WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

E-mail List Archives

Re: Text Alternative for PDF

for

From: Duff Johnson
Date: Aug 1, 2011 1:21PM

Jeni,

The purpose and placement of the file isn't really the issue. To comply with the spirit of the regulations documents must be equally accessible to all users whether it's located on a website, downloaded, attached to an email - whatever.

As such, it's necessary to tag the PDFs even if their ostensible purpose is simply printing.

On the plus side, if the PDF is accessible there's no need to ensure the PPT files are accessible (assuming the PPTs are matched by an accessible PDF).

I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but....

Duff Johnson

US Committee for ISO/DIS 14289 (PDF/UA), Chair

p +1.617.283.4226
e <EMAIL REMOVED>
t http://www.twitter.com/duffjohnson
w http://www.duff-johnson.com

On Aug 1, 2011, at 1:52 PM, McDonald, Jennifer wrote:

> I am trying to answer a question for a client regarding the extent of
> Section 508's requirement for making PDF files accessible. This client
> has files posted in PDF and PPT format that are meant to be used as
> materials to hand out in a classroom environment to facilitate the
> presentation, and posters to hang promoting the presentation. So we
> have graphic-heavy pdf files of a printable poster - the intent is that
> the person to download the poster, print it and hang it on the wall. Yet
> these materials are offered to the public and linked to on the website.
> Would descriptive text associated with the file before it's download
> satisfy the requirement?