Why We’re Unique
Gratzer Graphics LLC was founded in 2003. Our design experience runs the gamut, and we understand the needs of government agencies, nonprofits and businesses (and the designers who serve them).
Since 2016, we have specialized in accessibility, with a unique focus on accessible design and creating accessible PDFs from Adobe InDesign.
We have the rare expertise of being experts in design, Adobe InDesign and accessibility.
Our typical work involves:
- creating new accessible designs that align with a client’s brand style guide;
- creating accessible layouts and templates in InDesign;
- making existing InDesign files accessible;
- writing and adding Alt-text to images;
- devising and implementing creative, accessible solutions for complex content;
- testing PDFs to make sure they meet accessibility requirements and are user friendly to individuals using assistive technology and the keyboard.
Our process goes beyond simply passing a checker, because passing an automated checker does not mean a document is accessible or that certain users can understand the content or even get around a document.
Our accessibility workflow is very comprehensive, including about 170 checkpoints to ensure not only an accessible file but also a user-friendly one. This is important for someone to properly navigate the document and understand the content.
Colleen Gratzer
Chief Creative Officer, Lead Accessibility Specialist, Educator and Speaker
Leading the team, Colleen is an award-winning designer with almost 30 years of branding, design, publication and web experience.
A native of the Washington, D.C.-area, Colleen founded Gratzer Graphics LLC in 2003 to help nonprofits and businesses that do good advance their missions and have more impact with their branding and marketing efforts.
In 2016, she started specializing in accessibility after initially being trained by one of the top accessibility experts to the federal government.
She has provided accessibility training to the Department of the Interior, at CreativePro’s Design + Accessibility Summit, CreativePro Week and at other events.
Under the brand Creative Boost, Colleen hosts the Design Domination podcast, mentors graphic designers and teaches accessibility courses.
She’s also appeared on several podcasts and blogs such as:
- U.S. Department of the Interior
Outside of work, Colleen raises money and awareness for shelter animals, donating all proceeds from two online stores to animal rescues and shelters.
The Team
Roger Belonio
Incredible InDesign and PDF Accessibility Technician
Roger is master of InDesign and all things technical, helping ensure the accuracy and accessibility of your publications.
Eliza Gokun
Dazzling Designer
Eliza’s experience in branding, accessible design and publication layout helps you tell meaningful stories and connect with your audience and reach more people.
Special Skills
Our expertise includes additional, unique skills:
- accessibility for InDesign and PDF files and websites (Section 508 and ADA compliance, WCAG);
- brand strategy;
- eagle eye for catching spelling and grammatical errors;
- foreign languages: Spanish (proficient) and French (intermediate)
Professional Affiliations
We are members of: