PODCAST · education
Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast
by Dax Castro & Chad Chelius
Join Chad Chelius and Dax Castro (CHAX) as they chat about important document accessibility topics, trends and maybe even complain a little now and again.
Episodes
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Tags Tree Tips You Should Know
Automated accessibility checkers can flag errors, but they cannot always tell you whether a heading is tagged correctly, a nested list has the right structure, or several pages of content never entered the tags tree at all. In this episode of Chax Chat, Dax Castro and Chad Chelius explain what it...
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What's New in Accessibility
Accessibility software does not always move quickly, but several recent updates are changing how accessible documents are created, remediated, and tested. In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad and Dax break down the advances that are actually worth knowing about. They cover accessible PDF forms...
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Nested Tags to Watch Out For
What happens when a PDF tag is technically in the right place, but a screen reader never voices it? In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad and Dax dig into nested tags and the places where the standard, accessibility checkers, and real-world assistive technology do not always agree. They explore...
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Instantly Improve InDesign Accessibility
Can one InDesign plugin turn hours of PDF remediation into a few minutes of source-document work? In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad and Dax walk through MadeToTag and explain why they consider it essential for creating accessible PDFs from Adobe InDesign. They explore its seven-task workflow,...
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Accessible Graphic Novels
How do you make a highly visual graphic novel accessible without flattening the story into a series of disconnected image descriptions? In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad and Dax explore the unique accessibility challenges created by panels, speech balloons, visual action, pacing, suspense, and...
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Complex Infographics: A Tactical Approach
Complex infographics can be one of the most challenging accessibility problems to solve. In this episode, Chad and Dax break down a practical framework for evaluating, designing, and remediating complex visual content. From water cycle diagrams and flowcharts to data-rich visualizations, they...
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TOCs vs. Bookmarks: Which Serves Users Better?
In this episode, Chad and Dax explore one of the most overlooked accessibility features in document design: the table of contents. They discuss why a properly built TOC often provides a better user experience than bookmarks, how screen reader users interact with document navigation, and why...
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If You Are Not Listening, You Are Not Finished
You're always surprised at how many people who are document remediation specialists have never listened to their document using assistive technology. Passing an accessibility checker does not guarantee a good user experience. In this episode, Chad and Dax break down the real-world issues that…
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The Hidden Cost of PDF Navigation
PDF navigation menus might seem helpful, but are they actually creating barriers for assistive technology users? In this episode, Chad and Dax unpack the hidden accessibility challenges caused by page navigation in PDFs, including "Back to TOC" buttons, navigation bars, bookmarks, and linked page...
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Understanding PDF Forms and the User Experience
If you've ever struggled to understand why PDF forms are inaccessible, you need to listen to this episode! Chad and Dax dive deep into one of the most frustrating areas of document accessibility: PDF forms. From tooltip confusion and form field tagging to radio buttons, checkboxes, tables, and…
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Accessible Canva: Progress over Perfection
For years, Canva has been one of the most widely used tools and one of the most challenging when it comes to accessibility, so when we started hearing that improvements had been made, we were skeptical. Then we opened a file. In this episode, we take a first look at Canva's latest accessibility...
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When Do You Actually Need Table Cell IDs?
In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad and Dax tackle one of the most complex and misunderstood topics in document accessibility: table cell IDs. While most people understand basic table structure, things quickly break down when you introduce merged cells, multiple header levels, and real-world…
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Bullet Structure Revealed
In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad and Dax dig into a deceptively simple topic that has a big impact on accessibility: lists. While bullets and numbers may seem like basic formatting choices, the way they are structured behind the scenes can dramatically change how assistive technology interprets...
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What the ADA Title II Extension Really Means
Just days after we unpacked the upcoming ADA Title II deadline, everything changed. In this special episode, legal expert Judith Risch returns for her second appearance this week to walk through the Department of Justice's one-year extension, and what it signals now that the update is official....
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The Upcoming ADA Deadline with Legal Expert Judith Risch
With the ADA Title II digital accessibility deadline just days away, we're joined by legal expert Judith Risch to break down what it really means—and what you should be doing right now. Drawing on over 20 years of experience at the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, Judy cuts...
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The Hidden Trouble with Tables
In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad and Dax tackle one of the most misunderstood areas of document accessibility: tables. While they may seem simple to build, the real challenge is designing them in a way that works for assistive technology. We break down how screen readers navigate tables, why...
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The One Remediation Tool You Should Have...
What's the best tool for making PDFs accessible? It's the question we get constantly, and the honest answer might surprise you. There isn't one. In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad and Dax break down how the "best" accessibility tool depends entirely on your starting point. Are you working in…
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Microsoft's MathML Win and Adobe's AI Alt Text Experiment
In this episode of ChaxChat, Dax Castro and Chad Chelius unpack two very different approaches to accessibility innovation. First, they dive into Microsoft's implementation of MathML in Word and PowerPoint and why it represents a genuine win for accessible math. By carrying MathML through to the…
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Accessible Forms: PDF or Web?
