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Participant
June 30, 2025
Question

Screen reader compatability issues with Acrobat Pro and JAWS 2024

  • June 30, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 211 views

I have a JAWS user that is unable to do specific tasks within Adobe Acrobat Pro following a software update. When the user attempts to search within a PDF document, the search results are not read for her and she’s unable to navigate through search findings correctly. We are currently using JAWS 2024 and Adobe Acrobat Pro 25.001.20531. All accessibility settings have been checked and set properly.  Are there any current workarounds until a fix is in place? This is for a visually impaired user.

1 reply

creative explorer
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 2, 2025

@lisa_5669 Some users are reporting similar problems with search functionality, navigation, and even general document reading. Some temporary workarounds to help navigate these issues. Often, reverting to the "Old Acrobat" interface is the most effective solution, as the newer design can sometimes clash with how screen readers interact with the program. Other steps, like adjusting security settings, clearing the search cache, or even performing a repair on the Acrobat installation, can also help. It's also worth double-checking JAWS's specific settings for Acrobat to ensure everything is optimally configured, and making sure your PDFs are properly tagged and searchable can prevent further complications. In a pinch, trying the "Advanced Search" function might offer a different experience, and if all else fails, temporarily reverting to an older, more stable version of Acrobat might be the only way to restore full functionality until a proper update addresses these accessibility regressions. We know these types of issues, often caused by changes in how software renders elements or updates its internal communication with assistive technologies, are incredibly challenging, and we hope one of these suggestions can provide some relief for your user.

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