Is there a way to add table summaries to a PDF programmatically? I have thousands of tables that need them and adding them manually one at a time is not feasible.

[moyco]

Is there a way to add table summaries to a PDF programmatically? I have thousands of tables that need them and adding them manually one at a time is not feasible.

[olafdruemmer]

Why would you want to do that?

The relevant ISO standards (ISO 14289-1m aka PDDF/UA) does not require or even recommend table summaries.

In general it has to be said, that whatever information is present in a PDF file meant to be accessible should be accessible to all users, regardless of disability or not or what type of disability or tyype of assistive technology usedd. A table summary tends to only be accessible to screen reader users and precludes others.

On an even more general note, it is preferred to provide information that one may put into a table summary as regular content on the page, so everyone can benefit.

Olaf

[moyco]

What I want is irrelevant.

Table summaries are a requirement of the federal agency for which the tables are being produced in order to meet Section 508 Standards (and their specific accessibility checklist).  The content is set and we cannot alter it, and even if the information is provided in the text outside the table, a summary is required.

Now, do you any useful ideas or suggestions?

Karen.

[olafdruemmer]

Please accept my apologies for having bothered you with useless information.

Olaf

[moyco]

I probably should have given more details in the original question. I was hoping someone would have a viable suggestion rather than saying I shouldn't even be attempting to do it. Thank you for at least answering; useless info or not

[a_C_student]

I run into this sort of thing frequently - someone or some group of people get a mistaken "rule" stuck in their head. If the person or group is in your approval path, there is sometimes nothing you can do but comply. It may be worth pointing out to the feds that table summaries are a bad idea, but if my experience is any guide you will likely run into an impenetrable wall of arrogance combined with ignorance. Sorry, I am not aware of any way to automate table summaries. 

[moyco]

That's what I thought, but it never hurts to ask. Thanks.

[easygoing_thinker5FD5]

Hi, were you able to find a resolution or any possible workaround for this issue?