. 16 illustrates a Design group of the toolbar of FIG. 1; [0056] FIG. 17 illustrates a Charts group of the toolbar of FIG. 1; [0057] FIG. 18 illustrates a “Format” GUI executed by a Format button of the Charts group shown in FIG. 17; [0058] FIG. 19 illustrates a Forms group of the toolbar of FIG. 1; [0059] FIG. 20 illustrates a “Form properties” GUI executed by a Properties button of the Forms group shown in FIG. 19; [0060] FIG. 21 illustrates a “Help text” GUI executed from the “Properties” GUI shown in FIG. 20; [0061] FIG. 22 illustrates a “Restrict formatting and editing” GUI executed by a Restrict editing button of the Forms group shown in FIG. 19; [0062] FIG. 23 illustrates a “Section selection” GUI executed from the “Restrict formatting and editing” GUI shown in FIG. 22; [0063] FIG. 24 illustrates an Inspect group of the toolbar of FIG. 1; [0064] FIG. 25 illustrates a “Find insufficient colour contrast” GUI executed by a Find insufficient colour contrast button of the Inspect group shown in FIG. 24; [0065] FIG. 26 illustrates a “Colour contrast determinator” GUI executed from the “Find insufficient colour contrast” GUI shown in FIG. 25; 2442402v1 9 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 [0066] FIG. 27 illustrates a slider of the “Colour contrast determinator” GUI, shown in FIG. 26, adjusted such that a visual contrast is at or above a contrast threshold; [0067] FIG. 28 illustrates a help GUI executed by a Help button of the Inspect group shown in FIG. 24; [0068] FIG. 29 illustrates a general flow diagram of a computer implemented method to assist in generating documents that are accessible to users with an impairment; [0069] FIG. 30 illustrates optional method steps which can be performed after the computer implemented method of FIG. 29; and [0070] FIG. 31 illustrates a general flow diagram of another computer implemented method to assist in generating documents that are accessible to users with an impairment.

[0071] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] The present invention relates to computer implemented tools, methods and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to assist in generating accessible electronic documents. In particular, the present invention relates to computer implemented tools, methods and GUIs to assist in generating accessible electronic documents that are compliant with accessibility standards and/or accessibility tools, such as screen readers, for users with an impairment, such as a visual impairment, a mobility impairment and/or a cognitive impairment.

[0073] FIG. 1 illustrates a toolbar 100 for an electronic document production package to assist in generating electronic documents that are accessible to users with an impairment, according to an embodiment of the invention. The toolbar 100 comprises a set of buttons for assisting in generating an electronic 2442402v1 10 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 document. Each of the set of buttons is configured to execute a tool that improves the accessibility of the electronic document. FIG.1 also illustrates a menu bar 120 from which the toolbar 100 can be selected by selecting menu item 122 labelled “Accessibility”.

[0074] The toolbar 100 is divided into groups of buttons. The groups include: a structure group 110, a tables group 120, a navigation group 130, a references group 140, a design group 150, a charts group 160, a forms group 170 and an inspect group 180. The groups are described in detail below with reference to the other figures. The toolbar 100 comprises a tooltip (not shown in FIG. 1 but described hereinafter) for each of the set of buttons. Each tooltip displays a description of the tool and how the tool improves accessibility of the electronic document.

[0075] In the examples shown in the figures, the electronic document production package is Microsoft Word. The buttons in each group execute selected tools or functions that when used improve accessibility of the electronic document. The tools or functions include tools or functions that were already present in Microsoft Word, and other modified or additional tools or functions. For example, the tools illustrated in FIGS. 18, 20, 21,22 and 23 are already present in Microsoft Word in the form shown. The toolbar 100 comprises tools or functions specifically for creating and/or transforming an electronic document such that it is accessibility compliant and excludes tools or functions that when used would create an electronic document with accessibility issues.

Structure Group [0076] FIG. 2 shows the structure group 110. The structure group 110 includes: a Document title button 200, a Title button 205, a Subtitle button 210, Fleadings buttons 215 labelled hi to h6, a Bullets button 220, a Numbering button 225, a Multilevel lists button 230, a Breaks button 235, an Insert image button 240 and a Set image button 245.

[0077] The buttons in the structure group 110 provide tagging for elements within the electronic document which complies with accessibility standards. Standards compliant tagging enables people with vision or mobility 2442402v1 11 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 impairments to efficiently scan document content and/or navigate the document, for example, via a keyboard and/or when using a screen reader.

Document Title [0078] Electronic documents typically have a set of document properties including, for example, a document title and a document author. The document title button 200 executes a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to enable a user to set and/or edit the document title assigned in the document properties. The document title is not visible within the electronic document but is typically the first element of an electronic document that a screen reader announces. If no document title is present, the screen reader will default to the file name of the electronic document, which may not accurately describe the electronic document’s contents.

[0079] FIG. 3 shows an example GUI 300 that is executed by the Document title button 200 to set or edit the document title. The GUI 300 comprises a text field 310 into which a document title can be entered and an “Apply” button 320 to apply the entered document title to the electronic document. The GUI 300 also comprises a “Cancel” button 330 to cancel the editing or setting of the document title and close the GUI 300.

[0080] The document title assigned in the document properties can be maintained when the electronic document is exported, for example, to Portable Document Format (PDF) or Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML). The document title would then be the first element a screen reader announces when it opens the exported PDF or HTML document.

Title [0081] The Title button 205 applies a "Title" style to selected text in the electronic document. When the “Title” style is applied, a title tag is assigned to the selected text. This enables a screen reader, for example, to announce the text having the title tag as a title.

[0082] FIG. 4 illustrates a tooltip 420 that is displayed, for example, when a mouse pointer is over the Title button 205. The tooltip 420 comprises a 2442402v1 12 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 description 422 of the tool or function executed by the Title button 410 and a description 424 of how the function improves accessibility of the electronic document. The tooltip 420 also comprises a description 426 of how to access further help on the tool and/or the toolbar, and a keyboard shortcut used to access the help.

Subtitle [0083] The Subtitle button 210 applies a "Subtitle" style to selected text in the electronic document production package. When the "Subtitle" style is applied, a subtitle tag is assigned to the selected text. This enables a screen reader, for example, to announce the text as a subtitle.

Headings [0084] The Headings buttons 215 apply heading styles to selected text in the electronic document. The Headings buttons 215 include buttons for different heading levels. For example, the hi button applies a "Heading 1" style, the h2 button applies a "Heading 2" style, etc. When heading styles are applied, heading tags are assigned to the selected text designating the heading level. This enables a screen reader, for example, to announce the heading level of the text. The hierarchy of heading levels can help people with a vision impairment to map the structure of the electronic document in their mind.

[0085] FIG. 5 illustrates a tooltip 420 that is displayed, for example, when a mouse pointer is over the hi button 207. The tooltip 420 comprises a description 422 of the tool or function executed by the hi button 207 and a description 424 of how the tool or function improves accessibility of the electronic document. The tooltip 420 also comprises a description 428 of a keyboard shortcut to execute tool or function.

Bullets [0086] The Bullets button 220 applies a bulleted list style to selected text in the electronic document. In some embodiments, when the bulleted list style is applied, a bulleted list tag and/or a bulleted list item tag are assigned to the selected text. Lists can provide semantic meaning to information in an 2442402v1 13 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 electronic document making the information easier to follow for people with cognitive and/or visual impairments.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 6, a second Bullets button 222 is provided which executes a dropdown menu. The dropdown menu enables a user to select different styles for the bullets used in the bulleted list. A tooltip 420 is displayed, for example, when a mouse pointer is over the Bullets button 220. The tooltip 420 comprises a description 422 of the tool or function executed by the Bullets button 220 and a description 429 of additional options provided by the drop down menu.

Numbering [0088] The Numbering button 225 applies a numbered list style to selected text in the electronic document. In some embodiments, when the numbered list style is applied, a numbered list tag and/or a numbered list item tag are assigned to the selected text. As with the Bullets, a dropdown menu is provided which enables a user to select different styles for the numbering used in the numbered list.

Multilevel list [0089] The Multilevel list button 230 applies a multilevel list style to selected text in the electronic document. A multilevel list organises the list items at nested levels rather than at one level like the bullets and numbering.

[0090] In some embodiments, when the multilevel list style is applied, a multilevel list tag, a multilevel list level tag and/or a multilevel list item tag are assigned to the selected text. A dropdown menu is provided which enables a user to select different styles for the multilevel list and adjust the levels of the multilevel list.

Breaks [0091] The Breaks button 235 inserts a break into the electronic document. For example, the break can be a page break, a column break or a section 2442402v1 14 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 break. A dropdown menu is provided which enables a user to select the type of break to be inserted.

[0092] Page breaks, column breaks and section breaks can be used to structure an electronic document. Such breaks can also be used in an electronic document instead of empty paragraphs or multiple line breaks. Empty paragraphs are announced as ‘blanks’ by screen readers and navigating through multiple consecutive blanks adds unnecessary screen reader ‘noise’ to the page.

Insert image [0093] The insert image button 240 executes a GUI to enable a user to insert an image into the electronic document. After an image is inserted a "Set image" GUI is executed which enables a user to create or edit alternative text (alt-text) for the image. When a screen reader identifies the image in the electronic document, the screen reader will announce the alt-text that is assigned to the image. Therefore, the alt-text should describe the information being conveyed by the image.

[0094] FIG. 7 shows an example image 500 and an example "Set image" GUI 600 overlaying the image 500. The "Set image" GUI 600 includes a text field 610 into which alt-text for the image 500 can be entered, an “Apply” button 630 to apply the entered alt-text to the image 500, and a “Cancel” button 640 to cancel the editing or setting of the alt-text for the image 500.

The "Set image" GUI 600 also includes a decorative image checkbox 620.

The decorative image checkbox 620 sets the image 500 as decorative image, for example, the alt-text can be set blank or as “decorative”. Decorative images will not be read by a screen reader.

[0095] A tooltip for the insert image button 240 includes a warning for the user that screen readers will usually ignore alt-text applied to floating images and a recommendation that the user wraps all images “In Line with Text”.

