The answer to your question is really simple, but not straight forward.
The answer is, it depends. If the PDF file is fully marked up with all
the format tags and produced in the recent versions of Adobe, the file
is suitable for most all disabilities including screen reader users.
From that point everything diverges into yes, no, and maybe. Though at
the opposite end of the continuum, PDF's seem to be suitable for the
majority of people with learning disabilities who use alt formats. 

Terri Hedgpeth
Disability Research Specialist
(480) 727-8133 (voice)
(480) 965-2751 (fax)
ASU CUBIC 8809
Tempe, AZ 85287-8809
http://cubic.asu.edu



-----Original Message-----
From: * EASI: Equal Access to Software & Information
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jennison Asuncion
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 11:06 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: pdf files as an alternate format?


Hello,

Some colleagues of mine are having a spirited discussion on whether a
PDF file is considered as an alternate format for individuals with print
disabilities.

I am curious about what  folks here consider as  alternate formats, and
whether a PDF file falls into their definition?

Thanks,
Jennison