Project Overview

As Managing Technical Editor at CDM Smith’s Federal Services Unit, led Section 508 compliance for the 400-page DLA Energy Environmental Guide for Fuel Facilities—a high-visibility federal resource requiring assistive technology compatibility across complex interactive elements—delivering a fully accessible PDF under intensive weekend deadline constraints.

Coordinated accessibility validation with project management, graphic design, DLA legal, and regulatory teams to ensure compliance while maintaining hyperlink functionality. Received CDM Smith’s Quality Excellence Award and DLA recognition for the work.

Problem

The DLA Energy Environmental Guide required Section 508 and WCAG compliance for federal mandates. The 400-page interactive PDF presented accessibility challenges: complex hyperlink structures across environmental compliance sections, dense technical content requiring reading order optimization, and regulatory approval requirements. Interactive elements risked assistive technology failures. The weekend timeline created pressure—any accessibility deficiencies could delay publication and jeopardize DLA’s compliance schedule.

Solutions

Accessibility Validation & Testing

• Validated Section 508/WCAG 2.0 AA compliance using Adobe Acrobat Pro and assistive technology testing

• Ensured interactive hyperlinks maintained functionality for screen reader users

• Verified proper heading hierarchy, alt text, and reading order for navigation

508-Compliant Design Integration

• Partnered with graphic designer to optimize InDesign layouts for accessibility

• Integrated plain language principles with proper document structure

• Applied systematic approach to environmental chapter organization, supporting assistive technology

Quality Assurance & Coordination

• Fact-checked content with DLA legal and regulatory teams while maintaining accessibility features

• Facilitated real-time communication, ensuring compliance and accuracy under deadline pressure

• Developed post-project guidelines for ongoing accessible updates

Results

• Delivered fully accessible 400-page interactive PDF in one weekend, earning Quality Excellence Award from CDM Smith and DLA recognition

• Achieved complete Section 508/WCAG 2.0 AA compliance while preserving all interactive functionality

• Contributed to unit-wide CPARS elevation to “Outstanding” rating for accessible federal publishing excellence

“Your efforts demonstrate that you went above and beyond the call of duty, showing professionalism when dealing with difficult situations and putting in long hours—sometimes on weekends—always giving your very best no matter what.”

—FSU Management Team, CDM Smith Federal Services Unit