Set image 2442402v1 15 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 [0096] The Set image button 245 opens the "Set image" GUI 600 to enable a user to view or edit alt-text for all images selected. A “select all” command can be used to select all images in the electronic document.

[0097] FIG. 8 shows another example of the "Set image" GUI 600. A title bar 650 of the "Set image" GUI 600 identifies the image to which the alt-text is to be applied. In this example, the title bar 650 identifies that the image is the first of thirteen selected images. The "Apply" button sets the alt-text for the current image and updates the text field 610 to display the alt-text of the next selected image for editing. As the "Set image" GUI 600 steps through the selected images, the current image is selected in the electronic document to enable a user to identify the current image. In some embodiments, the "Set image" GUI 600 is also overlaid on the current image, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0098] The “Cancel” button 640 cancels changes to the alt-text of the current image and updates the text field 610 to display the alt-text of the next selected image for editing. A "Stop" button 660 cancels changes to the alt-text of the current image and closes the "Set image" GUI 600.

[0099] FIG. 9 shows the tooltip 420 for the Set image button 245. The tooltip 420 includes a warning 427 for the user that screen readers will usually ignore alt-text applied to floating images and a recommendation that the user wraps all images “In Line with Text”. The tooltip 420 also includes a tip 425 explaining how to select all images in the electronic document.

Tables group [0100] FIG. 10 shows the tables group 120 shown in FIG. 1. The tables group 120 includes: an Insert table button 700 and a Set table button 710.

The buttons in the tables group 120 enable users to optimise data tables for accessibility.

Insert table [0101] The Insert table button 700 executes an “Insert table” GUI to enable a user to insert a data table into the electronic document. FIG. 11 shows an example “Insert table” GUI 800. The “Insert table” GUI 800 includes a number 2442402v1 16 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 of columns input field 810 and a number of rows input field 820 to enable a user to define the size of the data table. After the table is inserted by clicking an “OK” button 830, a "Set table" GUI is executed to enable a user to specify a table type.

[0102] FIG. 12 shows an example "Set table" GUI 900. The "Set table" GUI 900 enables a user to select a header layout for the data table. The header layout defines an association between the data cells of the data table and the headers of the data table to optimise the data table for accessibility. If an association between the data cells and the headers is not properly defined, screen readers will not announce cell data with its associated headers and the data table may seem confusing to a vision impaired user.

[0103] The "Set table" GUI 900 includes a radio box with four options for the header layout. The options include: both column and row headers 910, column headers only 920, row headers only 930, or no assigned headers 940.

[0104] The "Set table" GUI 900 also includes an "Apply" button 950, which applies the chosen header layout to the current data table, and a “Cancel” button 960 which cancels changes to header layout for the current data table.

Set table [0105] The Set table button 710 opens the "Set table" GUI 900 to enable a user to select a header layout for one or more selected data tables. A “select all” command can be used to select all data tables in the electronic document.

[0106] FIG. 13 shows another example of the "Set table" GUI 900. A title bar 980 of the "Set table" GUI 900 identifies the table for which a header layout is to be selected. In this example, the title bar 980 identifies that the header layout is for the first of four selected tables. The "Apply" button 950 sets the header layout for the current data table and updates the "Set table" GUI 900 for editing the next selected data table. As the "Set table" GUI 900 steps through the data tables, the current data table is selected in the electronic document to enable a user to identify the current data table. In some embodiments, the "Set table" GUI 900 is also overlaid on the current data table. 2442402v1 17 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 [0107] The “Cancel” button 960 cancels changes to header layout of the current data table and the "Set table" GUI 900 proceeds to the next selected data table. A "Stop" button 970 cancels changes to the header layout of the current data table and closes the "Set table" GUI 900.

Navigation group [0108] FIG. 14 shows the Navigation group 130. The Navigation group 130 includes: a Table of contents (TOC) button 1000, a Table of figures (TOF) button 1010, a Link button 1020, a Fleader button 1030, a Footer button 1040, and a Page number button 1050. Many tools in the Navigation group 130 make the electronic document easier to navigate via a keyboard. This assists many sighted and non-sighted users who rely on the keyboard to navigate long documents. Pleaders and footers help make content easier to navigate and understand by providing information in a consistent manner.

TOC

[0109] The Table of contents (TOC) button 1000 inserts a table of contents into the electronic document. Each item in the table of contents links to sections of the document that use the heading styles. A table of contents therefore makes it easy for users to quickly navigate to a section of the electronic document, for example, via the keyboard.

TOF

[0110] The Table of figures (TOF) button 1010 inserts a table of figures into the electronic document. The table of figures includes all data tables, images and/or equations in the electronic document. Each item in the table of figures links to the respective data table, image or equation. A table of figures therefore makes it easy for users to quickly navigate to the data tables, images or equations in the electronic document, for example, via the keyboard.

Link 2442402v1 18 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 [0111] The Link button 1020 creates a hyperlink from selected content in the electronic document. The selected content can be, for example, a graphic or a piece of text and the hyperlink provides a link from the selected content an external resource (webpage) or to another section of the electronic document. Therefore, hyperlinks provide a means for users to quickly navigate between linked sections of the electronic document or from the electronic document to another related electronic document or internet address. To improve accessibility for the vision impaired and other users of screen readers, all link text or alt-text for a link image should describe the target of the link and should make sense when read out of context.

