RE: [EXTERNAL] Re: question regarding printed PDF documents

Thank you for your helpful reply.

The issues you outline are exactly why we have been adding all our forms to DocuSign to provide a digital and verifiable option for people to sign and submit forms electronically.

Some people prefer the printed forms so we continue to provide that for people. Because they are available on our website, we’re required to make sure they pass WCAG requirements. We encourage people to use the DocuSign option, however. It’s easier and safer for everyone.

It sounds like you’re saying that printed forms are inherently inaccessible, or at least difficult to use, and that the digital signature option is preferable.

Thank you,
Deborah

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Deborah Dinzes
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From: Pyatt, Elizabeth J <ejp10@psu.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 7:34 AM
To: Deborah Dinzes <Deborah.Dinzes@becu.org>
Cc: w3c-wai-ig <w3c-wai-ig@w3.org>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: question regarding printed PDF documents

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The IT Accessibility Office at Penn State consulted with General Counsel on this issue, and it was determined that a digital signature option, similar to the ones outlined by other people are sufficient in most cases.

Every situation is different legally,  but I would add that signing paper forms can be a challenge for many users regardless of disabilities.  I don't have a printer at home and no longer have access to one at work either.  Signing a paper copy is now a bit of hassle for me. It requires me to either

* Print it at the UPS Store (by a clerk) - not great if I have to include sensitive information like my social security number.
* Go to a library with a public printer (if one is close enough)
* Get it done in person at a bank or other facility with a printer - At least I can drive, but I have to make an appointment.
* Insert a signature image in Adobe Acrobat with an image and hope the other party is happy with that.

As others have noted, it's even more of a burden if you are not able to drive. Providing viable online options (including a secure online form) has been helpful for a lot of people.

Hope this helps.

Thanks
Elizabeth



On Jan 15, 2024, at 4:37 PM, Deborah Dinzes <Deborah.Dinzes@becu.org<mailto:Deborah.Dinzes@becu.org>> wrote:

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Hello,

We have a question regarding printing PDF documents. We currently publish PDF forms, which people can download and fill out electronically. They then have to print the form, sign it, and send it to us (or fax it or scan and email it). They have the option of completing the form electronically in DocuSign, electronically signing the document, and submitting it electronically.

It’s been asserted that printing the form and signing it makes it inherently inaccessible to some users. Our credit union requires us to meet the WCAG 2.0 standard for our website, and as our PDFs are published there, we are making sure they are also WCAG – compliant. Is there anything in WCAG that states that printing and signing a PDF document is a violation of WCAG or ADA requirements?

The signature area on the PDF is currently blank – no form field, just a box to sign in – because we cannot accept digital PDF signatures as they are not verified. We currently add expansion text to the “Signature” label that reads out loud: “Borrower’s Signature. Please print, sign, and submit this form by email, fax, or mail.”  This contact information is provided on the form.

Thank you for your advice.

Deborah Dinzes


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Deborah Dinzes
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