Accessible forms are more than a technical checklist. They require smart decisions about usability, workflow, and long-term maintenance. In this episode of Chax Chat, Dax Castro and Chad Chelius are joined by Walt Zielinski, a web developer with extensive experience building accessible form...
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What 2025 Taught Us About Accessibility - and What Comes Next
In this episode, Dax Castro and Chad Chelius take a thoughtful look back at the accessibility lessons that defined 2025 and share what they are most excited about heading into 2026, drawing directly from real client work, remediation challenges, and conference conversations. They unpack why…
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The Real Cost of Accessibility: Tools, Time, and ROI
In this episode Dax Castro and Chad Chelius break down the real-world value of accessibility tools. From essential free tools like NVDA and color contrast analyzers to powerful paid solutions like CommonLook, Access PDF, PDFix, and more, they discuss what actually saves time, what improves…
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From Fixing to Planning: Accessible Workflow Essentials
Join Dax Castro and senior trainer Rob Underwood as they unpack how smarter file management and planning can transform your accessibility projects. They dig into practical strategies for setting up metadata, creating consistent heading structures, choosing and managing accessible color palettes...
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Accessible Color Without Killing Your Design
Does accessibility really mean ugly charts, boring colors, and pattern fills everywhere? In this episode, Chad Chelius and Dax Castro tackle accessible color head-on: what color contrast actually means, when it applies (and when it doesn't), and how to handle charts, graphs, heat maps, and logos...
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Are You Fixing the Wrong Thing?
Are you spending hours "fixing" things in a PDF that your screen reader users will never notice? In this episode Chad Chelius and Dax Castro ask a hard question: Are you fixing the wrong thing? We pop open the tags tree and talk about what really affects user experience and what is just busywork....
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Accessible and Amazing! An Author's Journey.
When a PR and communications pro falls in love with accessibility, what happens next? In this episode of the Chax Chat Podcast, Chad Chelius and Dax Castro sit down with author and educator Matisse Hamel-Nelis to talk about her new book, Accessible Communications: Create Impact, Avoid Missteps…
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Accessible Audio Description
This episode of Chax Chat features guest Roy Samuelson, a renowned audio description performer and consultant, who discusses the craft and impact of audio description in making video content accessible to blind and visually impaired audiences. The conversation covers the nuances of producing...
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Tag, You're It: Google Docs Joins the Accessibility Game
Inspired by Michael Hans' recent blog post, 'Google Docs Adds PDF Accessibility Tagging', Chad and Dax are exploring recent updates to Google Docs' PDF export capabilities. They focus on the addition of accessibility tags and the implications for document structure and screen reader usability.…
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Guest: Microsoft - Accessibility for Word and PPT
Chad Chelius and Dax Castro welcome Microsoft's Shireen Salma and Ylva Kravis to unpack new accessibility features in Word and PowerPoint, including the cross‑platform Reading Order pane, smarter AI‑generated alt text with approval workflows, and improved handling of floating images via anchors…
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What makes a Table Accessible?
Ever wondered why making tables accessible is so tricky? Or why it matters at all? In this lively episode of Chax Chat, Chad Chelius and Dax Castro break down the nuts and bolts of accessible tables with practical tips that draw on their decades of hands-on experience. From the essential...
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Why Your Document Passed the Checker… but Still Fails Your Users
Ever wondered why your document gets a thumbs-up from automated checkers, but still trips up real users? Do you find yourself wishing that technical compliance could actually intersect with real-world user experience? Join Chad and Dax as they dive into relatable stories, offer hands-on tips for...
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The Most Misunderstood Accessibility Features in Acrobat
Think you know Adobe Acrobat? Think again! Chad and Dax pull back the curtain on the most misunderstood Acrobat features, busting myths about tag trees, reading order, and common mistakes that trip up even seasoned pros. Get practical, real-world advice on cleaning up your tags, using the right...
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The Pleading Problem: Line Numbers and Screen Readers
A listener recently asked: How do you make legal documents with line numbers accessible? And Dax and Chad have answers! They dive into this niche but critical topic, breaking down the challenges of line-numbered pleadings and outlining practical strategies for remediators and document creators....
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Born Accessible: Why Inclusive Design Starts Before You Export
Accessibility isn't the cherry on top, it should be baked in to your designs from the start! In this episode, Dax and Chad break down common design pitfalls and explain how to avoid them! From poor color contrast and tiny fonts to confusing layouts and unlabeled charts, they dive into the most...
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What Makes a Document Truly Accessible
Accessibility checkers are helpful, but they don't tell the whole story. In this episode, Dax and Chad break down what really makes a document accessible, from heading structure and reading order to alt text, lists, and color contrast. With plenty of real-world examples (and a few accessibility...