Header [0112] The Header button 1030 inserts or edits a header for the electronic document or a section of the electronic document.

Footer [0113] The Footer button 1040 inserts or edits a footer for the electronic document or a section of the electronic document.

[0114] Users of screen readers will find it difficult to access the content placed within the headers and footers of a Word document. Therefore, for accessibility, all information shown in the header and footer (author, date document was published, etc.) should also available on a title page of the document.

Page numbers [0115] The page number button 1050 inserts page numbers into the electronic document. For example, the page numbers are inserted into the header or footer of each page of the electronic document. Page numbers can be used, for example, by a vision impaired user, to determine a current location within the electronic document.

References group 2442402v1 19 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 [0116] FIG. 15 shows the References group 140. The References group 140 includes: a Footnote button 1100, an Endnote button 1110, and a Caption button 1120. The buttons in the References group 140 add referencing or captions to content in the electronic document. Referencing content enables readers to quickly access details of the source and/or author of the content.

Footnote [0117] The Footnote button 1100 inserts or edits a footnote. The footnote is a reference that is displayed at the bottom of a page of the electronic document and is linked to a position in the electronic document. Footnotes are numbered in order and are automatically renumbered when content is moved within the electronic document.

Endnote [0118] The Endnote button 1110 inserts or edits an endnote. The endnote is a reference that is displayed at the end of the electronic document and is linked to a position in the electronic document. Endnotes are numbered in order and are automatically renumbered when content is moved within the electronic document.

Caption [0119] The Caption button 1120 inserts or edits a caption for an element, such as an image, data table or equation, in the electronic document.

Captions describe an element with a numbered line of text. For accessibility, captions are placed above the element. Screen readers will then read the caption before encountering the element.

Design group [0120] FIG. 16 shows the Design group 150. The buttons in the Design group 150 apply formatting to the electronic document, which can improve accessibility. The Design group 150 includes: a Spacing button 1200, an Align text left button 1210, an Align text right button 1220, and a Borders 2442402v1 20 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 button 1230, a Decrease indent button 1240, an Increase indent button 1250, a Font style button 1260, and a Font size button 1270.

Spacing [0121] The Spacing button 1200 changes the amount of space between lines of text and paragraphs. By creating white space within the electronic document using formatting, the electronic document is made more accessible, for example by reducing screen reader noise, than if structural elements, such as empty paragraphs and cells, were used to create white space. As described above, empty paragraphs are announced as ‘blanks’ by screen readers, and therefore navigating through empty structural elements adds screen reader ‘noise’ to the electronic document.

Align text left and Align text right [0122] The Align text left button 1210 aligns selected text to the left of the electronic document. The Align text right button 1220 aligns selected text to the right of the electronic document.

[0123] The tooltip for each of the Align text left button 1210 and the Align text right button 1220 advises a user to avoid using justified text. Justified text can create uneven spacing between letters. When these uneven spaces line up above one another, a distracting “river” of white space prominently appears. This can cause dyslexic readers to lose their place repeatedly. Whenever possible text should be aligned left.

Borders [0124] The Borders button 1230 opens a GUI to enable a user to customise borders of selected table cells. Users should avoid using text boxes because text boxes may not be read by a screen reader. Therefore, a text box tool is not included in the toolbar 100. If content needs to be displayed within a box, a user should place the content in a single table cell and use bordering effects.

Decrease indent and Increase indent 2442402v1 21 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 [0125] The Decrease indent button 1240 decreases the indentation of a paragraph from the left of the page. The Increase indent button 1250 increases the indentation of a paragraph from the left of the page.

Font style and Font size [0126] The Font style button 1260 adjusts the font style of selected text. The Font size button 1270 adjusts the font size of selected text. The font styles should be san serif and the font size should be no smaller than 12 points, because many people who have dyslexia and low vision will find it easier to read san serif fonts that are no smaller than 12 points.

Charts group [0127] The buttons in the Charts group 160 execute tools or functions to create charts within the electronic document that are accessible to impaired users. The Charts group 160 includes: a Chart button 1300, a Format button 1310, and a Picture button 1320.

Charts [0128] The Chart button 1300 inserts a chart into the electronic document. In some embodiments, when a chart is inserted, a user is prompted or advised to insert a textual summary of the information or trends conveyed in the chart in the text of the electronic document, for example, directly above or below the chart. In some embodiments, the user is also be prompted or advised to insert alt-text for the chart including: a graph or chart title and text notifying the user that a description of the graph or chart is provided in the text of the electronic document, and to provide associated tabular data (i.e. a data table) in the electronic document, for example, near the chart or in an appendix. For example, the user can be prompted in a GUI, such as a message box, or advised in a tooltip associated with the Chart button 1300.

Format [0129] The Format button 1310 opens a GUI 1350, as shown in FIG. 18 to enable a user to format a selected chart. For example, a user can change the 2442402v1 22 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 outline of the selected chart and a fill 1360 of the data series in the selected chart.

