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Re: PDF on websites + PDF is *not* accessible

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From: Morin, Gary (NIH/OD) [E]
Date: Jul 10, 2013 11:33AM

Andrew - and with all due respect, while Accessibility of PDF may not be "largely focused on screen reader access for users who are blind", I do have to say that it is still largely focused on persons with vision impairments, even it if is across the range of vision impairment and not 'just' blind. Even in Chapter 21, Making Forms Accessible (http://acrobatusers.com/tutorials/making-forms-accessible), the following is stated:
* Accessible forms contain the structure and design that optimizes readability on screen reading devices for the vision and motion challenged users.
"Motion challenged" users - at least, those persons with dexterity impairments that I know and speaking for myself - do NOT use screen reading devices. We use speech recognition software. They're very different - and it's still very strongly ignored by the US's Section 508 "community" or "professionals" and, in general, by many if not most accessibility specialists. There's misinformation, lack of real understanding of the diversity of persons with disabilities and, all too often, a dismissing attitude when such issues are raised.
I applaud Adobe's addressing more than 'just' blind persons. And/but, like most of the accessibility and the IT professions, it's still pretty much vision-related only.
Speaking only for myself, not my employer, my worksite, or anyone else.
In peace and collegiality,
Gary
* Padova, Ted. Making forms accessible. February 1, 2013. http://acrobatusers.com/tutorials/making-forms-accessible
As a side note, "vision challenged" and "motion challenged" seem to be rather poor euphemisms for disability status.