Accessibility - Alternate descriptions for Links - NVDA Screen Reader

Report · Jun 29, 2023

After updating Acrobat version, the tagging option for the "Alternate text" has been separated as "Alternate Text for Images" and "Alternate descriptions for Links". The NVDA screen reader read the image alternate text but it doesn't read the links text. Is there any option to resolve the issue.

*In previous version we have to add the alternate text for link in pdf again even though we have added the same in InDesign. Now the updated version captured the text from InDesign, but it doesn't read in Screen reader.

Report · Jun 29, 2023

"Alt" key is missing in the "Tag Element", it causing the issue. It might be a bug in the Acrobat updated version.

Report · Jun 29, 2023

Hi AnanthanSampathkumar,

Thank you for reaching out.

Could you please confirm the Acrobat version number on your machine?

Are you using the English version of Acrobat?

We are aware of a similar issue. More information would be helpful.

Thanks,

Meenakshi

Report · Jun 29, 2023

Hi Meenakshi,
Plese find below the acrobat version.

Thanks

Report · Jul 05, 2023

Hi Meenakshi,

Please let me know if you have found the workaroud. It's really impacting our deliverables.

Thanks

Report · Jun 29, 2023

I also experience this issue using NVDA.

Report · Jul 05, 2023

Hi AnanthanSampathkumar and DanielleB_A11y,

Sorry about the delay in response.

The team is aware of the issue and investigating it further.

We will update you once we have more information from the team.

We appreciate your patience so far.

Thanks,

Meenakshi

Report · Jul 13, 2023

Hello Meenakshi,

I am also experiencing issues with the "Alternate descriptions for Links" not working correctly with the Jaws Screen reader even with the latest update for Acrobat Pro. We cannot use the new "Alternate descriptions for Links" box as it does nothing for the end user.

Report · Jul 13, 2023

Accessibility isn't just for those using JAWS screen reader. It's for everyone who uses a technology to read and operate a PDF file.

So go ahead an use the Alt Text for links because other assistive technologies can access it, even if JAWS can't.

Report · Jul 14, 2023

I agree! Accessibility has a wide range of technology- not just screen readers. I assumed it was likely a problem for more than just NVDA and Jaws.

What assistive technology are you using that is able to read the new "Alternative Description for Links" text?

Report · Jul 14, 2023

What assistive technology are you using that is able to read the new "Alternative Description for Links" text?
By @AITester1

At the moment, NVDA appears to be processing the Alt Text on links.

In terms of other AT, we know of 2 reading assistance programs adding the option to voice Alt Text, but those are in development and not available publicly at this time. we expect more in the future.

Report · Jul 14, 2023

Interesting! I'm getting different results. I just tested a PDF in the latest version of NVDA in acrobat reader version 2023.003.20244. It did not read the text I added to the "Alternative Description for Links" box in the <Link> properties in Acrobat Pro. The NVDA links list also did not use the "Alternative Description for Links" text in the links list.

Report · Jul 14, 2023

And there you go!

1 step forward, and 2 steps back.

Always something new, every day.

And make sure your AT are up to date. And check the user settings, too. NVDA was working fine last week.

Report · Nov 08, 2023

Hi Meenakshi, is there any update regarding this bug? We need to set alt text for hyperlinks so they are read aloud in NVDA. Currently the alt text is being ignored.

Report · Oct 10, 2024

Hi Meenakshi, is there any update regarding this bug?
By @Hilary26082093ceuh

The bug is with the assistive technology, NVDA in this case. Contact them for more information.

Adobe can only give us the tool to add Alt Text to hyperlinks.

Adobe can't control the ATs and what they will recognize and process.

Report · Jul 25, 2023

I have another Accessibility Bug with Adobe Acrobat Pro Version 23.003.20244 (latest as of 7/25/2023).

In the tags tree when you select two tags at one time that are not the same tag. (For example, selecting a <P> and a <H3>.)

When trying to access the properties for the tags selected there is an Acrobat pop-up Error "The type must contain text and be less than 128 characters long. Please enter a valid type or cancel."

I have confirmed that if you select the tags individually this error does not pop-up when accessing the properties.

I have confirmed that if you select multiple of the same tag (Ex. Selected 4 <P>) this error does not pop-up when accessing the properties.

I have confirmed these results are on multiple computers using the same updated version.

I'm assuming others are experiencing this?

I'm assuming it's a bug in the latest version. Previously you could select any number of tags with varying tag types and edit the properties of all of the selected tags.

Any ideas?

Report · Jul 25, 2023

Hello AITester1,

I am able to recreate the issue that you described. I am not having the same error when selecting multiple tags in my regular workflow, but sometimes if I mis-select items I can receive this error.

Here is a screenshot of what occurs right before receiving the same error saying "The type must contain text and be less than 128 characters long. Please enter a valid type or cancel".

Image alt-text (in case the "caption" option is not the right place to post this): Screenshot: Acrobat Pro Accessibility Tags Panel and Object Properties box. In the tags tree a P tag and an H1 tag are both selected. In the Object Properties Tag options the first line "Type" is blank.

If I delete the tag content in the "Type" option and then tab out while it is blank, then the error occurs. However, I can continue to use the "Type" option to select or enter the desired tag.

I hope this information is helpful for resolving your experience.