[0130] Some people find it difficult to perceive differences in colours and cannot access information that is conveyed solely through colours. Therefore, adjacent colours on the chart or graph should have sufficient contrast. If the chart contains a legend, a pattern overlay 1370 can also be added to each data series.

Picture [0131] A Picture button 1320 pastes clipboard content into the electronic document as an image. Screen readers will not announce the data within a Microsoft Excel chart in a meaningful sequence. Therefore, to improve accessibility, charts can pasted and displayed as images using the Picture button 1320 and alt-text can be added to describe the chart.

Forms group [0132] FIG. 19 shows the Forms group 170. The buttons in the Forms group 170 execute tools or functions for generating and editing forms. For example, the forms can be Microsoft Word forms, and the tools or functions can include Legacy Microsoft Word forms tools and other tools that assist in creating accessible interactive Microsoft Word Form. The Forms group 170 includes: an Edit box button 1400, a Check box button 1410, a Combo box button 1420, a Reset button 1430, a Properties button 1440 and a Restrict editing button 1450.

Edit box, Check box, Combo box and Reset [0133] The Edit box button 1400 Inserts text form field. The Check box button 1410 inserts check box. The Combo box button 1420 inserts a combo box (drop-down) form field. The Reset button 1430 resets the form controls to their default settings.

Properties 2442402v1 23 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 [0134] The Properties button 1440 executes a “Form Properties” GUI 1500. When a form is protected a person using a screen reader can only access the form controls. This means that screen reader users will not be able to access the text labels for the form controls. To create an accessible form each form control needs to have an additional screen reader accessible label. The “Form Properties” GUI 1500 comprises an Add help text button 1510 to add such a label to a form as help text.

[0135] The Add help text button 1510 executes a “Help text” GU11550, shown in FIG. 21, which includes a text field 1560 to receive the help text.

Restrict editing [0136] To activate the form controls the electronic document typically needs to be protected. The Restrict editing button 1450 executes a “Restrict formatting and editing” GU11600, shown in FIG. 22, which can be used to enable complete or partial protection of the electronic document. The “Restrict formatting and editing” GU11600 includes a combo box 1610 to select a type of editing to allow in the protected section of the electronic document, i.e. filling in forms, and a “Start” button to start protecting all or part of the electronic document. The GU11600 also includes a button 1630, which executes a “Select sections” GU11650, shown in FIG. 23. The “Select sections” GUI 1650 includes check box 1660 for each section of the electronic document to enable a user to select the sections of the electronic document to be protected.

[0137] If the entire form is protected a person using a screen reader will only have access to the form elements. They will not have access to the form instructions. Therefore, form instructions should be placed in a separate nonprotected section of the electronic document and the section of the electronic document that includes the form should be protected.

Inspect group [0138] FIG. 24 shows the Inspect group 180. Buttons in the Inspect group 180 execute tools or functions for reviewing and exporting the electronic document. The Inspect group 180 includes: an Accessibility checker button 2442402v1 24 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 1700, a Colour contrast analyser button 1710, a Metadata removal button 1720, a Save to HTML button 1730, a Copy as HTML button 1740, a Screen reader preview button 1750, and a Help button 1760.

Accessibility checker [0139] The Accessibility checker button 1700 executes an accessibility checker which scans the electronic document and identifies one or more issues with accessibility in the electronic document. A user can, for example, execute the accessibility checker to locate and correct accessibility issues prior to publishing the electronic document. In some embodiments, the accessibility checker is a built-in accessibility checker of the electronic document production package, for example, Microsoft Word.

Find insufficient colour contrast [0140] The Colour contrast analyser button 1710 executes a tool for analysing and adjusting visual contrast within the electronic document to improve accessibility.

[0141] FIG. 25 shows a “Find insufficient colour contrast” GUI 1800 that is executed by the Colour contrast analyser button 1710. The GU11800 includes a Find button 1810 which executes a search of the electronic document for text with insufficient contrast against its background colour.

Good contrast between foreground and background colours is important for users who have low vision or colour blindness.

[0142] Specifically, for each feature in the electronic document, a colour of the feature is determined, and a visual contrast between the feature and a background which the feature overlays is calculated based at least on the colour of the feature and the colour of the background. If the visual contrast is identified to be below a contrast threshold, the search stops and the issue is identified in a text box 1830 of the GUI 1800. A Colour contrast determinator (CCD) button 1840 of the GUI 1800 executes a “Colour contrast determinator” GUI. The “Colour contrast determinator” GUI enables a user to adjust the colour of the text or background to improve the colour contrast. When the 2442402v1 25 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 search stops, a cursor in the electronic document is set at the feature with the issue.

[0143] In some embodiments, if the visual contrast is below a contrast threshold, the colour of the feature and/or the colour of the background is automatically changed such that the visual contrast between the colour of the feature and the colour of the background is at or above the contrast threshold.

[0144] The “Find insufficient colour contrast” GUI 1800 also includes a Stop button 1820 which stops the search.

[0145] In some embodiments, the calculation of the visual contrast is based on a size of the feature. The calculation of the visual contrast can also be based on a transparency of the feature.

[0146] In some embodiments, the search only checks the colour contrast on some types of text, for example, characters, symbols or graphemes, because it is more complex to check the colour contrast on images of text, highlighted text and text with gradients or fills.

[0147] FIG. 26 shows a “Colour contrast determinator” GUI 1900 according to some embodiments. By default, the “Colour contrast determinator” GUI 1900 is used to analyse the visual contrast of text next to the cursor in the electronic document. The “Colour contrast determinator” GU11900 displays: a colour of the text 1910, a colour value of the text 1912, a colour of the background 1914, and a colour value of the background 1916. The colour value includes values for Red, Green and Blue (RGB). A toggle button 1918 is provided to change the displayed colour values between decimal values and hexadecimal values.

[0148] The “Colour contrast determinator” GU11900 includes: a hue slider 1930 to control a hue of the colour, a saturation slider 1932 to control a saturation of the colour, and a lightness slider 1934 to control a lightness of the colour. A value 1936 of the quantity controlled by each slider is shown next to the corresponding slider. Radio buttons 1940 and 1942 are provided for selecting whether the sliders control the text colour (radio button 1940) or the background colour (radio button 1942). A drop down box 1944 is provided for selecting a target contrast threshold. 2442402v1 26 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 [0149] Each slider overlays a plot 1938 of the colours which the respective slider selects. An axis of each plot 1938 that is perpendicular to the respective slider represents the visual contrast between the colour of the feature and the colour of the background. Each plot 1938 is clipped at a height at which the visual contrast is at the contrast threshold. Therefore, colours at which the visual contrast will be at or above the contrast threshold are easily identified via the plot 1938. The plot 1938 of each slider is automatically updated when one of the sliders is changed or when the foreground or background colour is changed via another means.

[0150] The colours of the text or the background can be adjusted by directly editing the colour values or via the sliders. The colour values can be edited by typing directly in any of the colour value fields. Once a user starts typing the field will turn grey. A user can press the “Enter” key to update the colour to the new value. The colour value fields can automatically format the input. For example, if "22 33 999" is entered in the colour value field, it will be automatically formatted to be "rgb(22,33,255)" when the user presses the “Enter” key. The sliders can be adjusted via the mouse or via the keyboard using the Arrow keys. For example, the Left and Right Arrow keys move the slider in larger increments, and the Up and Down Arrow keys can move the slider in smaller increments.

[0151] Once the colour is changed by dragging sliders or by editing the colour value fields, the automatic updating of the GUI 1900 is stopped and a lock 1962 is shown as “locked”. A user can unlock the lock 1962 to enable automatic updating by clicking the lock 1962. The lock is provided so that users do not inadvertently change the colour by hovering the mouse over the display window. The "Apply" button 1950 can be clicked by a user to apply the text and background colours to the text selected in the Word document.

[0152] The GUI 1900 shows the current colour contrast 1920, a fail/pass indicator for standard text 1922, and a fail/pass indicator for large text 1924. The GUI 1900 also includes a display window 1960 that shows the feature that is next to the document cursor superimposed on the background. When a user moves the document cursor to a new position in the electronic 2442402v1 27 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 documents then hovers the mouse over the GUI 1900, the GUI 1900 will update to represent the text at the new cursor position.

[0153] FIG. 27 shows the sliders adjusted such that the visual contrast is above the contrast threshold. The hue slider 1930, the saturation slider 1932 and the lightness slider 1934, each are positioned where their respective plots 138 are at a maximum or clipped. This means that the colour contrast is sufficient.

Metadata removal [0154] The Metadata removal button 1720 executes a metadata removal tool to remove metadata from the electronic document. The metadata removal tool removes metadata except the document title. For example, the metadata removal tool can be a modified document inspector of the electronic document production package, such as a modified version of the Microsoft document inspector included with Microsoft Word.

Save HTML

[0155] The Save to FITML button 1730 generates and saves an HTML version of the electronic document. By default, the HTML version is saved in the same folder as the electronic document.

[0156] Saving as HTML improves accessibility, because HTML is the most accessible digital format. Typically, HTML coded to WCAG 2.0 standards is accessible to more people on more devices that other document formats. For example, if a user reads an accessible PDF document (WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliance) on an Apple computer using the Preview reader and VoiceOver programs, the user will not receive the structure of the document as the technology does not support it. However, if the same user views the same content as accessible HTML on a browser on an Apple computer using VoiceOver, the structure is communicated.

[0157] In some embodiments, the Save to HTML button 1730 executes a Microsoft Word Word-to-HTML converter to generate the HTML version of the electronic document form Microsoft Word. 2442402v1 28 2015249202 30 Oct 2015

Copy as HTML

[0158] The Copy as HTML button 1640 displays an HTML version of selected content, for example, in the electronic document production package, and copies the selected content to the clipboard.

Screen reader preview [0159] The Screen reader preview button 1650 executes a preview of how the electronic document will be read by a screen reader. The preview enables a user to check if the electronic document is accessible by simulating the experience of a person using screen reader technology to access the electronic document.

[0160] The preview can be navigated by basic keyboard commands in the same way as a screen reader and read paragraphs, headings, links, lists and images. Keyboard shortcuts for navigating the preview are listed in the help GUI 2000 shown in FIG. 28.

