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Re: My role in advocating for the accessibility of PDF documents

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From: Philip Kiff
Date: Aug 20, 2018 6:37AM


I'm sorry to read this news. While we've never met, I know something of
you and your work. And while I have only relatively recently turned my
focus to the PDF/UA standard, I am already keenly aware that your
contributions to the shaping and development of that standard will be
sorely missed.

Sincerely,

Philip Kiff
D4K Communications

On 2018-08-20 6:02 AM, Karlen Communications wrote:
> Everyone:
>
> Having given it much thought and discussion with my friends and family, I am
> leaving the work that I've done advocating and supporting the accessibility
> of PDF documents for the past 18 years.
>
> I do not believe in the direction that the standards have gone. I can't even
> tell you when we, as a committee changed the focus from accessibility and
> usability of PDF documents to "equal access to crappy content."
>
> As someone who has been one of the few people with disabilities visibly
> supporting and defending PDF and PDF/UA as having the potential for being an
> accessible format, it feels as if I am leaving my life's work.
>
> However, I can no longer have a positive role in advancing PDF accessibility
> through the ISO committees and it is time for me to admit that.
>
> I have posted my letter of resignation to the ISO PDF committees on my
> website.
>
> Cheers, Karen