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Helpful Hints

PDF Information
- How do I download Adobe Acrobat Reader?
- Why are the bills presented in pdf format ratherthan HTML?
- What if I need an alternative version of the bills?
- How do I use PDF?
- Why is the PDF blank when I try and open it?
- What if I'm experiencing problems with my current browser?
- How do I cut, copy and paste with Adobe Acrobat?
- Who do I contact for further information?



How do I download Adobe Acrobat Reader?

Acrobat Reader is a free software that lets you view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. You will need to visit the Adobe Web site. Adobe has easy to follow instructions on their site, which will walk you through the rest of the process.
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html


Why are the bills presented in pdf format rather than HTML?

PDF format was selected due to the importance of preserving the format and the data contained within the bills. Adobe PDF is a universal file format that preserves all of the fonts, formatting, colors, and graphics of any source document, regardless of the application and platform used to create it. PDF files are compact and can be shared, viewed, navigated, and
printed exactly as intended by anyone with a free Adobe Acrobat® Reader™. http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html


What if I need an alternative version of the bills?

On October 26, 2000, ITEC passed ADA guidelines for the State of Kansas in Policy 1210. The purpose was to establish the State of Kansas position regarding accessibility requirements for public and inter/intra-agency access to Web-based information available from Web sites for Kansas State government agencies and organizations. We are moving forward to complying with this policy and to assist our partners with disabilities. In the meantime, if you need alternative versions of the bills other than pdf, please contact Anthony Fadale, the ADA Coordinator, at 785-296-3011 or via email at anthony.fadale@state.ks.us


How do I use PDF?
Once you have installed free Adobe Acrobat® Reader™ you will simply need to click on the link to the document you want to view. Depending on your computer settings, Adobe will either open the document in your Internet browser or within the Adobe Acrobat® Reader™ application. You may also be asked if you would like to download the document. In this case, click on "open this file from its location" and the document will open with Adobe Acrobat® Reader™.


Why is the PDF blank when I try and open it?
This is a known problem that Microsoft has identified with their browser Internet Explorer. Details regarding this problem may be found at:
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q177/3/21.asp

     Some other ideas we can suggest:

  • Click on your refresh/reload button to see if the blank page will appear.
  • Right-click on the pdf link and choose "save target as" to save the file on the hard drive.
  • Open the saved file in Acrobat.


What if I'm experiencing problems with my current browser?

Here are some links for available browser upgrades.


How do I cut, copy and paste with Adobe Acrobat?

Many of you may only require specific parts of a legislative document. If this bill is in a PDF format, you still have the ability to select certain information and paste that into a word processing document. The Adobe Acrobat Reader provides for an icon that allows you to select the text that you desire and then allows for an icon to copy that text. Once the text is copied you may paste that information into your word processing document for further use. Please be aware certain formatting issues may result in the transition of this data.


Who do I contact for further information?

You can contact the Information Network of Kansas with your technical questions.
If you need an alternative version of the bills, please contact Anthony Fadale, the ADA Coordinator, at 785-296-3011 or via email at anthony.fadale@state.ks.us

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