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Special Considerations for Accessible Multi-language Documents
Designing accessible multilingual documents goes way beyond translation. In this episode, Dax and Chad unpack the many layers, from alt text limitations and form field quirks to font encoding nightmares and cultural sensitivity in visuals. If you're designing multi-language documents or forms…
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PDF Forms: Designed to Be Filled and Accessible
Forms are one of the trickiest types of PDF's to make accessible! In this episode, Chad and Dax break down why forms can be so frustrating, how tagging impacts screen reader navigation, and what tools and workflows can help you build forms that are both functional and accessible. They share tips...
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Challenges and Considerations for Excel and Accessibility
In this episode of Chax Chat, hosts Chad Chelius and Dax Castro tackle real-world challenges in document accessibility, focusing on tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat. They explore common issues with tables and cells, such as merged headers and layout complexities, and share...
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Tips for Exporting from PowerPoint to PDF
In this episode of ChaxChat, hosts Chad Chelius and Dax Castro delve into document accessibility with a focus on real-world challenges and professional development. This episode highlights tools and strategies that bridge the gap between aesthetics and functionality. Working in MS Word…
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From White Paper to Practice: Making Accessibility Real
What really drives accessibility—compliance, inclusion, or brand trust? Chad and Dax unpack an IAAP white paper on motivations, share how automation needs a human touch, and highlight why certifications like IAAP's ADS matter. They also dive into creating truly accessible documents with a focus…
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Template Traps: When Accessibility Isn't Built In
In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad Chelius and Dax Castro take a hard look at the hidden risks of relying on templates for accessible content. They unpack how even well-intentioned templates can bake in bad practices and create barriers at scale when not built with accessibility in mind. From...
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AI and Remediation: Help or Hype?
In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad Chelius and Dax Castro dive into the world of artificial intelligence and its role in accessibility. From AI-generated alt text to document remediation tools, they explore the balance between automation and accuracy. You'll hear real-world examples, a few rants,...
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Mastering PDF Accessibility: Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips
In this episode of Chax Chat, Chad Chelius and Dax Castro tackle some of the most common challenges in document accessibility. From overlooked tagging issues to the hidden complexities of tables and lists, they break down key remediation strategies that can save you time and frustration. Whether...
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What is the one accessibility tool you need?
This is really a trick question. In this episode we discuss how to answer the question "What is the one tool you use for accessibility?" Chad and Dax start out by discussing the merits of getting an accessibility certification and then move on to talk about a couple of new scripts that are...
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What Matters Most: A Native AT User's Perspective
They say the best way to learn a language is by working with a native speaker, and learning Assistive Technology is no different. We are thrilled to have Kristen Witucki from Tamman Inc join us today on Chax Chat to talk about her experience as a native assistive technology user. Kristen walks us...
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Understanding Alt Text, Actual Text, Extended Descriptions and Captions
Effective use of alt text, actual text, extended descriptions, and captions are essential for helping the users of accessibility tools read the document the way you intended. Most documents contain more than words alone. Graphics, graphs, photos, and even stylized formats are used to enhance the...
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Designing with Accessibility in Mind
Today on Chax Chat we talk about designing with accessibility in mind. Creating an accessibility-first mindset is essential to the success of creating documents that maximize accessibility from the start and avoid the time drain of accessibility at the end or redoing the work when the inevitable...
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What a Pane! Tags, Content and Order Pane Explained
Adobe InDesign offers several features to manage the tags and content of your document for accessibility, but not all panes are built the same! In today's episode of Chax Chat, we are going to explore all three of these windows, the benefits and purposes they serve, and when or when not to use...
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Word to PDF Pitfalls: Unraveling barriers you may not be aware of
Microsoft Word is said to be one of the best applications for making accessible documents, but how true is that claim? There are a lot of practices that designers use that set them back while working within Word. Join Chad Chelius and Dax Castro as they talk about some of the most common issues...
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InDesign Accessibility Tips we wish we knew sooner!
Learn our favorite tips, tricks, and shortcuts to creating accessible documents in Indesign! Every application has hidden secrets, some so good you wish you knew them sooner. Join Chad Chelius and Dax Castro as they share their experiences behind these shortcuts, how they found them, and how each...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join Chad Chelius and Dax Castro (CHAX) as they chat about important document accessibility topics, trends and maybe even complain a little now and again.
HOSTED BY
Dax Castro & Chad Chelius
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast have?
Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast about?
Join Chad Chelius and Dax Castro (CHAX) as they chat about important document accessibility topics, trends and maybe even complain a little now and again.
How often does Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast release new episodes?
Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast?
You can listen to Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast?
Chax Chat Accessibility Podcast is created and hosted by Dax Castro & Chad Chelius.
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