[0161] It is recommended that the screen reader preview is used in conjunction with Accessibility checker when checking the electronic document for accessibility.

Help [0162] The Help button 1660 executes a help GUI providing advice to the user regarding the tools and functions of the toolbar 100, and advice regarding creating an accessibility compliant document using the tools and functions. The advice may include, for example, the advice or best practices described in the above description. The advice and best practices for each tool may additionally or alternatively be included in the tooltips for the corresponding buttons.

[0163] In one embodiment, the help GUI comprises the help GUI 2000 for the preview shown in FIG. 28. The help GUI 2000 displays general navigation keyboard shortcuts for navigating between features of the document including: P - next line; H - next heading; T - next table; G - next graphic (image); F -2442402V1 29 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 next link; L - next list; I - next list item. Using the SHIFT key in combination with the above keys steps to the previous instance of the respective feature.

[0164] Other shortcuts include: Down Arrow - next line; Up Arrow - prior line; Ctrl + Alt + Arrow -move between cells of a table; Insert + Tab - provide information for current cell. The information for current cell includes: relevant headers (both rows and columns, if present) and the position of the cell. If there are no headers, only the position will be provided.

Methods [0165] FIG. 29 is a general flow diagram of a computer implemented method 2100 to assist in generating documents that are accessible to users with an impairment. The method 2100 comprises the following steps.

[0166] At step 2110, the method 2100 comprises determining, via a processor, a colour of a feature within an electronic document. The feature can comprise, for example, one or more characters, symbols or graphemes.

[0167] At step 2120, the method 2100 comprises determining, via the processor, a colour of a background within the electronic document which the feature overlays.

[0168] At step 2130, the method 2100 comprises calculating, via the processor, a visual contrast between the feature and the background based at least on the colour of the feature and the colour of the background. In some embodiments, the calculation of the visual contrast is based on a size of the feature and/or a transparency of the feature.

[0169] At step 2140, the method 2100 comprises determining, via the processor, whether the visual contrast is at or above a contrast threshold.

[0170] At step 2150, the method 2100 comprises displaying, via a display, an indicium signifying whether the visual contrast is at or above the contrast threshold.

[0171] In some embodiments, the method 2100 further comprises the following steps shown in FIG. 30. 2442402v1 30 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 [0172] At step 2160, the method 2100 comprises detecting, via the processor, a change in the colour of the feature and/or the colour of the background.

[0173] At step 2170, the method 2100 comprises calculating, via the processor, a new visual contrast between the feature and the background based at least on the colour of the feature and the colour of the background after the change.

[0174] At step 2180, the method 2100 comprises determining, via the processor, whether the new visual contrast is at or above the contrast threshold.

[0175] At step 2190, the method 2100 comprises displaying, via the display, an indicium signifying whether the new contrast is at or above the contrast threshold.

[0176] In some embodiments, the method 2100 further comprises displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising one or more controls and/or text areas to adjust the colour of the feature and/or the colour of the background. The controls adjust, for example, a hue of the colour, a saturation of the colour or a lightness of the colour. In some embodiments, each of the one or more controls indicates a relationship between the colour adjusted by the respective control and the visual contrast between the colour of the feature and the colour of the background. In some embodiments, each of the one or more controls indicates the colours selectable by the respective control at which the visual contrast will be at or above the contrast threshold.

[0177] In some embodiments, the one or more controls are sliders and the method 2100 further comprises displaying a plot of colours selectable via the slider. A first axis of the plot that is parallel with the slider represents a quantity adjusted by the slider and a second axis of the plot that is perpendicular to the slider represents the visual contrast.

[0178] FIG. 31 is a general flow diagram of a computer implemented method 2200 to assist in generating electronic documents that are accessible to users with an impairment. The method comprises the following steps: 2442402v1 31 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 [0179] At step 2210, the method 2200 comprises determining, via a processor, a colour of a feature within an electronic document.

[0180] At step 2220, the method 2200 comprises calculating, via the processor, a visual contrast between the feature and a background which the feature overlays based at least on the colour of the feature and the colour of the background.

[0181] At step 2230, the method 2200 comprises identifying, via the processor, that the visual contrast is below a contrast threshold.

[0182] At step 2240, the method 2200 comprises automatically changing, via the processor, the colour of the feature and/or the colour of the background such that the visual contrast between the colour of the feature and the colour of the background is at or above the contrast threshold.

[0183] The Applicant has undertaken extensive research into electronic document accessibility with people with a range of disabilities and age-related impairments to formulate the comprehensive set of methods, systems and guidelines for electronic document accessibility described herein.

[0184] Embodiments of the present invention assist users in creating accessible electronic documents, for example, in Microsoft Word or another electronic document production package. By making it easier to create accessible electronic documents and convert these documents to HTML or PDF, the present invention assists in improving the accessibility of electronic documents, in particular online documents, and helps to ensure that all groups of consumers have equal access to information.

