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Can mobile users choose not to download pictures and graphs in PDF documents, Mac and accessible PDF?

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From: Birkir R. Gunnarsson
Date: Nov 18, 2012 1:22PM


Hi listers

I am creating a little brochure (in Icelandic) with information on PDF
accessibility (mostly based on the excellent content of the WebAIM
website on the subject, with full credits and references of course
when it is ready). It is aimed at people producing PDF documents,
mostly with Adobe Acrobat.

I am wrapping up the "alt text" section of the document, and
explaining the need for adding alt text.
I would like to extend the potential users of alt text to phone users
with low bandwidth data connection who choose not to download
pictures. I know this is true for HTML graphics, but I suspect when
you download a PDF document to your phone, you cannot choose to not
download graphics.
Can anyone verify this for me?

Also, can I make the statement that it si near impossible to produce
accessible PDF files using a Mac (OSX)? I have not found any programs
that do this on a Mac, and I have seen statements, though not brand
new, to that effect, but of course I do not want to insult Mac users,
or make such sweeping statements without being pretty sure of being
correct about this.

Thanks very much
-Birkir