Government document types and user tasks

Organize by what people need to do

The examples below are an inventory aid, not a legal classification or a claim about typical page counts, complaint rates, or remediation costs. Under the Title II web rule, scope and exceptions depend on the content and circumstances. Read the DOJ document guidance.

Examples to inventory

• Meeting agendas and minutes: locating a topic, reading a decision, following an attachment.
• Catalogs and schedules: finding requirements, comparing courses, completing enrollment.
• Applications and instructions: identifying requirements, entering information, submitting the task.
• Policies and procedures: locating the current applicable rule and related process.
• Financial and accountability reports: understanding tables, charts, notes, and relationships.
• Accreditation materials: navigating evidence and cross-references.

Review the actual use of a document rather than declaring an entire type covered or excepted.

Match checks to the content

For a PDF, inspect text and structure, meaningful reading order, headings, lists, tables, image alternatives, language, links, and any form controls. Evaluate the features the particular file contains; not every file has tables or forms. Use the Section508.gov PDF resources.

Format and records decisions are separate

Choose a delivery format that serves the task and can be maintained accessibly. This page does not require every financial report or official record to be PDF. Confirm retention and preservation requirements with the responsible owner before deleting, replacing, or altering records. Compare HTML and PDF considerations.