[0185] In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0186] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. 2442402v1 32 2015249202 30 Oct 2015 [0187] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention. 2442402v1

Claims (29)

1. A toolbar for an electronic document production package to assist in generating electronic documents that are accessible to users with an impairment, the toolbar comprising: a set of buttons for assisting in generating an electronic document, each of the set of buttons configured to execute a tool that improves the accessibility of the electronic document; and a tooltip for each of the set of buttons, the tooltip displaying a description of the tool and how the tool improves accessibility of the electronic document.

2. The toolbar of claim 1, wherein the tool executed by one of the set of buttons is a tool for analysing and adjusting visual contrast within the electronic document.

3. The toolbar of claim 1 or 2, wherein the tool executed by one of the set of buttons is a tool for converting the electronic document into another format.

4. The toolbar of any preceding claim, wherein the tool executed by one of the set of buttons is a tool for previewing what a user of the electronic document would experience when reading the electronic document via a screen reader.

5. The toolbar of any preceding claim, wherein the tool executed by one of the set of buttons is a tool for editing alternative text for an image in the electronic document.

6. The toolbar of any preceding claim, wherein the tool executed by one of the set of buttons is a tool for editing a header layout of a table in the electronic document.

7. The toolbar of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the tools executed by the set of buttons is a pre-existing function of the electronic document production package.

8. The toolbar of claim 7, wherein the pre-existing function is a function for formatting the electronic document.

9. The toolbar of any preceding claim, wherein the tool executed by one of the set of buttons is a tool for scanning the electronic document and identifying one or more issues with accessibility in the electronic document.

10. A method to assist in generating electronic documents that are accessible to users with an impairment, the method comprising: modifying an electronic document production package to display an accessibility toolbar, the accessibility toolbar including a set of buttons for assisting in generating an electronic document, each of the set of buttons configured to execute a tool that improves accessibility of the electronic document.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising modifying the electronic document package to display a tooltip for each of the set of buttons, the tooltip displaying a description of the tool and how the tool improves accessibility of the electronic document.

12. A graphical user interface (GUI) to assist in generating documents that are accessible to users with an impairment, the GUI comprising: one or more controls to adjust a colour of a feature within an electronic document and/or a colour of a background within the electronic document which the feature overlays; and one or more indicia signifying whether a visual contrast between the colour of the feature and the colour of the background is at or above a contrast threshold; wherein the one or more indicia are automatically updated when the colour of the feature and/or the colour of the background are adjusted.

13. The GUI of claim 12, wherein the one or more controls comprise one or more sliders each controlling a quantity relating to the colour of the feature or the background.

14. The GUI of claim 13, wherein the quantity is a hue of the colour, a saturation of the colour or a lightness of the colour.

15. The GUI of claim 13 or 14, wherein the one or more sliders each overlay a plot of the colours which the respective slider selects.

16. The GUI of claim 15, wherein an axis of each plot that is perpendicular to the respective slider represents the visual contrast between the colour of the feature and the colour of the background.

17. The GUI of claim 15 or 16, wherein the plot of each slider is automatically updated when one of the sliders is changed.

18. A computer implemented method to assist in generating documents that are accessible to users with an impairment, the method comprising: determining, via a processor, a colour of a feature within an electronic document; determining, via the processor, a colour of a background within the electronic document which the feature overlays; calculating, via the processor, a visual contrast between the feature and the background based at least on the colour of the feature and the colour of the background; determining, via the processor, whether the visual contrast is at or above a contrast threshold; and displaying, via a display, an indicium signifying whether the visual contrast is at or above the contrast threshold.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the calculation of the visual contrast is based on a size of the feature and/or a transparency of a feature.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein the feature comprises one or more characters, symbols or graphemes.

21. The method of any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising: detecting, via the processor, a change in the colour of the feature and/or the colour of the background; calculating, via the processor, a new visual contrast between the feature and the background based at least on the colour of the feature and the colour of the background after the change; determining, via the processor, whether the new visual contrast is at or above the contrast threshold; and displaying, via the display, an indicium signifying whether the new contrast is at or above the contrast threshold.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising one or more controls and/or text areas to adjust the colour of the feature and/or the colour of the background.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein each of the one or more controls indicates a relationship between the colour adjusted by the respective control and the visual contrast between the colour of the feature and the colour of the background.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein each of the one or more controls indicates the colours selectable by the respective control at which the visual contrast will be at or above the contrast threshold.

25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the one or more controls are sliders.

26. The method of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the one or more controls adjust a hue of the colour, a saturation of the colour or a lightness of the colour.

27. The method of any one of claims 22 to 26, further comprising displaying a plot of colours selectable via the slider, wherein a first axis of the plot that is parallel with the slider represents a quantity adjusted by the slider and a second axis of the plot that is perpendicular to the slider represents the visual contrast.

28. A computer implemented method to assist in generating electronic documents that are accessible to users with an impairment, the method comprising: determining, via a processor, a colour of a feature within an electronic document; calculating, via the processor, a visual contrast between the feature and a background which the feature overlays based at least on the colour of the feature and the colour of the background; identifying, via the processor, that the visual contrast is below a contrast threshold; and automatically changing, via the processor, the colour of the feature and/or the colour of the background such that the visual contrast between the colour of the feature and the colour of the background is at or above the contrast threshold.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the method is performed for each feature in the electronic document.