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Re: Text Alternative for PDF

for

From: McDonald, Jennifer
Date: Aug 1, 2011 1:54PM

Thanks Duff. I agree with you, I'm just trying to answer some
questions. Sometimes it's easier to have some more people way in on it.


-----Original Message-----
From: <EMAIL REMOVED>
[mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On Behalf Of Duff Johnson
Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 2:16 PM
To: WebAIM Discussion List
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Text Alternative for PDF

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
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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?